The day my dogs I chose
I was all in a riot
An empty stomach was my diet
Our home was full of disquiet
My dogs were sweet, dare I deny it?

They are still now and quiet
Where the red fern grows.

My grief on me bestows
A sense of failed endeavor
To save my dogs, so clever
I know I’d do whatever—
Now I will see them never!

Will they lie there forever,
Where the red fern grows?

The thought of his wet nose,
‘Gainst my fingers did it wander,
Of her clouded eyes, no wonder,
The thorn bush she lay under,
Makes my heart burst asunder.

Do you see the graves yonder,
Where the red fern grows?

Look! Shadows that disclose
A single one stone graveyard.
Above it bends, unmarred,
Red boughs that malice ward
And evil disregard.

For I know that angels guard
Where the red fern grows.