T H E COM PL ET E PO E M S
OF PA U L LA UR EN CE D UN BA R
WITH THE I NT RODUCTION T O “LYRICS O F LOW LY LIFE”
BY OW W D . H LLS . E
NEW YORK
DODD, MEA D AND COMPANY 1922
DEDICATIONS
LYRICS OF LO WLY LIFE
TO M V M OT HER
LYRICS OF THE HEA RTHSI DE
TO ALICE
LYRICS OF LOVE A ND LA UGH ‘I 'E R
TO M ISS CATHERINE I M PEY
LYRICS OF S UNSHINE A ND SHA DO W
TO R R M S. F ANK CONOVER wml THANKS FOR mmLONG BE Ll E F
INTR O D UCTION TO LYRICS OF LOWLY LIFE
I 7 1m mI should scarcely trouble blood . The father escaped from the rea der w ith a special appeal slavery in Kentucky to freedom in in ha of s had a a a be lf thi book, if it C n d , while there w as still no not specially appealed to me for hope of freedom otherwise ; but ’ reasons apart from the author s the mother w as freed by the events
ac an d c r r e, origin , ondition . The of the civil w a , an d came North w i an fin d orld s too old now, d I to Ohio, where their son w as born m ch t a n s yself too mu of its mood, to a D yton, a d grew up with uch care for the work of a poet because chances and mischances for mental n d a he is black, because his father a tr ining as everywhere befall the m c as other were slaves, because he hildren of the poor . H e h told w n e a a i as, before a d after he b g n me th t h s father picked up the
- o e . a as to write p ems, an levator boy tr de of a pl terer, and when he e s a ac had au s a Th se fact would certainly ttr t t ght him elf to re d , loved ’ me i kne hicfl a s r s to him as a man, f l w c y to re d hi to y . The boy him to have a literary ambition , mother shared his passion for lit b i erature ut when it came to h s literary , with a special love of art s an d , I must judge it irre pective of poetry, after the father died she s these facts, and enjoy or endure it truggled on in more than the for w s he d what it as in it elf . poverty s ha shared with him . It seems to me that this w as my She could value the faculty which experien ce with the poetry of Paul her son showed first in prose
a c u a I s c s an L uren e D nb r when found ket he d attempts at fiction , s e and it in another form, and in ju tic she w as proud of the praise to him I can not wish that itshod d and kindness they won him among
' be w s w his a s . other i e ith re der here the people of the tow n , where he S l s ha till, it w il legitimately intere t s never been without the warm th s l ca s s est and n es o e who ike to know the u e , ki d t friends.
or s - n a c , if the e g y not be known , the In fa t from every part of Ohio so s s an d urce , of thing , to learn that the from several cities of the ad
a an d h r first n a f ther mot e of the poet joini g St tes , there came letters of his race in our lan guage were in cordial appreciation of the crit negroes without admixture of white ical recognition which it w as my [ vii ]
I NT R OD U CT I ON think or f eel black in one and feels in nearly all the dialec t pieces ; wh e r and it in an othe , but humanly in I hope that in the present col c all. le tion he has kept all of these i ea ed an d his Yet t app r to me then, in earlier volume, and added me a e is s it appears to now, th t th re other to them. But the contents a precious difierence of tempera of this book are wholly of his own
me t en the r es c c s an nt be we ac whi h it hoo ing, d I do not know how
r c m would be a g eat pity ever to lose, mu h or little he may have pro and that this is best preserved an d ferred the poems in literary Eng
m n ! s ost charmi g) suggested by M r. li h . Some of these I thought r e e his o Dunba in those pi c s of where very go d, and even more than
he studies the moods and traits of very good , but not distinctively his his race in its own accent of our contribution to the body of Ameri e e dia an English . We call such pi c s c poetry . What I mean is that lect pieces for w ant of some closer several people might have written h r dia m phrase, but t ey a e really not the ; but I do not know an y one lect so much as delightful personal else at present who could quite n ai s a attempts a d f lure for the writ h ve written the dialec t pieces. n s ten an d spoken language. I The e are divinations an d reports nothing is his essentially refin ed of what passes in the hearts and an d delicate art so well shown as minds of a low ly people whose as a in these pieces, which , I ven poetry h d hitherto been in articu
a esc ra a x s s turod to s y , d ribed the nge l tely e pres ed in mu ic , but now finds between appetite and emotion, , for the first time in our e nd with c rtain lifts far beyond a tongue, literary interpretation of a
e a s c s above it, which is the rang of the very rti ti completenes .
a s s a finel sa s n e race. H e reve l in the e y I y the event i i t resting, ’ ironical perception of the negro s but how important it shall be can a ess for limitations, with tendern be determined only by M r. Dun ’ t n o r a as a s a c them which I hi k s ve y r re b r future perform n e. I can to be almost quite new . I should not undertake to prophesy concern
s as s hu . s t say , perhap , that it w thi ing thi ; bu if he should do
ua c M r. a a a morons q lity whi h Dunb r nothing more th n he h s done, r an d had added to our literatu e, it I should feel that he had made would be this which would most the strongest claim for the negro in
distinguish him , now and here English literature that the negro s a has e after. It is omething th t one y t made. H e has at least [ ix l
INDEX OF TITLES
ARRIER Tm; Answ e r; B , BEH IND TH E Am s
’ Anvxc n Bnm BA CK HOME
An n A Vtsrr Bn oN o r m; YEARS
LACK AMSON op RAN Y An na M ANY DAYS B S B D W NE Am a TH E QUA luun. I
An n Wmu ; BLUE
OHEMIAN Tu x ALEXANDER CRUMMELL B , BOOGA H M A N T H E x1 3 ,
ox ea T ASHI NGTON 40 Bo . W
OR ER ALLA 2 56 B D B D, A ’ Bov s UMMER ON G A ANGELINA x38 S S ,
' - O A N 1 REAKING TH E HARM AN mBBLLUM SERM N , 3 B C RI AL EASURE 3 47 B D M , A
’ Ar CA N Dw -Ltou 'rm TIM E I 55 BY RUGGED Wa y s
A 'r Cu nsmns Ca u se 1 2 9 BY THE STREAM
A 'r Loa r mo-H ovr 2 63
Cu m ALE A1 NIGH T 2 54 T , A
' CA P 'rUitB T H E A r SUNS ET TIM E 2 63 ,
ARE ER Ar TH E TAVERN 2 2 6 C , A
HANGE A S OM E TH E AWA KE N I NG, Tm; 2 52 C H C ,
H E CHANGE , T
- HANGING I ME Bacx Loo SONG, A C T
HASE TH E BALLAD C ,
E BA LLA DB CH OIC , A
’ A Cu msmus Is A - omm B NJO SONG, A C
I N D E X OF T I TLE S
race 6 Bl owsv D A Y , A 5
’ - a A N Em Gom F u n , 49
‘ ENOOURA GBD 2 38
Encouu oamen 'r 1 84
ER T 1 1 11 1 o 1 a m r ' END or TH E CHAPT , H me Benc mzn S t ow n
E E NT 2 6 T QUIP M 7 HAUNTED OAK , m; 2 1 9
Eae SLE E P Co mes DOWN TO H 1; H A D H 1 s DREAM
SOOTH E THE W BA RY Ev es 3 H en THOUGHT AND H 1 s
v n mo 2 76 Hop e
Expacr a 'u ox 1 3 1 H ow LUCY BACKSLID
H ow SHALL I Woo T 11 3 1;
H owov, H ON EY , H ow ov l
Fu m xu . m ARCADY HUNTI NG SONG
’ m a B FARM LULLA Y, HYMN Tu n HYMN
’ m B H YM F1s11 n a LULLA Y, N , A
Tu n
I F
L I Nm ' ION B F OR DA n r, A
' Poc u n w m on Sea son s I N A N ENGLISH GARDEN Fox m a M A N WH O Fa n s I N AUGUST
Fon ' nam n o T11 11 IN M A Y ss r G , IN SUMMER
? N F00 1” 01 Tan s, T 11 11 I SUMMER TI ME h n un e x DOUGLASS I N THE M ORNING
Feo c IN TH E E TS o KB R u , A T N r A A
Ft omTH E Ponc u A T INSPIRATION
RUNN YM EDE INVITATION TO Lo ve I 'rc mN c HEELS
a u n 6 G n n , T 9
' Go : A Wm m u, w ns D Y, A 2 5 1 JAMES rco n R “ 2 87 [xiii] I N D E X OF T I T LE S
- u s 11 11 1 45 LoomNo o s , T 1 36
E a mn o 1 65
2 3 5 98
Lo vx- Son o
SO G n o UP ON DB WAY Lovn N , A
o 11 1: n L vs a AND 1 Moo .
