Page:Claude McKay Constab Ballads.pdf/38

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38

DE DOG-DRIVER'S FRIEN'

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;^[1]
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.

↑ This is a trick of the dogs when they want to leave their master's yard. They set up a great barking about 11 p.m., as if they were on the alert, and soon after they are all gone.

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[1] This is a trick of the dogs when they want to leave their master's yard. They set up a great barking about 11 p.m., as if they were on the alert, and soon after they are all gone.

[1]