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A Country Boy in Winter
by
Sarah Orne Jewett


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The wind may blow the snow about,
For all I care, says Jack,
And I don't mind how cold it grows,
For then the ice won't crack.
Old folks may shiver all day long,
But I shall never freeze;
What cares a jolly boy like me
For winter days like these?
Far down the long snow-covered hills
It is such fun to coast,
So clear the road! the fastest sled
There is in school I boast.
The paint is pretty well worn off,
But then I take the lead;
A dandy sled's a loiterer,
And I go in for speed.
When I go home at supper-time,
Ki! but my cheeks are red!
They burn and sting like anything;
I'm cross until I'm fed.
You ought to see the biscuit go,
I am so hungry then;
And old Aunt Polly says that boys
Eat twice as much as men.
There's always something I can do
To pass the time away;
The dark comes quick in winter-time—
A short and stormy day
And when I give my mind to it,
It's just as father says,
I almost do a man's work now,
And help him many ways.
I shall be glad when I grow up
And get all through with school,
I'll show them by-and-by that I
Was not meant for a fool.
I'll take the crops off this old farm,
I'll do the best I can.
A jolly boy like me won't be
A dolt when he's a man.
I like to hear the old horse neigh
Just as I come in sight,
The oxen poke me with their horns
To get their hay at night.
Somehow the creatures seem like friends,
And like to see me come.
Some fellows talk about New York,
But I shall stay at home.
 

This poem is in the public domain.

 

 

Sarah Orne Jewett (1849 - 1909) was an American poet, short story writer, and novelist. Born and raised in a small fishing village in Maine, she was the daughter of a physician and the granddaughter of a sea captain. Given prominent social standing and ready access to books and higher culture her entire life, Sarah was more intrigued by the simple sights and sounds of life and people in her New England village. She began capturing those images in words when she was just a child. and published her first story while still a teenager. 

 

 


Post New Comment:
Dorcas:
So pleasantly nostalgic. I culd read the likes for steadfastness to be at home and to belong.
Posted 01/04/2015 06:19 PM
Larry Schug:
The temperature's not going to get above zero, day or night, for a few days here in Minnesota. I'm going to try an have the same attitude as Jack, though I may stay in and read after I finish my outdoor chores. This poem is just what I needed to start this day.
Posted 01/04/2015 07:13 AM


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