By Thunder

Like to set an’ fish by thunder

When the cork goes bobbin’ under,

When the pole begins ter double,

And the lake ter bile an’ bubble,

Then I’m out uv all my trouble.

            But –

When I’m out all day a-settin’

An’ the cork don’t git no wettin’

An’ it don’t go bobbin’ under,

An’ I don’t git any plunder

Then I’m purty mad, by thunder!

c. June 18-21, 1906

Pub. in N.Y. Sun