I decided to play in the carnival band,
To jump in front the steelband stand,
Eagerly to the Mas Camp I went,
Signed my name for the grand event,
Then a shock to my surprise,
Problem for me did soon arise. 

"Fall of Rome" the mas was called,
My costume nearly made me bawl,
They wanted me to play a slave,
From ancient days, a Roman slave,
My brother, a senator they made him play,
Stole the spotlight that sunny day. 

The slaves were asked to push the pan,
While others frolicked inside the band,
My day was ruined true slave that day,
To my regret, utter dismay. 

Never again a slave I'll be,
This mas man always will be free,
Free to dance, to jump and sway,
As the band moves along the way.

 © 2005 Anthony Wendell Deriggs.