Bilbo took one thousand men,
To the shops and back again,
When up sprang that little bit of Took,
That inspired him to write a book.
And on the way he only paused,
To scratch a hairy foot, which caused,
His companions to all stop and glare,
Although it is so rude to stare.
And when he reached the Shire Mall,
He turned around and spoke to all:
"I need some milk, some cheese, some bread,
Some apples, grapes, or pears instead!
Some eggs and butter should be fine,
(Which reminds me that I need some wine),
And I think I need some flour as well,
Some soap to keep a pleasant smell.
I think that's all I need for now,
But there are some things I don't allow:
Always buy the cheaper brand,
Or my money may get out of hand.
Running with trolleys is never good,
Walk nicely, as you know you should,
Buy only what I've asked you to,
I'm the one who pays, not you."
And so they shopped, then headed back,
"Careful, those eggs easily crack!"
And soon he got back to his hole,
(Supper would be a casserole).
And then he sent back all the men,
"One day we'll go and shop again!"
He brushed away the bit of Took,
And went to find his cooking book.