Winkin’, Blinkin’, and Nod
At the Lincoln Park Zoo, there’s a statue of some sort of fairy woman towering over two sleeping children. Carved into the concrete slab at the foot of the statue is an excerpt from this nursery rhyme:
Winkin’, Blinkin’, and Nod
Winkin’, Blinkin’, and Nod, one night sailed off in a wooden shoe;
Sailed off on a river of crystal light into a sea of dew.
“Where are you going and what do you wish?” the old moon asked the three.
“We’ve come to fish for the herring fish that live in this beautiful sea.
Nets of silver and gold have we,” said Winkin’, Blinkin’, and Nod.
The old moon laughed and sang a song as they rocked in the wooden shoe.
And the wind that sped them all night long ruffled the waves of dew.
Now the little stars are the herring fish that live in that beautiful sea;
“Cast your nets wherever you wish never afraid are we!”
So cried the stars to the fishermen three – Winkin’, and Blinkin’, and Nod.
So all night long their nets they threw to the stars in the twinkling foam.
‘Til down from the skies came the wooden shoe bringing the fisherman home.
‘Twas all so pretty a sail it seemed as if it could not be.
Some folks say ’twas a dream they dreamed of sailing that misty sea.
But I shall name you the fisherman three – Winkin’, Blinkin’, and Nod.
Now Winkin’ and Blinkin’ are two little eyes and Nod is a little head.
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies is a wee one’s trundle bed.
So close your eyes while mother sings of the wonderful sights that be.
And you shall see those beautiful things as you sail on the misty sea,
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three – Winkin’, Blinkin’, and Nod.
I love this statue. From far away, the fairy woman looks sinister.
A closer look reveals a kinder face and children who are sleeping (not ones who are slumped over in a poisoned mess.
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My twin sister and I used to play under this statue in Lincoln Park Zoo when we were very young (we’re now 54 years old). I found a rare photo of it taken in the stuido where it was created. I had it framed and gave it to my sister for her birtday. It’s a magical statue.
David-What a lovely gift for your sister. You’re absolutely right, it is a magical statue. I can’t wait to show it to my son when he’s older and better able to appreciate it.
Cheers!
My Mother told me it was a tribute to two children that were lost at the zoo and never found And she is the angel that watches over them. My Mother had five children. Never lost any at the zoo. Guess it worked.