Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.
The Conscientious DeaconVachel Lindsay
From “Whimseys”
(A song to be syncopated as you please)
B
Chasing the deacon who stole the cow.
He sees big white men with dogs and guns.
No cats, no dogs, and no men there.
The wind says, “Miau!” and the rain says, “Hum!”
He howls. He puts his wife in a fright.
Yes, by Sambo,
And the fire looks fine!
Cat devils, dog devils, cow devils grin—
Yes, by Sambo,
And the fire rolls in.
He takes that cow
Where he found her first.