The Wolf

When the wolf hangs round the door

With a snappy growl an’ roar,

Clawin’ on the panels there

Tryin’ to git up a scare,

Don’t be frightened most to death,

Almost losin’ of your breath,

Speakin’ in a whisper low,

With a countenance of woe,

Goin’ tiptoe fearin’ he

Will find out jest where you be.

No, don’t take a course like that;

Don’t let on thet you are scat;

Keep your wits an’ keep your ease,

Git some starch into your knees,

Grin a little, hum a song

Jest to help the thing along.

Go up to the door an’ say

“Mr. Wolf, step right this way!

Come right in an’ have a seat,

Rest your voice an’ rest your feet.”

When you’ve got him in your hut

Tap him on the cocoanut;

Take his hide off on the spot,

Drop him in the b’ilin’ pot,

Stew him up, an’ all pitch in,

Fill yourself up to the chin,

Then you will be brave an’ strong

When the next one comes along.

Dec. 14, 1913