The Poetry Corner

I Didn't Like Him

By Harry Bache Smith

Perhaps you may a-noticed I been soht o' solemn lately, Haven't been a-lookin' quite so pleasant. Mabbe I have been a little bit too proud and stately; Dat's because I'se lonesome jes' at present. I an' him agreed to quit a week or so ago, Fo' now dat I am in de social swim I'se 'rived to de opinion dat he ain't my style o' beau, So I tole him dat my watch was fas' fo' him. refrain Oh, I didn't like his clo'es, An' I didn't like his eyes, Nor his walk, nor his talk, Nor his ready-made neckties. I didn't like his name a bit, Jes' 'spise the name o' Jim; If dem ere reasons ain't enough, I didn't like Him. Dimon' ring he give to me, an' said it was a fine stone. Guess it's only alum mixed wif camphor. Took it roun' to Eisenstein; he said it was a rhinestone, Kind, he said, he didn't give a dam fur. Sealskin sack he give to me it got me in a row. P'liceman called an' asked to see dat sack; Said another lady lost it. Course I don't know how; But I had to go to jail or give it back. refrain Oh, I didn't like his trade; Trade dat kep' him out all night. He'd de look ob a crook, An' he owned a bull's-eye light. So when policemen come to ask What I know 'bout dat Jim, I come to de confusion dat I didn't like Him.