T H E
' o m: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 L m s La 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
’ Love s A po maosxs
’
O O ovn s O O O O O O O O O O O L CASTLE O O O O O O O O O O O
’ Lova s Du n
’ Love s H uma n ?
’
0 0 0 0 0 0 o n 0 0 0 0 L v s PHAS ES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I N D E X OF T I TLE S mm
MORNIN G 2 52 O LD M E M ORY, A H
’ m 1 1 02 1. u s T 11 Mom ma SON G or Love 2 O T ,
Mowmu w 1 03 O N A CLEAN BOO1<
- C. M Y Con N Con PIP E 1 2 9 O H TH E DEATH or W .
MY LA DY 0 1? CASTLE GRAND 1 80 O N TH E D EDICATION or
' M V e a M u c 1 1 Gnu, 1 2 0 Doaom v HALL
’ M Y Son 0 M A N 1 40 O N TH E R1 vm
MV SW EET BROWN GA L 1 76 O H TH E ROAD
' 1 1 11 1 N TH E SEA Mvs rmw , T 7 O WALL
' 1 1 1 1 ure Mvs n c SBA , T 1 9 ONE L
T 1 1 Y M URDBRBD LOVER, 1 1 11 2 OP P ORTUNIT
2 ve H H 1 LL MUSI CA L, A 53 O n T E s
Naw n n A N D A RT
N G Neono Love SO , A
T 1 1 Nsws, 11
' N101 1 r PARTY, T1 1 11
' ' N1 1 1 'r ASSION AN ove N1o11 1 , D1 M o P D L
' ' ? 11 11 N101 1 1 0 1 Lows PATH , T
’ Fm HANTOM K1 ss T 1 1 11 NoomN BY on P ,
NOON PH ILOSOP H Y
ea an OTO T 11 Nona : A S m PH GRAPH , 1 1 Nor T 1 1 3 1: W 1 1 0 Sou PH YLLIS
Num n o SONG PLACE WHERE T11 11 RAI N
no w ENDS, T 1 1 11
’ 001 03 1111 PLANTATION CH I LD S LUL
m m e DA Y LABY T 1 1 13 One 1 011 M n o ,
Er mo m T TIO Poam rr 003 TO p PLAN A N , A
- B T11 IO CmAP P LE TRE , 11 PLANTAT N M A
m T 11 O LD Cu , 1 1 PLEA , A
RONT ATE T 1 1 11 Pos 'r H 1 s O T F G , AND S N G, 1 1 11
ou ' 1 1 Po ' 1 1 H ns rw , T 11 nr AND THE BABY, T 11 [XV] I N D E X O F TI TLE S t a 1 9 1 1 98
2 86 Ro sm Gov q
1 98
1 41 ROSE S AN D P BARLS W 1 47 1 4 1 06 SAND 2 1 3 SCA M ? 2 3 67 1 1 7
1 2
1 33 Smps 1 11 1 1 1 Pa ss 11 : 1 11 5 " 1 1 1 3 Bu y AWA Y Nma r
SIGNS 01 ' m s Tw as
NO, T11 11 2 40 Smmc s I N D E X OF T I TLE S
7 m
1 To . Q. SPIRITUA L, A 94 J Su mo v m 1 76 TO Lomsx
Spamo SON G 2 6 TO P FRIM M BR
1 1 6 0 7 1 1 8 ASTERN HORE 81 1111 10 Woomo, A 4 T E S 2 88 To 7 11 8 MEMORY OF M AN !
11 7 2 62 YO UN G SUMM ER N1 0 , A
T 1 1 8 1 2 To 7 11 8 M A M I STIRR UP CUP , 5 I
nA 2 To 7 11 8 ROA SUMMER P A s ro L, A 79 D
' 6 To 7 1 1 8 800 7 1 1 Sum a s N1 o11 7 , A 4
~ 1 1 1 1 Tnov s 1. 8 1 1 : DE K17 c 11 8 1 1 SUM , T 8 4
TRYST T 1 1 8 SUNSET 9 ,
801 9 03 8 2 58 T unn mo 08 7 11 8 BA 8 1 8 3 1 11
1 02 7 11 8 E 8 0, T 1 1 8
w u . DB N1o11 7 Is PA s
1 11 1 46 Tw1 1 . o 7
2 8 1 Tw o L17 1 'L8 oors TnA n x sc muo Poem, A B
T11 8 N AND Now 1 2 9 Two Son os
Tumw c v 1 06
T1 100 A 117 M V LUTE 1 09 UN BXP RESSED
mo m NLUCKY PPLE T 11 8 Tm. 7 1 1 8 W G U A ,
H 1 K101 1 7 2 62 UNSUNG 8 1 08 s, T1 1 8
’ ’ TIM E 7 0 T1 N 1<8 11 R01JN ! 1 35 To A CAP TIOUS Came 1 89
VA Ls 8 T 1 1 8 To A LADY PLAYING 7 1 1 8 , Hm VENGEANCE I s SW8 87
ETERAN T 11 To A D 8 A D FRI END V , 8
V0108 0 7 1 1 8 To A V10L87 Fov N D 011 A LL 8 BANJ O, T 11 8
' ’ SAmrs DA Y Vls17 011 , T 1 1 8
To AN INGRATE
’ To DA N e n m DB CREEK
T WA mN G o E. H . K.
M DA Y I N 1 8 11 To Hu WAR W N 7 , A [xvii
I N D E X O F F I R ST L I N E S
’ Come aw ay to dreamin town
Come. d rink a stirrup cup with me
Come, essay a sprightly measure
’ ’ ’ Come on walkin wid me, Lucy ; t a n t no time to mope erroun
Come to the pane, draw the curtain apart
Come when the nights are bright with stars
C001 is the wind, for the summer is waning
Cover him over with daisies white
’ ’ Daih s a moughty soothm teelin
l a Dar ing, my d rling, my heart is on the wing
’ ’ ’ Days git w a m an w a mah
’ De axes has been ringin in de woods de bless id day
’ ’ De breez e is blow in cross de b ay
’ ’ De ion s hte e 0ms s ta d on de gosp l w ay ,
’ De s s da he t hour, dey allu say
’ ’ De dog go how lin long de roa d
’ De night creep down erlong de lan
’ ’ ’ e De ol time s gone, de new time s hy ah
’ ’ De sun hit shine eu de win hit blow
’ ’ De times is mighty stit t in mong de people up ouah w ay
’ ’ De trees is ben din in de sto m
’ De w ay t in gs come, hit seems to me
’ ’ De w in is blow in w ahmah
’ ’ ’ De w in is hollahin B aih y ou to de shuttahs an de fiz h
Dear critic, w ho my lightn ess so deplores
- Dear hu rt, good night l
’ ’ ’ Dear M iss Lucy : I been t in h n dat I d write you long fo dis
Deep in my heart that aches with the repression
’ ’ e in - se Dey been sp ak at de oou t hou .
’ Dey had a greed big pahty dow n to Tom3 de othah night
I N D E X O F F I R ST L I N E S
Gray a re the pages of record
Gray is the pa lace where she dwells
’ ’ G w a an da y quit t noise, Miss Lucy
’ Hain t you see my Mandy Lou
He had hi s dream , an d all through life
He loved her, an d through man y years
He san g of life seren ely sweet
He sc s so ribble me in prose an d verse,
H a e rt of my hea rt, the day is chill
H a a e rt of the Southl nd , heed me pleading n ow
H an d eel toe, heel and toe
’ H m n - tt ello, ole a , you re a gi m gray
’ ’ ’ ’ Hit s been d riz z lin an been sprin klin
How s a h ll I woo thee to win thee, mine ow n ?
