Versos English Benjamin Franklin King Lef' De Ole Hoss Out

English poem

Lef' De Ole Hoss Out

by (1857–1894)

Listen in the reader

'Tween de gusts ob de win' Comes a winner an' a soun' Like de trampin' ob hoofs on de col', col' groun'. I'se 'spicious ob a staum, An' dere ain't no doubt But somebod's gone an' lef de ole hoss out.

I 'membah now de sheep Come a-runnin' to de shed, An' de ole bossie cow was a-standin' in 'er bed, An' de chickens on de roos'; But what was I 'bout When I done went to bed an' lef de ole hoss out?

Well, I mus'n lay heah An' hab de col' win's blow— When de keyhole whistles dar's gwine ter come snow— I jes' oughter 'rise An' wandah right out, An' cuah myself ob leebin' de ole hoss out.

Mah goodness, what er night! Wondah what's dat soun'? 'at's de ole hoss, jes' comin' on de boun'. I'se ashame' ob myse'f! Well, what was I 'bout, Ter go ter bed ter res' an' leebe de ole hoss out?