Page:Claude McKay Constab Ballads.djvu/48

44

Now, sake ob a to’n-bred miss,

You mus’ treat me laka dis!

Tramplin’ me under you’ feet,

Tu’nin’ me out in de street.

Will she warm you when you’re chill?

Will you get of lub you’ fill?

Will she starve herse’f fe you,

As I always use’ fe do?

Will a to’n gal go bare-feet,

Jes’ fe try mek two ends meet?

Will she car’ water an’ wash,

Jes’ fe help out you’ lee cash?

Is she sweet an’ undefile’

As you took me, jes’ a chil’,

’Fo’ I knew about de wul’,

Gave to you my pure pure soul?

Will you leave me all forlorn

’Fo’ de lilly baby’s born?—

Who wi’ eber tek me in

Wid dis dreadful load o’ sin?

Foolish, foolish young gals who

T’ink a constab could be true!

Foolish, foolish every one

Who will trus’ a póliceman!