And that boy of mine I lost

When he was an eight-year’s lad!

I make out to split the wood,

Like this—little at a time.

There’s that baby, top the gate!

Beats all, how the feller’ll climb!

“Here, let’s stay with Grandpa now;

Build a cob house on the ground,”

“Keeps me pretty busy?” Yes,

Guess it does, a-putterin’ ’round!”