Social Commentaries
The Negro and the Policeman
From Negro Folk Rhymes (1922)
"Oh Mistah Policeman, tu'n me loose;
Hain't got no money but a good excuse."
Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
Dat ole Policeman treat me mean,
He make me wa'k to Bowlin' Green.
Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
De way he treat me wus a shame.
He make me wear dat Ball an' Chain.
Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
I runs to de river, I can't git 'cross;
Dat Police grab me an' swim lak a hoss.
Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
I goes up town to git me a gun,
Dat ole Police shō' make me run.
Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
I goes crosstown sorter walkin' wid a hump
An' dat ole Police shō' make me jump.
Oh hello, Sarah Jane!
Sarah Jane, is dat yō' name?
Us boys, we calls you Sarah Jane.
Well, hello, Sarah Jane!
Cite this poem
MLA
Thomas W. Talley (collector). “The Negro and the Policeman.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/talley/85/.
Chicago
Thomas W. Talley (collector). “The Negro and the Policeman.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/talley/85/.
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