Page 7 - Nutshell 1

“Hmm,” said the clerk. “Are you a deep thinker?
Try this diver’s helmet: it’s a sinker.
You’ll discover the profoundest notion
On the bottom of your mental ocean.”

“No,” said Sophie. “I’m too superficial.
Nautical’s nice, but more beneficial
Might be this boater. I feel fancy-free,
But I fear it has left me all at sea.”

The clerk said, “Do you need to go higher?
Let’s elevate your mind like a flyer.
Imagine yourself way up in the clouds
Alone with your thoughts away from the crowds.”

“I really can’t go on those flights of fancy,”
Sophie sighed. “In my case, heights are chancy.
Would this cap start me on a train of thought?
Alas: it leaves me in the same old spot.”

“Well, a one-track mind may need reflection:
Turn it in the opposite direction,”
Said the clerk. “Reverse your engineering,
If you’re not averse to backward steering.”

“I’ll try this one; that one made me dizzy.
Something is on my mind—oh, it’s busy!”
Said Sophie, “Can you see what is on it?”
“Yes,” he said. “There’s a bee in your bonnet.”

“I do get the point—but I’d rather not;
What if I’m a fuzzy thinker?—I ought
To try this watchman’s woolen cap,” she said.
All it accomplished was heating her head.