The Poetry Corner

Stealing A Ride

By William F. Kirk

Yumping over crossings, Bumping over svitches, Till ay tenk dis enyine Going to fall in ditches; Hiding vith some cattle, Ay tenk 'bout saxty-eight; Yiminy! Dis ban yolly, - Stealing ride on freight Ay ban yust tru treshing Op in Nort Dakota; Now ay guess ay'm going Back to old Mansota. Now dis train ban stopping, 'Bout sax hours to vait; Yiminy! Dis ban yolly, - Stealing ride on freight. Ay skol stretch a little Yust to tak a sleep; Den my head bump into Gude big fader sheep. Yee! His head ban harder Sum a china plate; Dis ban yolly doings, - Stealing ride on freight. Yumping over crossings, Bumping over svitches, Till my side ban getting Saxty-seven stitches. Ay hear brakeman faller Say, "Yust ten hours late!" It ban hal, ay tal yu, Stealing ride on freight.