How sweet the music sounded
’ H a an c n e ow s m to write a sonnet, a you t ll
Hurt w as the na tion with a mighty wound
Hyeah come Ce sa r Higgins
’ Hyeah d at singin in de medders
c a I am but l y, the sinner plead
I am no priest of crooks nor creeds
I am the mother of sorrows
’ I be n dow n in ole Kentucky
’ ’ ’ I been t in kin bout de preachah ; whut he said dc othah night
I did not know that life could be so sweet
’ ’ ’ li ion n I s ez n I done got u g , honey, a happy a ki g
’ ’ I don t believe in ristercrats
I grew a rose once more to please mine eyes
I grew a rose within a garden fair [xxiii]
I N D E X OF F I R ST L I N E S
’ ’ I s boun to see my gal to-night
' ’ ’ ’ I s feelin kin o lonesome in my little room to-night
It is as if a silver chord
It may be misery not to sin g at all
’ w Chrismus n It as Eve, I mi d hit fu a mighty gloomy day ’ h It s all a farce, t ese tales they tell ’ — ’ It s hot to day . The bees is buz z in
’ ’ ’ ’ It s moughty tiahsome layin roun
’ I ve a humble little motto
’ I ve always been a faithful man
' ’ ’ I ve been list n in to them lawyers
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ e n c i le - u I v jour eyed roun ons d ab , a seci men an things
’ ’ Jes lak toddy w ahms y ou thoo
ust is a da a J wh tle bit, if the y be d rk
Key an d bar, key and bar
s c s a Kiss me, Miami, thou mo t on t nt one !
s Know y ou, winds that blow your cour e
Lay me down beneaf de willers in de grass
e Lea d g ntly, Lord , an d slow
Let me close the ey es of my soul
Let those who will stride on their barren roads
Like sea -washed sand upon the shore
' ’ Little brown baby w if spa klin eyes
Little brown face full of smiles
’ Little lady at de do
Lon g had I grieved at what I deemed abuse
r ess a a Long since, in so e distr , I he rd one pr y [XXVI I N D E X O F FI R ST L I N E S
I care not wha t the circling yea rs
r ow n to ca ry a b , y ou k 0w
’ ' o in de kitchen , an de do is sh t
’ ' is ol Made a
m o h s g f their H avanas, elevatin g to t estars
’ gone a-vis itin to spend a month er tw o
I N D E X OF F I R ST L I N E S
a re hy y ou so ba re, so ba re
- ole i rom I l ea ven the sacred fire
y e bells l
e w de i earth, from the red field y our valour hn w on
' for s u s my o l repose, my brother
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I N D E X OF F I R ST L I N E S
Sunshine on de medders
Sw eetest of the flow ers a-blooming
’ ’ ’ ’ Swing y o la dy roun an roun
Tell y our love where the roses blow l Temples he bui t, an d palaces of air
The r s sk ai i dark, the y is gray
co l The change has me, and He en sleeps
The cloud looked in at the window
The dra ft of love w as cool and sweet
The grey daw n on the mountain top
The grey of the sea, and the gray of the sky
’ The lake s dark breast
The la rk is silent in his nest
The little bird sits in the nest an d sings
The Midnight w ooed the Morning-Sta r
The mist has left the greening pla in
The moon be gins her stately ride
The moon has left the sky , love
’ The night is dew y as a maiden s mouth
The November sun invites me
’ The poor man went to the rich man s doors
The rain streams down like ha rpstrin gs from the sky
The river sleeps beneath the sky
’ The sand-man he s a jolly old fellow
The sme ll of the sea in my nostrils
Th e sn ow lies deep upon the ground
The sun has slipped his tether
The sun hath shed its kindly light
The sun is low [xxix] I N D E X OF F I R ST LI N E S
bend down along the stream
d is out in its ra ge to- night
d told the little lea ves to hur ry
rd is writ that he who run s may read
n rld is a s ob, an d the man who wins
11 n f g queen Nature, ever sweet a d air ’ t no use in all this strife
’ 11 0 bea ten pa ths to Glory s h eight
a for r da b da a he ven , eve , y y y
the days of el fs an d fay s lm e me not these solemn songs the debt I pay
’ o- a l t d y , a go den summer s day
be done to-day I N D E X OF F I R ST L I N E S
Uncle John , he makes me tired
Undernea th the autumn sky
Villain shows his indiscretion
s ? l Want to trade me, do you, mi tah Oh, we l , now, I reckon not
roth h We is ga thahed hy eah, my b a s
We wea r the mask that grins an d lies
’ ’ W en daih s chillun in de house
’ ’ W en de clouds is hangin heavy in de sky
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ W en de colo ed b an comes ma chin down de street
’ ’ W en de evenin shadders
’ ' ’ W en de snow s a- fallin
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ W en I git up in de mo nin an de clouds is big an black
’ ’ ’ r a n a n W en us felle s stomp rou d , m ki lots 0 noise
’ ’ W en you full 0 worry
What are the things that make life bright ?
Wha t dreams we have an d how they fly
What if the wind do howl without
What says the wind to the waving trees ?
’ ’ ’ What s the use 0 folks a-frow n in
l is and a is sa When a l done, my l st word id
’ When August days are hot an d ry
’ ' When de fiddle gits to singin out a 01 Vahginny reel When first of wise old Johnson taught ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ When I come in f m de co n -fiel a ftab wo hin ha d all day When I w as young I longed for Love
When labor is light an d the morning is fair
When Phyllis sighs an d from her eyes
When storms a rise
has c an d all When summer time ome,
' When the b ees are humming in the honeysuckle vine [xxxi] I N D E X OF F I R ST L I N E S
' the corn s all cut and the bright sta lks shine to sweet music my lady is dancing winte r coverin g all the ground
e h da s rou and I w re y oung, t e y
’ ’ at knockin at de do ?
’ ' 1y my hea t ain t true to y ou ? little lady is you. chile
’ ’ ’ lat y ou w hisperin keepin f om me ? ' ime d dat clock strike ?
c mu say , dah ? huh, uh ! hile ides a d ream? a s it that the thunder voic e of Fa te
’ ha ve some mo dat pie ?
’ ’ b low in gentle so de san lay low
1 s , umma h, snow er shine
’ t time hit comin
T H E C O M PLE TE P O E M S O F
s — un peakable beyond A h. then , no more w e heed the sad
worldh cries, ' unknow able to Or seek td probe th eternal mys “ spr mg. t ? a s Or r our s s - of wing, the Fancy f il f et oul at long withheld
replies. ’ with the spirit s A t glooms through w hich our
e v s s ca o see mm yin g. i ion nn t , i comes dow n to soothe the When sleep comes dow n to seal the
i oommdow n to soothe the THE POET AND HIS SONG
A sou o is b u a li tle t t thing. the: soul, A nd yet w hat joy it is to singl 1er sense which neither In hours of toil it i ee g v me z est, A n d when at eve l lon g for rest When oows come b ome alon g the PA U L LAU RE N C E D UN B A R
a n a s out a W hen r ipened gold is all the pl in, The my he rt poke with air : I put my sickle to the grain . right bold an d s a art rs a a 0 I labor hard , and toil we t, Thou wo e th n fool, While others dream within the head ! dell But e n m r w is ve while y b o wet, ACCOUNTABILITY
I si s and all is . ng my ong, well ’ FOLKS ain t got no right to cen dl s a othah s a u Sometimes the sun , unkin y hot, u h folk bo t dey lil y ga rden makes a desert spot ; habits ; ’ Sometimes a blight upon the tree Him dat giv de squ1 r 13 de bush ’ Takes all my fruit aw ay from me ; tails made de bobtails fu de d s a n A n then with throe of bitter p i rabbits. Rebellious pass ions rise and Him dat built de gread big moun tains hollered out de little — But life is more than fruit or valleys, ’ a r gr m, Him dat made de st eets an drive ’ n so s and all is ll. A d I ing, we ways wasn t shamed to make
de alleys.
