Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/28

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She is my helpmate, both in name and deed; Nor does she deem it policy to nag. And when she saw my wounded finger bleed She bound it up, most tenderly, with rag. Thus, for one end, did both of us conspire— To have a fowlhouse was our joint desire.

And, when I went about my work in town, No haunting vision filled my day with dread That she would pull the whole contraption down And start a building of her own instead. I knew, indeed, she would take care to leave Unharmed my handiwork of yester eve.

You'll note—if you're at all intelligent— Our system was simplicity itself: We wanted something, that was evident, To wit, a fowlhouse, perches, and a shelf For nests. I got some timber, tools and nails, And set to work. This method seldom fails.

And when I'd done, and saw it stand complete, With triumph was I most absurdly filled. A tiny thing, enclosing ten square feet, That any deft suburbanite might build— Yet was my soul with satisfaction seized; And, on the whole, I think the fowls were pleased.