Madam and the census man

B. Roe

The census man,

The day he came round,

Wanted my name

To put it down.

I said, JOHNSON,

ALBERTA K.

But he hated to write

The K that way.

He said, What

Does K stand for?

I said, K --

And nothing more.

He said, I'm gonna put it

K - A - Y.

I said, If you do,

You lie.

My mother christened me

ALBERTA K.

You leave my name

Just that way!

He said, Mrs.,

(With a snort)

Just a K

Makes your name too short.

I said, I don't

Give a damn!

Leave me and my name

Just like I am!

Furthermore, rub out

That MRS., too --

I'll have you know

I'm

Madam

to you!