Page:Claude McKay Constab Ballads.djvu/68



de blazin’ midday heat, when I’m posted on me beat,

Who I t’inkin’ of but fe me Sal?

She is eber in me mind, ne’er a better you will find,

She’s me only lub, de best o’ country gal.

When I started out fe roam from me treasured mountain-home,

All me wanderin’s were for her good;

A be’n ondly fe her sake why dis job I undertake,

An’ she cheer me when I’m sad an’ out o’ mood.

Any wuk I’m put to do, me jes’ feel she’s wid me too,

Biddin’ me fe toil bedouten fret;

An’ when all de duty’s done, an’ me go to sleep alone,

’Tis but dreamin’ o’ me darlin’ little pet.

When me deh ’pon station guard, dere is ondly one reward,

For I get fe write her sweet lub-wuds;

Den me finish up her name wid a pile o’ flourish dem,

An’ me seal de letter up wid jesmy buds.

When me go patrol a day, she’s me one lee bit o’ stay

As A deh climb up Bardowie hill;

An’ A somehow favour know dat, wherever I may go,

Her soul an’ heart wi’ eber be mine still.