Page:Claude McKay Constab Ballads.djvu/65

(Judge de feelin’s how dem proud)
Show de harses to de crowd:
Now you’ll see de knowin’ faces
At de Knutsford Park big races.

Soldier ban’, formed in a ring,
Strike up “God save our king”;
Gub’nor come now by God’s grace
To de Knutsford Park big race:
High faces among low faces
At de Knutsford Park big races.

Ladies, ’teppin’ up quite cool,
Buy dem tickets at de pool;
Dough ’tis said he’s got a jerk,
Dere’s no harse like Billie Burke:
Look roun’ at de cock-sure faces
At de Knutsford Park big races.

Hey! de flag is gone do’n, oh!
Off at grips de harses go!
Dainty’s leadin’ at a boun’,
Stirrup-cup is gainin’ ground’:
Strainin’, eager strainin’ faces
At de Knutsford Park big races.

Last day o’ de race—all’s done,
An’ de course is left alone;
Everybody’s goin’ home,
Some more light dan when dey’d come:
Oh! de sad, de bitter faces
After Knutsford Park big races!