O

is for Once-upon-a-time. And here’s an Original story.

One day in October, the children were playing Out in the lane when the Old lady Opposite the gate Offered to sell them her balloons.

“Only One penny! Oblige me, do!”

So, they seized the Opportunity, and then an Odd thing Occurred. The balloons flew up Over the park, pulling the children with them.

“Do they Often do this?” cried Jane and Michael.

“Occasionally,” the balloon woman answered. “Oh. dear. I Omitted to tie the strings! Here I am. blowing away On my Own!”

And there she went, sailing up Over the Oak trees. Opening her arms to the sky, as though she were Off to Orion.

“Observe the rules!” the Park Keeper shouted. “You Ought to know better. It’s Outrageous!”

But the Other Onlookers Only smiled. “Now, don’t Oppose them Or be Officious. It’s a very Orderly Occupation. That is Our Opinion!”