I'm longing to paddle the boat to-day,

Through water-logged grass and reeds;

Where the musk-rat swims, and the cat-tails sway;

Where the air is cool, and the mist is gray;

Where ripples dance in the same old way,

Under the tangled weeds.

Back on the old oak log again,

Back by the crystal brook;

Back to the bait,

And the silent wait,