’ is all cons ruc difi ent RETORT We t ted , ’ ' d ain t no tw o of us de same ; T 1 1 00 art a sa a ’ ’ ’ fool, id my he d We a in t he p ouah likes an dis ’ ’ to my hea rt, likes, ci we se bad we ain t to r In deed, the g eatest of fools thou blame. ’ ’ Ef se we good, we need n t show ’ T o be led astray by the trick of 06 , case y ou bet it ain t ouah a s s ’ tre , doin B a sm ace a ’ y iling f or ribbon We gits into su ttain channels dat smart ; ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ we jes cain t he p pu suin . A n d my heart w as in sore dis But we all fits into places dat no
o h l ll t ah ones cou d fi , ’ n h l is ca b and ac The P y l me y , her f e A n we does the things we has to, w as fai er r, big little, good er ill. ’ ’ T he i a s cai ac l ght gle med oft on her John n t tek de pl e 0 Henry, ’ ’ raven hair ; Su an Sally ain t alike ; ’ ’ d her s re c A n lip we blooming a Bass ain t nuthin like a su kah, ’ ’ chub ain t nuthin like a pike. [ 5 ] TH E C O M PLETE P O E M S O F
it H e ra s her u u come to think about , i ed p and whispered, ’ ' “ ” 3 an d us it s all planned out it Hope Tr t.
udid.
er M l! a s, her is done h ppen For h voice, a fearless clarion, ’ ' ’ in t hit s somefin dat s rung cd ; That broke in warnin g on the ut ou does ou has Lr wh y , y ears of men ; ’ de an hit sholy beats For her the strong how of his ma w s , po er he trung, ut on d itfi 6 1 °t 1 p 1 8 A nd sent his arrows to the very den Where gr im Oppression held his bloody place ’ ' An d gloa ted o er the mis ries of a ERI CK DOUGLASS
is over all the teeming w as - b And he no soft ton gued apolo ’ 0 8m: ha e is pausqa b reath H e s -J L . p k s a g rw a . fea G L A g b o e tr i htfo rd r PA U L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
H e dared the lightning in the Still in the foremost rank he ’ lightning s track, waged the fray A nd answered thunder with his Wrong lived ; his occupation w as
c . thun der ba k. not gone H e died in action with h is armor Wh n men a and e m ligned him, on i their torren t wrath ’ In furious imprecations o er him for We weep him , but we have r b oke, c tou hed his hand , H e kept his counsel as he kept his And felt the magic of his pres path ; nc ’ e e nigh, his T w as for race, not for him The curren t that he sent through self he spoke. out the land , H e knew the import of his M as s his ’ The kindling pirit of battle ter s a ll, c ry . A n d felt himself too mighty to be ’ O er all that holds us we shall tri small. umph yet, And place our banner w here his No miser in the good he held w as hopes were set ! he, H is kindness followed his hori ’ u lass as ass o Oh, Do g , thou h t p ed z n s rim. s H is a his i beyond the hore, h rt, talents, an d h s ’ s c is o er hands were free But till thy voi e ringing the gale l To all who truly needed aughu ’ Thou st taught thy race how high of him. her s ma s a Where poverty an d ignorance hope y o r, a s s e And b de her eek the height , wer rife,
nor a a . H e gave his boun ty as he gave his f int, nor f il he S will not fail, she heeds thy life.
stirring cry , The place and cause that fi rst She knows thy guardian spmt will
a roused his might be nigh, ro i e a Still p ved ts p ow er until his And , rising from b ne th the ’ l chast n in a test day . g rod , ’ In F ree d om s lists and for the aid She s tretches out her bleeding of Right hands to God !
[ 7 ] TH E C O M PL ETE P O E M S O F
V ' LIFE But e en as I listened the mock ' s bird song, bre“and a corner to st l m sad fi A thought o e into y den ed hea rt, 1 “ And said , 1 can cheer
e k of i joy to a p c trouble, B a carol le y s stmp art. r a la ugh hut the moans 1 double ; For oft fr om the da rkness of An d tha t is life ! hea rts an d lives Come son gs tha t brim w ith joy an d a c ha v orner t t lo e nd a light, m s as oree o , As out of the gloom of the cypress smile to warm and the
. ”0 refresh us ; The mocking-bird sings at seems sweeter when cares 811 t c a fter, ’ So la man {5 the finest of foils I sang a y for a brother s ear I n a s a s his la ughter ; tr in to oothe bleed in a And tha t is life ! s he rt, PA UL LAU RE N C E D U N B AR
- From the silent deep The storm king flies, H is s The w aters sweep , whip he plie ,
s . But faint on the cold white stones, And bellow down the wind And the wavelets fly The lightning rash With a plaintive cry With blinding fl ash ’ ’ om s c O er the old earth s bare, bleak C e pri king on behind .
bones.
Rise, waters, rise, And taunt the skies he S “ “ S Afl d P ? W E - f With your sw ift fiitting form. 0 0 “3 hm‘ Wh‘t‘ w m s E g , s Sweep, wild wind , sweep, A nd tosses a kiss at the stars ; And tear the deep - While a water sprite, To atoms in the storm . - In sea pearls dight, ’ - s ars. H ums a sea hymn solemn b An d the waters leapt, s And the wild winds wept,
sk the h And blew out the m on in the y , Far out in nig t, o And I aughed w 1th glee, Oh the w avering sight l It w as JOY to me 1 see a dark hull loom ; 0 As the storm went ragmg by l An d its light on high, ’ Like a Cyclops eye, Shin es out through the mist SUNSET gloom . T 11 8 r s s a e iver leep bene th th sky , And clasps the shadows to its Now the winds well up ' ’ breast From the earth s deep cup, The cresc moon sh1nes d1m on A n d fall on the sea an d shore, leggh " agamst the p1er And in the lately radiant w est é :e waters rear . The gold is fading into gray A n d break Wi th a sullen roar . Now stills the lark his festive
lay ,
UP comes the 83 18 , And mourns with me the And the mist-wrought veil dying day . ’ G ives w ay to the lightning s glare, h - i A n d t e cloud d rifts fall , Wh le in the south the first faint r A somb e pall, star ’ t r i s O er wa er, earth, and ai . Lifts to the night ts ilver face, [ 9 ] T H E C O M PLETE PO E M S OR
nkles to the moon afar As the used tot B ut I y tell y ou, ’ ’ av s r n h n c es the he en g ayi g W e it om to pleasin me. ’ c s a r s spa e, It the de e t in the “chard , rmurs reach me from the
town , b I wou i wi in its s l mts on her som re crow n, ld h de th he ter, ’ Settlin so 006 does he: mantle darkly in me 1 nook. r ca ls nos r a s c dow n . Whe e no l th e t ould stir me
Oh, that quiet, sweet seclusion - R OLD APPLE T EE In its fulness passeth wor ds ! It was deeper than the deepest 1 a memo ry keeps a- run~ a , Th t my sa nctum now afi ords. n ’ a b s an Why, the j y ird the w him, gh my weary head to They w as han d in glove with ht g , me ’ : a picture dancin ' As at ao w ar ’ they winked me bled fire-fiames ; ruddy light In - tha t old apple tree. picture of an orchard
T H E C O M PLETE P O E M S OF
[E SEEDLING And the sun and show ers will
l1 ttle seedlm g u Thro gh the lonesome, strug IlIfl its dar s e k om bed , gling hm Till you raise to light and beauty i 55 a wh t it a a i f ir, unf d ng dowers.
