Keeping Cool

Days like these I know a spot

Where it ain’t so awful hot;

Where the hemlocks, green an’ thick

Hang across ol’ “Lizzard Crick”,

Makin’ jest a shady nook

Fur a boat an’ pipe an’ book.

Sun don’t git no chance to shine

In this cool retreat o’ mine.

Ev’ry day I take my boat,

Pipe an’ book an’ idly float

Up to where the arch is made,

Anchor there beneath the shade.

While the world outside is hot,

I enjoy this hidden spot.

Nothin’ to disturb my ease

‘Cept the birds an’ dronin’ bees.

Ef you’d like to come with me

To this wondrous Arcady

Where it’s cool and far remote,

Jump aboard my little boat.

I will row you all the way,

There will be no fares to pay.

And we’ll smoke an’ read an’ dream

On the bosom of the stream.

Ev’ry day through rain or shine,

I seek out this haunt o’ mine;

Ev’ry day while others slave

Neath the sun’s perspirin’ wave,

I keep cool beneath the shade

Which the hemlock arms hev made.

“Where is this haunt I’ve defined?”

O, it’s simply in my mind.

June 22, ‘09