Tiltup Time

Tiltup time’s the time fur me,

Right here where the pick’rel be;

Hev no hank’rin’ in my dreams

For the sight uv furrin’ streams.

“Lizzard Crick’s” the place fur me,

With its frozen scenery;

Fishin’ on ol’ “Lizzard” prime,

Pick’rel an’ tiltup time!

Hain’t no place I’d ruther be,

Hain’t no better job fur me

In the hull blamed world I know

Than to take my sled an’ go

Down there in the bend an’ stay

Where them yaller pick’rel lay.

Beats the workin’ on a rhyme

Lizzard Crick an’ tiltup time.

Pick’rel yaller, bright an’ trim,

Pick’rel fat an’ pick’rel slim;

Live bait swimmin’ here an’ there

Tiltups bobbin’ ev’rywhere

O jes please to stay away!

Don’t come botherin’ round today

Pickerel are a-bitin’ prime –

“Lizzard Crick” an’ tiltup time.

Jan. 26, 1906