PROM ISE
I oltm a rose within a garden of life began . i fa r. fle A nd in a little lea t , tend g it with more than d r the light of ay , loving ca e,
’ t o e the surroundings I h ught how, with the glory of
the rest the w ay . I should the da rkness of my liie i a liked the prosp ct, illume ;
cd its brother, Stem ; An d, w atching. ever smilod to see PAU L LAU R E N C E D U N B A R
FUL8 1 LM 8 N7 . Lily to lily, Rose unto rose ; canw a r s c as I o e on e more to ple e My love to thy love
mine eyes. Tenderly grows. All to aid it — dew sun things , , Rend not the oak and the ivy in s e wind , fair ki s twain, d s Were kindly ; an to hield it Nor the sw art maid from her
from despoil , sw arthier swain . I fenced it safely in with grateful
toil . No other hand than mine shall AN ANTE-BELLUM SER c sa I plu k this flower, id , MON And I w as jealous of the bee that i athahed h eah o W8 s g y , my h vered nigh. b rothahs It grew for days ; I stood hour , ’ i an ess In dis howlin w ld , after hour ’ Fu to speak some words of To watch the slow unfolding of ’ w fo t the flo er, To each othah in distress. And then I did not leave its side ’ ’ ’ A n we chooses tu onab subjic at all , — ’ ’ ’ Dis w e ll splain it by ao Lest some mischance my flower by : should befall. ’ ‘ sa ses A n de Lawd id , Mo , A t as ! c a a s l t, oh joy the entr l pet l ’ Moses, u s apa . b r t rt ’ H eah am A n de man said , y It sso — a as ! a blo med but, l worm 1 1 w as at its heart !
’ er oh Now ole Ph , down in Egypt, ’ Was w ss man ya SONG de u e h bo n, ’ A n he had de Hebrew chillun ’ ’ r dah w ukin his co n M Y heart to thy hea t, Down in ; ’ ’ My hand to thine ; T well do Lawd got tiahed 0 his ’ My lip to thy lips, foolin , ’ “ ’ Kisses are wine An sez he : I ll let him B rewed for the lover in sunshine know h eah ses o and shade Look y , Mo , g tell ’ Pher oh Let me drink deep, then , my ’ l Fu et chillun o. A frican maid . to dem g S O T H E C O M PLETE POE M F.
- ’ refuse to do it, An de love he show ed to lsrul ’ e ho Was n mke him w de uah, t all on Isrul spent ; ’ ' ’ npty dow n on Egypt Now don t run ao tell yo mas " inls of my pow ah. ’ ’ ' ’ ' — er o h Dat s reachin l an Ph h s a my I p disconten t. ’ w uth a ha f a dime ; ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Cause I ts n t ; I se a-Judg m VII Will IIC D his Cll lllllfl , o Bible DOOPIC by (lt ll' ITUSt him ya i . e h t me ’ . ’ se a- in o ri I n y u de Sc ptuah, ’ ’ ' se a- a o I h ndin y u de fac s. m m mil ’ ’ ? s Pher oh b lieved in ' Co e ole Ck an dc f ' in ront ; sl av ry , ’ 1 d 18 8 11 a O“ oun Y : a him see 5 r But de L wd he let , 1 de battle s b run t. Dat de peOple he ut b ref in r ’ ’ ’ p 10 : 0 c a ns an ' s 1 h i E ah mo hah s o v t s n w as free.
' mountains to de sea ; An da hs othahs thinks lak ’ ’ en Pher o 1 aw d will s some h, de ca s S ses But y ll de c riptuah liar, ' i Fu sa s a s :t his ch llun free. de Bible y ervant PA U L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
We kin hy eah his feet a-tromprn And spread its leaves so fresh an d ’ We kin hy eah his trumfi t blas . young ’ a w a n o ts ss s now are But I w nt to y u people, I blo om blowing. ’ Don t y ou git too b rigity ’ ’ ’ On v r a s a an A n don t y ou git to b raggin e e y h nd in thi f ir l d , ’ ’ r an P d E p s s a c en Bout dese things, you wait rou thio e w rthy hildr stand 56 6 . B eside thei r fairer neighbor ;
s s flee s But when Moses w it his pow ah The fore t before their troke, ’ am e i Their h m rs rin g, their forges Comes an sets us ch llun free , s We will praise de gracious Mastah moke, e s s a Dat has gin us liberty ; Th y tir in hone t l bour. ’ ’ lel hs An we 11 shout c uah hal uya , ’ i ’ rea the fields r On dat mighty reclt n n day , They t d whe e ’ ’ ’ When we se reco nised ez citiz honour calls l ra ! Their voices sound through sen Huh uhl Chil un , let us p y ate halls a s n In m je ty a d power. To right they clin g ; the hymns ODE TO ETHIOPIA they sing
Up to the skies in beauty rin g, O MOTH ER RACE ! to thee I And bolder grow each hour. bring
s a u a , and Thi pledge of f ith nw vering Be proud , my Race, in mind This tribute to thy glory. soul ; I a s c t ’ know the p ng whi h hou Thy name is writ on Glory s sc roll
s , a fi did t feel In ch racters of re. r t h ’ ’ When Slave y c rushed hee wit High mid the clouds of Fame s its heel , bright sky all ’ With thy dear blood gory. Thy banner s blaz oned folds now fl» Sad a s s ah sad d y were tho e , And truth shall lift them indeed l higher. But through the land the fruitful
seed Thou hast the right to noble pride, ss r urified Of better times w as growing. Whose spotle robes we e p ’ The plant of freedom upward By blood s severe baptism . n th w cr w as a sprun g. Upo y bro the oss l id, [ 1 5 ] THE C O M PLE TE PO E M S OF
’ our s painful sweab beads ade secratin g chrism.
worthy pom“. ac or t or ac r e, whi e bl k, A nd you ”hm “f m bubblin g mnd as u f to the tho we t. W That are how m in pifl wl0m“
90“cut out w ing , with I saw in d“”mm
Wi th a em talk bow for a mm.
su lk fiddle.
1nd up ! Our souls and m the strains tha‘ gw w as ymI draw the bow low thy con tinuous rim; ' ans shall lmt thy story e a who from thy m t ’ t s mum aw ve all pring, And the ne r loud udly tune their lyres to but low PAU L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
M ore time than tune from the To the screech and scrape of a
- - l c stallt fiddle. corn stalk fidd e. orn
Then brother Jabez takes the bow, THE MASTER-PLAYER While Ned stands 05 w ith Su
san an , h n Bl d A N old , worn harp that ad bee s s b w Then Henry top y Milly Sno , played ’ And John takes Nellie Jones s Till all its strings were loose and
a , ra h nd f yed , While I pair 05 with Mandy a and ar ac Joy, H te, Fe , e h one
Biddle, assayed ,
A n d sc a , scra sc a s r had r pe pe , r pe goe To play. But each in tu n - fi the corn stalk ddle. found so N0 sweet responsiveness of und .
rs Salute your partne , comes the Then Love the Master-Player call, came All join hands and circle With heavin g breast and eyes round , aflame n Bal ; Grand train back , a d s The H arp he took all undi mayed , ance all l s Smote on its strings, sti l trange Footsteps hghtly spurn the
to song, ground . And brought forth music sweet Take your lady and balance n down the middle a d strong. TO the merry strains of the corn
stalk fiddle. THE MYSTERY — So the night goes on and the dance I WA S not ; now I am a few ’ a s c is o er, d y hen e And the merry girls are home I shall not be ; I fain would look
ward gone , before se all s c r But I e it in my leep on e And afte , but can neither do ;
more, some Power And I dream till the very break Or lack of power says no to all aw of d n I would. O f an irnpish dance on a red-hot I stand upon a wide an d sunless griddle [ 1 7 ] T H E C O M P L E TE P O E M S O F
A re heroes he 1 nor steel to guide my g t y w ho higher tare, in h i ps aright. And , fly g, fan t e upper a r, ’ o i M i n he toil that h th o erc mn a a s a t u s sod. g fe r, I d re g e T m h move, t ey w hme hash have felt without direction and by the rod .
n mto hear a voice a d unshod , i l a han d M ay m le upon defeated care. rws thm ever upward Not they w ho soar. ’ o the gloom. i e m hea r no voia and touch H gh up th re are no thorns
hand , prod . ' Nor l r ur h e the thro sflenoe infinite I bou de s l king ath
o noemoi s are 1 my hearin g to supernal To turn the k e the h , Fo fli h is r e and a mds ; r g t eve fr e r re ; ’ ' But hem s y e thro fateful darknes do they the oil who trod mar ch my han d to find that Not they who l e a n t h nd .
