From Rude Rural Rhymes by Bob Adams, NewYork: The Macmillan Company; 1925; pp. 23-24.
THE WATER’S FINE
This bard though bald, is fairly slim;
His years are not yet hurting him,
but youth recedes from day to day
And boyhood scenes seem far away.
Already dimmer through the haze
Since memories of the good old days,
And other kids both plump and slim
Possess the creek he used to swim.
By their free masonry the boys,
E’en at their books, foretaste its joys.
Two fingers raised (or is it three?)
Mean “After school come swim with me.”
In frantic haste their shirts they shuck,
Their britches from their legs they pluck,
Yet pause awhile before they duck;
For one and all the little scamps,
Before they brave the chilly damps,
Perform the rite that wards off cramps.
O bare brown limbs sun-health imbibing!
O boyhood joys beyond describing!
Come, comrades of the good old times,
And all old boys who read these rhymes;
Shuck off the cares that vex the soul,
[24]
Let middle age from off you roll
And join me at the swimming hole.
Why should we pause because we’re bigger?
“Last one in’s a red-head nigger.”
Forget your cares e’en though you’ve got ’em;
“Bet you I can bring up bottom.”
“Gosh, old Fatty, you look queer.”
“So deep, Skinny, lookahere.”