When The Fish Begin To Bite

They’s itchin’ an’ they’s longn’ an’ they’s trouble all around

When the ice hez left the water, an’ the frost hez left the ground;

When the robin strikes the orchard, an’ the crocus gits in sight,

And the green comes in the medder, an’ the fish begin to bite.

They’s trouble in the office an’ they’s trouble in the air,

They’s trouble in the schoolroom an’ they’s trouble ev’rywhere;

They’s discontent an fever, an’ they’s restlessness at night

When the air uv spring is meller an’ the fish begin to bite.

In the city, in the country, in the village an’ the town

In the lonely way back hamlet where the Crick goes windin’ down

They is signs uv preparation, exultation an’ uv joy

With the man behind the roll-top an’ the freckled visage boy.

When the fish begin to hunger thet’s the time uv year fur me!

Ruther live here on ol’ “Lizzard” than a city like Paree;

Kennot wait to talk uv toubles, kennot even stop to write

‘Cuz the Crick is warm an’ shinin’ an’ the fish are goin’ to bite.

April 19, 1902