Claude McKay

Home Thoughts

Oh something just now must be happening there! 
That suddenly and quiveringly here, 
Amid the city’s noises, I must think 
Of mangoes leaning o’er the river’s brink, 
And dexterous Davie climbing high above, 
The gold fruits ebon-speckled to remove, 
And toss them quickly in the tangled mass 
Of wis-wis twisted round the guinea grass; 
And Cyril coming through the bramble-track 
A prize bunch of bananas on his back; 
And Georgie--none could ever dive like him-- 
Throwing his scanty clothes off for a swim; 
And schoolboys, from Bridge-tunnel going home, 
Watching the waters downward dash and foam. 
This is no daytime dream, there’s something in it, 
Oh something’s happening there this very minute!