I could have dammed all night,
I could have dammed all night—
I drill elms to the core.
Out I have spread those things
Before I start building;
The landowners get sore.
The river’s flow will cease to go—I’m biting
Those stalwart trunks and bark—delight!
I have earned enmity
’cause of my damming spree.
I could have dammed, dammed, dammed all night.

They could have “damned!” all night,
They could have “damned!” all night,
Their threats, mad words—and more.
They start to spread those things
With iron jaws and springs
That sever legs from core.
It grips my toe; it hurts me so—it’s biting;
I’m all but done for—hard to fight.
I had earned enmity
’cause of my damming spree.
I am a hat to damn frostbite.