A Cabin in the Ozarks

A Cabin in the Ozarks

Is the happiest place I know

When the frogs begin to sing

And the March winds start to blow,

When the Dogwood trees are shining

On the hills in robes of white

Then my old reel gets to whinning

For 'tis now the bluegills bite.

A cabin in the Ozarks

In the summer's dreamy haze

Is where I love to linger

Loitering through the quiet days:

Now the cornfields are enticing

All the squirrels for miles around,

And I take my old gun with me

Where the frisky folks are found.

When the Autumn winds are shifting

and the hills in glory glow

And the wild ducks start their drifting

and the foxhounds chanting go,

Wild grapes, nuts, pawpaws, persimmons

Hand in nature's festive hall--

O a cabin in the Ozarks

Is the finest in the fall.

This cabin in the Ozarks

Has a fireplace deep and wide:

A pot a-stew on the hearth

and my old dog by my side;

I can see a big wild turkey

In a white oak on the hill,

Where the frosty ridge is sparkling

In the moonlight cold and still,

And I think I'll stop my wanderings

For this spot that I have found

In the blue-hazed Ozark mountains

Is just right the whole year round.

Mary Elizabeth Mahnkey