Before Bedtime
The cat sleeps in a chimney jamWith ashes in her fur,An’ Tige, from on the yuther side,He keeps his eye on her.
The jar o’ curds is on the hearth,An’ I’m the one to turn it.I’ll crawl in bed an’ go to sleepWhen maw begins to churn it.
Paw bends to read his almanaxAn’ study out the weather,An’ bud has got a gourd o’ greaseTo ile his harness leather.
Sis looks an’ looks into the fire,Half-squintin’ through her lashes,An’ I jis watch my tater whereIt shoots smoke through the ashes.