’ mew a When de mmie o dat hm o so y. j
Sets h n all e v i m art eo nea r ; my cz i r r og.
i d1ia l with her, b r g z y . ’ ’ t m ea . wi h y d r An my w ifc an gn dg othahgr ' be d' m m msc ’ y p , Male an female, small an e be th foe i y . b g, 00 " nc - r 8 thine eloque e Even up to gn y ha i ed grann y, ’ ' m rne . ba rk Seem j es boun to do a j ig ; " ' Twell I change de style 0 music, ’ Change de mom ent ao de
LBANJO SO NG time , ' ' A n de ringin little banjo ’ e I ts 0 r ao "0u t 9 lo kee ble e - n Plays an 01 h a t feelm h o e. world to swaller . down ; ' Sorrer s putty lively ’ ’ A n somehow my th oa t gits choky. ’ ’ ’ w a 0 i r u . ' ’ y gitt n o n An a k s tr in is ' lump eep y to r e e 8 times when I furgit ’ Lak it wan ed to ketch de water m ' v Dat w as flow in to my eyes ; ' ’ nu pains an troubles ’ Ao I feel dat I could sorter Knock de socks clean 03 0 sm PAU L LA U R E N C E D U N B A R
’ ’ An So jes let me hy eah it ringin , d tell me that my longing love ’ ’ h c u o an had Doug de h ne be p won your own,
rough , I think all my sad thoughts would ’ ’ s a as an as s It ple ure ; de ple ure then be put away, ’ 0 dis life is few enough . And I could give back laughter ’ for the Ocean s moan ! s a l N ow , de bles ed little nge s
Up in heaben , we are told ‘ ’ ’ Don t do nothin all dere lifetime THE PATH ’ ’ ’ ’ Ceptin play on ha ps 0 gold. ’ ’ HERE are b a a s Now I think heaben d be mo T no e ten p th to ’ s homelike Glory height, ’ There are no rules to compass Ef we d hy eah some music fall ’ ’ a n ss l - s a gre t e known ; F om a real o fa hioned b njo, Each for himself must cleave a Like dat one upon de wall.
path alone, And press his own w ay forward LONGING fi h in the g t. Smooth is the w ay to ease and IF y ou could sit with me beside ca lm delight, -da the sea to y , And soft the road Sloth chooseth A n d whisper with me sweetest ’ ’ for her own dreamin gs o er and o er ; But he who c raves the flower of I think I should not fin d the - life full blown , nd a clouds so dim a gr y, Must struggle up in all his armor And not so loud the waves com dight l plainin g at the shore. What though the burden hear him
If y ou could sit with me upon the sorely down - cr s s e a shore to day , And u h to du t th mount in his An d hold my hand in yours as in of pride, r l Oh, then , with st ong hea rt et the days of old , I think I should not mind the chill him still abide ; For ru is roa a to baptismal spray, gged the dw y w N or find my hand and heart an d reno n, l Nor ma a the en a l the world so cold . y he hope to g in
vied c rown , I f y ou could walk with me upon Till he hath thrust the looming
- the strand to day , rocks aside. [ 2 1 ] T H E C O M PL ETE P OE M S O F
' ' LAWYERS WAYS H ow an angel an a devil a a s a the self-same soul ' ' C n p e s ? I list nin to them lawye rs court house up the st reet , come to the conc lusion ODE FOR M EMORIAL DAY " l m most completely beat. DONB are the toils and the w eari teller riz to argy, s e a c s boldly waded in om m r he , ’ Done is the summons of b u le the tremblin pms net g ’ and . o ed in drum 0 deep dy s . Softly and sweetly the sky over
arc s painted him all over he , ’ ’ s Shelt rin a a R ue o blacke t crime, g l nd where ebel l o is d his reputation i n dumb . ' the thickest kind 0 Dark were the d ays of the coun ' m try s d erange ent , myself a Sad were the hours when the i con flict w as on sty w ay an d dim, , of at r Lord had come to fashion But through the gloom fr e n al s a n ul man as him. e tr ngeme t PA U L LAU R E N C E D U N BA R
s our o s Born in the battle w here fleet Place on the grave of her e a s Death w as flying, the l urel
- val r Slaying with sabre stroke bloody Which their unfaltering o has ! and fell ; won Born where the heroes and mar
tyrs were dying, d Torn by the fury of bullet an PREMONITION
shell .
da is as : s the EAR a -ni ht l Ah , but the y p t ilent D he rt , good g
a N a sw v c r ttle , ay , list awhile th t eet oi e An d the con fusion that followed singing ht ll so the fig . When the world is a bright, Peace to the heroes who died in And the soun d of song sets the
- the battle , heart a ringing,
r an d cr Marty s to truth the own Oh, love, it is not right ! ing of Right Not then to say , Good ” night.
fli ra O ut of the blood of a con ct f -ni ht Dear hea rt , good g l al tern , The late winds in the lake weeds Out of the dust an d the dimness s hiver, a of de th, And the spray flies cold and rs ss s Bu t into blo om of glory eter white. nal And the voice that sings gives a Flowers that sweeten the world telltale quiver
a . es is with their bre th Ah , y , the world bright, c and s c a , a , Flower of h rity pe e But, dearest heart, good devotion night l Bloom in the hearts that are r -n i ht empty of strife ; Dear hea t, good g l Love that is boundless and broad And do not longer seek to hold as the ocean me ! Leaps into beauty and fulness For my soul is in afi right As a s r of life. the fe rful gloom in thei
o s aea s and a . S , with the inging of p n p ll enfold me
C ra s sa ho l , See him who ng how white h s so a o And with the fl ag flashing hig And till ; , de r, g od
n . in the su , night [ 2 3 ] T H E C O M PLE TE P O E M S O F
-ni ht l When ou and l w ere o r hea rt , good g y y ung. the ’ l I ll press no more ’ “ ever, Brimmed bravely o er with every nine eyes shall lose the o ' light ; To chhrln the happy o hearted great white wraith by the o’ w inding river The qufi lthmed out her timid check my steps with
. fid d co might The P y me , a hostess
' dea r, good night, night ! H eld £2t t cups of ha rm less wine ; An d low the la den grape Vin e sw mg LTROSPECTION ° Q Wxth beads df night-h ssed ame th “ o n d y n a I were youn g, the Where buzzing lovers held their days filled wi th scent of pink ou an d n an When y I were you g, d rose . PA U L LA U R E N C E D U N B A R
H ow flashed the spray as we The fleetin g y ea rs had fled nu
in ss plunged , mi ed P ure gems that never caused a And from our hearts this cry sin ! w as wrung
fill e When y ou and I were young, To with fond r gret an d tears a s a a s my boy , The d y of our rem ining ye r
e o an d . ou an d n Wh n y u I were y oung When y I were you g , m y boy . h an d n W en you I were young. W hen y ou a d I w ere y oun g, we hea rd
s N a e All ounds of tur with de UNEXPRESSED
light, The w hirr of wing in sudden DEEP in my heart that aches with
r ss flight, the epre ion ,
- s The chirping of the baby bird . And trives with plenitude of ’ l The columbine s red bel s were bitter pain, rung ; There lives a thought that clamors ’ for x ss The locust s vested chorus e pre ion, sun g ; And spends its undelivered c While every wind his zithern for e in vain . strung a s a s - n s Wh t boot it th t ome other To high an d holy sou ding key , may have thought it ? And played sonatas in the trees ’ The right of thoughts expres When you and I were young, sion is divine ; my boy , The price of pain I pay for it has When you and I were young.
bought it, I ca re not who lays claim to it Wh ou and r en y I we e young, we — ’ t is mine ! kn ew
s o and a To h ut l ugh, to work And y et not mine until it be dcliv and a pl y, ered ; And night w as partner to the The manner of its birth shall da y prove the test.
all s. So s as alas In our joy wift time Al , , my rock of pride is flew shivered On s s a ilent wing th t, ere we I beat my brow the thought s s wi t, till unexpressed . T H E C O M P LETE P O E M S O F
~IG OF SUMMER SPRING SONG
A BL UE-BKLL sprin gs upon the
ledge,
’ level ez a do
to de laz y. ’ vhite w it streaks 0 blue, arr, i ’ i ne softly gleamn , And life is brimm ng everywhere. ’ o w uk hi t 3 right to do, What lark an d breeze an d blue ' ’ ’ a i i 1 8 n ght but dre m n . b rd sing,
Is Spring, Spring, Spring ! by de rivah side ’ ’ e wa taba glist n in , No more the air is sh arp and cold ’ ood an satisfied The pl anter w ends ac ross the w old , ’ ’ la a -list nin sh n 1 y And, glad , benea th the ini g ittle nakid boys sky ’ n in de watah We wander forth , my love an d I . ' fu to spress deu' Joys And ever in our he a rts doth ring s s s n o n k youn g ter ought to . Thi so g f Spri g, Spring !
