I Was Not a Butter Boy

I was not a butter boy Who ate his corn in flakes What did I do with the cobs? I was not the butter boy Who ate his plantain in chips What happened to the bunches? I did not measure grains with a cup, One half-full bag summoned another. The combs enjoyed the right of fertility; Why must I peel, slice and cook? I grew not under gate and key; Under the buoyant cash crop trees, I roamed like cat days and nights. Neither slang nor lingo I knew; Proverbs were the parables. What was "the Mills and boon"? Who was the Hardley Chase? Go to the tortoise and be wise.