I just take a bamboo pole,
Linen line and Limerick hook,
Make a sneak for some deep hole
In the creek, in shady nook.
Seat myself upon a stone,
Bait my hook and throw it in,
Sit there, quietly, alone,
And wait to see the fun begin.
First a nibble, then a take,
Then my float goes out of sight,
Then a sudden swing I make—
Got him? Well, you're mighty right.
Bass, by jingo! Weighs four pounds;
Won't I have a toothsome fry?
String him on this rope, by zounds!
Make him safe or I'll know why.
Once again my hook I bait,
Once again I cast my line,
Seat myself and watch and wait.
Catching bass. Oh, gee! it's fine.
Soon the float begins to sail,
Then it makes a sudden dive;
Holy smoke! I've hooked a whale,
Just as sure as I'm alive.
Pull, you sucker! Bet I'll make—
Stop! You'll surely break the pole.
Splash! and suddenly I wake,
Up to neck in swimming hole.


This poem is in the public domain.