T H E C O M PL ET E P O E M S O F
’ ' a c a l n t neithe r prove the I got Eliz s omp ny. ’ ’ A h leavin Zekel c in the lur h, ' as fur too 3112111 ) to fling Went trottin 05 with her to c fur the other one hurch. ’ ’ doin stop the f un An jest as we had took ' ’ ’ a e l cha ps did n t h ve th (E iza lookin fair ah sweet), h ' l W y , I jest could n t he p but grin ’ s Zeh l - o n in got a t our ex pen e , When e come a b u c in s i the w ay a teller doe , A s furious as the law allows. ’ ’ ' ’ s. H e is fools an allus w a d jest be n up to Liza s house . ’ a t e o 1 they s fem les in h To fin d her gone, then come t church ' nen s about the same. To have this end put to his ’ LC an me wen t on that ’ I guess I la fiod that meetin ' i an a e le da qu rr l d y by through , ' A n not a mortal word I knew ’ i i i the er z a , m nd n not Of what the preacher preached read PAU L LAU RE N C E D UN B A R
” ’ sa A n c m ac at so ar To you a minute . Cert, id then o e b k me h d , ’ ’ uess a a I I g I must hurt the y rd , ’ A -n udgin Liza on the sly E r spilet the grass plot where I ’ h ’ A n laug in in my sleeve with fell , ’ A n sa s a r glee . ke live it hu t me well , ’ ’
a . n t so b ad see I asked her, please , to p rdon me It would be n , you , ’ ’ - e s a . We walked away a step r two , But he je t kep hittin me ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ A n ac an c an Jest to git out o Liza s view , I hit b k ki ked ’ “ a a A n then Zeke said , I w nt to p wed , ’ ’ know But t seemed t w as mostly air I ’ ' a c a E f you think you t e Eliza s be u , l wed , ’ ’ ’ ’ A n at I m goin to let her go While Zekel used his scien ce well ’ A - a Hum with sich a chap as y ou ? m kin every motion tell . ’ ’ H e c A n sa . an I id bold , You bet I do pun hed hit, why, good ’ ’ ] eerin sa at ss a s Then Zeke , sn , id he ne l nd , ’ eeme d o a n ha a s. Did t want to hender me . S d like he d zen h nd ’ al w a But then he lowed the g as Well , fterwhile they stopped the
his fuss, ’ ’ ’ A n at ss his A n som he gue ed he knowed e one kindly parted us. ’ ’ ’ biz, All beat an cufied an clawed an ’ ’ ’ A n w as n t a r 0 all s a c e fe ed my kin cr t h d , ’ ’ ’ With all my friends an chums A n n eedin both our faces in throwed . patched , Some other things he mentioned Each started burn a different w ay ; ’ ’ A n a 0 o s there wh t Liza, do y u ay , a man c a s a — Th t no born ould no w y Why, Liz little humbug
ear r b dern he , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ h l t in s a he E r t ink 0 ca my ry to t n Why, s d gone home with ’ ’ Z a es man E f eke h d be n the bigg Hiram Turner. ’ s In town , an not the leane t runt ’ ’ s A t time an labor ever tunt. LOVE ’ l im THE R AND THE A n so I et my fist go h , ’ ’ M OON I thought I d mos nigh fin ished
him . A LOVER whom duty called over ’ Zehe n t a so l . But did t ke it the wave, ’ H e jest ducked down an dodged With himself communed my blow Will my love be true [ 2 9 ] T HE C O M PL ETE P O E M S O F
to herseli ? H ad I But his star w as high, so he
braved the main , e nd to watch over h r, And sa iled him blithely home id and grave ? again ; friend might fail in my And with joy he bended his
he said , I return to find love To lea rn of his love from the
ml. riendships fade like the ' mrs of June, s She at as of yore, in her olden sav c a of e her in h rge the ac ” pl e, ble moon . Serene as death , in her silver “ taid to the moon : O A white rose gleamed in her ir old moon, w hiter hair, >r yea rs an d m from And the tint of a blush w as 011 thrown above her face nurtured an d guarded A t mght of the youth she sadly mg lovers and love ,
l . L - L PA U L LAU R E N C E D U N BA R
’ she a the A nd I could n t resist, To te r the false moon from
answering said ; sky . But love still grows in the hea rts of men and C NSC NC AN RE Go forth, dear youth, love O IE E D M O SE again . R
D-BY n GOO B, I said to my co B ut he turned him away from her science a profi ered gr ce. - Good bye for ay e and aye, as Thou art false , 0 moon , And I put her hands ofi harshly, the hearts of men , ” And turned my face away ; a a . I will not , will not love g in co sc c e ’ And n ien e smitt n sorely And he turned sheer round with a Returned not from th at d y . a soul-sick face
e an Sea To the s a , d cried : , But a time came when my Spirit curse the moon , Grew weary of its pace ; Who makes her vows and for ” And I cried : Come back, my gets so soon . conscience ; And the awful sea with anger I long to see thy face. stirred , “ But conscience cried : I cannot ; And his breast heaved hard as ” Remorse sits in my place. he lay and heard.
And ever the moon wept down in IONE a r in , And ever her sighs rose high in AH es i s s s l wind ; , y , t weet ti l to remem ber But the earth and sea were deaf , ’ i an d blind , Though t were less pa nful to A n d she wept and sighed her forget ; For griefs in vain . while my heart glow s like an
And ever at night, when the ember, ’ s is s torm herce, Mine eyes with orrow s drops
The c ries of a wraith through are wet,
the thunder pierce ; And , oh, my heart is aching
And the waves strain their aw y et. ful hands on high It is a law of mortal pain [ 3 1 ] T H E CO M P LE TE PO E M S O F
s ac old wound , long
n t r ma a ed well , Who whe e he y must sip his ’ s tn the memory potent glass. ell v is , Lo e the King, the Purple
and e a a . e to life bl ed g in Wearer, Whose guard reeks not of tree i th me ; it might be bet or grass To blaz e the w ay tha t he may bould turn no look be What if my hea rt be in the blast
n d fet a ral s his a curb my hea rt , a Th t he d triumph nt w ay :
a Sh ll I repine , shall I not say n d R c , my a , t has , ejoi e he rt he King — ass ! my soul go blind go p ed nd l d I do it if I could ? In lifqeach heart holds some sad ase at such a price were story u n re r ed ; The saddest ones a never told . PAU L LAU RE N C E D UN B A R
Doubt by dishonesty is taught ; A form where every maiden grace ’ So a n me loved I boldly, fe ri g Bloo d to perfection s richest
a . e n ught flow r,
I did not walk this lowly earth The statued pose of conscious w as r Mine a newer, highe power, ’ S - phere, Like lithe limbed Dian s of the w as and Where youth long life chase .
s w a dear,
all sa w as . And ve love little worth Beneath a brow too fair for frown
ing,
- H er likeness ! Would that I Like moon lit deeps that glass i s s might limn t, the kie all s s a s As Love did , with enduring Till the ho t bove eem n art ; drow ing, Nor dust of days nor death may Looked forth her steadfast ha s dim it, zel eye , Where it lies graven on my With gaze serene and pu rely s wi e . heart, all ss s a Of this sad fabric of my life a And over , her tre e r re ,
c , n , his s part. Whi h whe with de ire a I would that I might paint her grown we k , now The Night bent down to kiss c As I beheld her in that day; her heek , a an d him ca E re her first bloom had passed Entr pped held ptive
there. away,
And left the lines upon her brow .
