Bill Awkins

 "'As anybody seen Bill 'Awkins?"
 "Now 'ow in the devil would I know?"
"'E's taken my girl out walkin',
 An' I've got to tell 'im so --
 Gawd -- bless 'im!
 I've got to tell 'im so."

"D'yer know what 'e's like, Bill 'Awkins?"
 "Now what in the devil would I care?"
"'E's the livin', breathin' image of an organ-grinder's monkey,
 With a pound of grease in 'is 'air --
 Gawd -- bless 'im!
 An' a pound o' grease in 'is 'air."

"An' s'pose you met Bill 'Awkins,
 Now what in the devil 'ud ye do?"
"I'd open 'is cheek to 'is chin-strap buckle,
 An' bung up 'is both eyes, too --
 Gawd -- bless 'im!
 An bung up 'is both eyes, too!"

"Look 'ere, where 'e comes, Bill 'Awkins!
 Now, what in the devil will you say?"
"It isn't fit an' proper to be fightin' on a Sunday,
 So I'll pass 'im the time o' day --
 Gawd -- bless 'im!
 I'll pass 'im the time o' day!"

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace