Page:Claude McKay Constab Ballads.djvu/84

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’Neat’ dis shadin’ hedge

Growin’ by your bridge,

I am thinkin’ o’ you’ love,

Love dat not’in’ can remove,

’Neat’ dis shadin’ hedge

Growin’ by your bridge,

Love more pure, I ken,

Dan de love o’ men,

Knowin’ not de fickle mind

Nor de hatred o’ my kind;

Purer far, I ken,

Dan de love o’ men.

E’en when welcome deat’

Claims dis painful breat’, Of you I will ever think

Who first gave me crystal drink;

E’en when welcome deat’

Claims dis painful breat’,

For a little while

I must leave your smile: Raindrops fallin’ from de sky

Force me now to say good-bye;

Jes’ lee bit o’ while

I must leave your smile.

Foamin’ Sukee River,

Dearer now dan ever, I’ll ne’er roam from you again

To a life o’ so-so pain,

Crystal flowin’ river,

Dearer now dan ever.