Page:Claude McKay Constab Ballads.djvu/46

42

Policeman in uniform

Made of English blue,

P’liceman gettin’ rather warm,

Sleuth policeman too.

Policeman on plain clo’es pass,

Also dismissed ones;

See them standin’ in a mass,

Talkin’ ’bout them plans:

Policeman “struck off de strengt’

Physical unfit,”

Hear them chattin’ dere at lengt’

’Bout a diffran’ kit.

When you want meet a surprise,

Tek de Papine track;

Dere some things will meet you’ eyes

Mek you tu’n you’ back:

When you want to see mankind

Of “class” family

In a way degra’ them mind,

Go ’p deh, you will see.

When you want a pleasant drive,

Tek Hope Gardens line;

I can tell you, man alive,

It is jolly fine:

Ef you want to feel de fun,

You mus’ only wait

Until when you’re comin’ do’n

An’ de tram is late.