Poems (Merrill)/Rural Delight
RURAL DELIGHT
The farmer in the early spring Plants fields of yellow corn—How cheerily we hear him sing While out in the dews of morn! All thro' the long, bright Summer He works among the grain; And sees the tender corn blades grow Strengthen'd by sun and rain.
He sees with pride the yellow silk Around the corn-cob curled,—Oh, the jolly, jolly farmer Is the happiest chap in the world. How the cows do love, at supper time To eat the sweet corn meal! How eager are they for their share As the farmers dip and deal.
The dairy maid with honest pride Beams, as with joy she sees The shelves that she with skill has piled With butter and with cheese. When Autumn comes and big tall stalks With golden ears are laden; In order comes the "husking bee," For merry Youth and Maiden.
And when the ripe "red ear" is found By some pretty winsome miss The swain, "Old Custom" will observe And steal the wonted kiss. The music and the laughter soars To the rafters overhead; As they trip the "light fantastic toe" With an airy, fairy tread.
Then the Pumpkin Pie and Doughnuts come.— At the close of the mazy dance Each swain escorts his sweetheart home (If he can get the chance!) Thus joy and love will enter in The lot with honest toil; As the farmer reaps his rich reward From tilling of the soil.