Page:Claude McKay Constab Ballads.djvu/42

38

Oftentimes dem come aroun’ me

Wid dem free an’ trusting soul,

Lying do’n or gambolling near me

Wid a tender sort o’ gro’l:

An’ I snap my fingers at them,

While dey wag dem tail at me;

Can you wonder dat I love dem,

Dem, me night-time company ?

Treat dem kindly, etc.

Sometimes dey’re a bit too noisy

Wid deir long leave-taking bark;

But I tell you what, it cheers me

When de nights are extra dark.

So, dear comrades, don’t ill-treat him,

You won’t mek me talk in vain;

’Member, when de hours are dreary,

He’s de poor dog-driver’s frien’.

Treat dem kindly, etc.