I got for a greeting this jocular hail,

“Wal, always behind like an old cow’s tail.”

I’ll own to you, neighbor, that work on the

farm

Had features not wholly surrounded by charm.

And when I am fashioning lyrical praise

For matters bucolic of earlier days,

You’ll note that my lyre, sir, operates best

When I tune up and sing of the blessings of

rest.