This w as Ione ; a spirit finer ’ a a its s A face serene th t, be ming Ne er burned to ash hou e cla brightly, of y ; ’ Disa rmed the hot sun s glances A soul instinct with fire diviner ’ a ar the ace bold . Ne er fled thw t f of so da A foot that kissed the ground y , m lightly, And te pted Time with earthly d H e frowned in wrath an stay.
v ss w s a deemed her cold , Her lo eline a not lone ’ But loved her still though he Oi face and form and tresses e w as old. hu ; [ 33 ] T H E C O M PLETE P O E M S O F
u ro gh West, ’ r is o act : th was l ne. When Day s long fight m fought
and w on. II
h ra ia n t e d nt And life became a difierent story : ’ s il . r d God looked , m ing Where e I looke , I saw new ml sk the y ; light. ' ' nd rin vent w a g much to Earth s self assumed a greater ther ad an d a n and l ne, Io e cleared to
fuller sight. 03d the “w e fie Then first I saw the need an d non thoughts and 00m
> n tas s, te Of that fair band, the singing 5 s v s saw who e i ion the throng,
n e ~ Who . gifted w ith the skill di ' f ra t a s reely g n ed be uty vine,
T H E C O M PLETE P O E M S O F
’ ’ ns And too, the heave o er so my brother s dawning plight ht wi h an unc a Beeame u c r g t h ng n ove ed to my sight.
! with rhyme were over Caught in the mmha of my ’ taught him N ature s m i Som t e lit le glance, a shade mo ea not dimmed his bril d r , t a e e Be r y d the lw he bore Ione, had not made him
What could I do ? He
the u r se. b dding o r brothe ,
And youn g, md full of how how I came to an d trust ; o d re I ould not, a d try to pricked my w ul Hi 3 is ght ; s am , and turn h hm to s by some vague thrill du t. PAU L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
M a s a ea I saw how I could save himpain. y he rt welled with s of ll da r a s And so, with a my y g own te r , a s a c u not dim , The te r my m nhood o ld ’ s That this loved brother s sun hed .
might shine, s a v r I joined his uit, g ve o e a is The world is Rome, and F te
mine , Nero,
a . And sought Ione, to ple d for him Disporting in the hour of
doom . a us s a I found her in an eastern bower , God m de men time m ke the ’ Where all day long the am rous hero
sun But in that awful space of
Lay by to woo a timid dower. ’ b t s rro s This day his course w as well I gave no thought u o w
r . nigh run , oom — ll w as dim hat But still with lingering art he All a within t
spun bower, ha sun v rce the Gold fancies on the shadowed W t time the di o d d ay ; wall . all s a s The vines waved soft and green And the h dow , glooming r g ay , above, And there where one might tell Proclaimed the sadness of the
i hour. h s love, — I told my griefs I told her all ! She could not speak no word r I told her all, an d as she hea k w as needed ; a s and a ened , Her look, h lf trength h lf
- A tea r drop fell upon her dress. despair, a e With grief her flushing brow w as Told me I had not vainly ple d d , d arkened ; That she would not ignore my
One sob that she could not te prayer. press And so she turned and left me
Betrayed the depths of her dis there, so ass tress . And as she went, p ed my
r Upon her g ief my sorrow fed , bliss w as mis And I bowed with unlived She loved me, I could not
years, take [ 37 ] T H E C O M P LE TE P O E M S O F
’ her own and my love s RELIGION
I AM M f iest of crooks nor u nhood eould rise to P
For human wants and human uded hea rt fled swift to ’ e r , Are more to me than prophets
' e at times seeme d very d eeds a r . tea rs and human he r proved an ardent er Affect me more than human ta d so youn g a man to r ?
i Go as i l Ione with n the yea r. , ce e your wa l , lugubrious w clouds her tranquil sain t l
»w fret i h av ur , You h g He en with yo ' ' a cak her husband s name pl int. ' r Is h s h p ride, t i the Christian s joy y ou she sits honored at his paint ? ’ Is this the Christian s boasted PAUL L AU RE N C E D UN B A R
’ DEACON JONES GRIEV Now it might be almost decent ’ ANCE Ef it w as n t fur the w ay ’ ’ A t they git up there an sing it, ’ ar I V]! been w atchm of em, p Hey dum diddle, loud and gay . son ’ , IVh y , it shame: the name 0 ’ ’ An m s r fur sa I or y to y sacred ’ t is c n A my mind not onte ted its i In braz en w ordl n ess , ’ s an keerless ’ ’ ’ With the loo e A n they ve even got Ol Hun w ay dred ' At s a mu the young folk tre t the a - In bold , new fangled dress. sic ; ’ ’ ’ a the s 0 ’ T in t proper ort ll x s You e cu e me, M r. Parson ,
c . hoir Ef I seem a little sore ; ' ’ Then I don t believe in Chris ’ ’ But I ve sung the songs of Isr el s ’ tun sc ea For three ore y rs an more, ’ - e ’ ’ ’ A singin hymns for hir . Ah it sort 0 hurts my feelin s ’ Fur to see em put away But I never would a mur Fur these harum-scat um ditties muted ’A i i ’ t s ca tur n da . ’ ’ ’ p the y A n the matter might a gone ’ Ef it w as n t fur the antics ’ ’ There s an uther little h app nm ’ ’ ’ A t s r on ’ ’ ’ I ve een em ker y ; A t I ll mention while I m So I thought it w as my dooty here, ’ Fur to come to ou an ask ’ ’ y Jes to show at my objections ’ ’ Ef ou n t so 0 e y would rt g ntly is f All of ered sound an d clear. ’ Take them singin folks to task . ’ It w as one day they w as singin ’ ’ An w as doin well enough ’ ’ s c ve ’ Fust, the mu i they be n Singin good as people could sing ’ ’ singin Sich an awful mess o stufi Will disgrace us mighty soon ’ o r h c a It s a cross between a p y W en the hoir give holler, ’ ’ ’ tillio . A n a A n a ol oo n tune the org n give a groan, ’ ’ With its d ashes an its quavers An they left one weak-voiced fel ’ An its hifalutin style ler ’ s sw A -s i a i Why , it ets my head to im ing n there lone ' s c min But he tu k right to the music, ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ When I m comin down the Tho t w as tryin as could
msle. [ 39 ] T H E C O M PLET E PO E M S O F
i se I tried to belo h m, Ro s waving fair and sweet ' led r all hull ch urch soow Th o the garden eys, Grow into a glory meet For the ey e of Alice ; ’ - t s so 1ow srngm, Ifi the w ind y our ofl ering bear ft ord that I Of sweet per fumqiaint and rare. when folks w as
Lily holdin g cry stal dew
s so . their hymn high In your pure w hite chalice , ' n had s c doin s ever i h Nature kind hath fashioned y ou ' ood ol a s Bethel d y , Like the soul of Alice ; s w as all con I t of s i folk pure t wh te is wrought. d e Filled with gems of c rysta l be si s s mple ong of thought.
SC.
have s oke too o en y p p , AFTE R TH E QUARREL ru d to keep ' So w w e, ho ve supped the self ’ y ou ll tell the singers PA U L LAU R E N C E D U N B A R
But s c s in e it mu t , why, let it end ; BEYOND THE YEARS ’ a The f lse but dies, t is not the
true.
So are a ou and I O D r we f vored , y , BEY N the yea s the answer lies, Who only want the living Beyond where brood the grieving
truth. skies w as urs And i h It not good to n e the lie ; N g t drops tears. ’ T is well it died in harmless Where Faith rod-chastened smiles
youth. to rise d And ofi its fears,
And ca n - rping Sorrow pines a d I go from you to night to sleep . ’ dies Why, what s the odds ? why
ars. should I grieve ? Beyond the ye I have no fund of tea rs to weep
For happenings that undeceive.
a a s The d ys shall come, the d y Bey ond the years the prayer for rest shall go Shall beat no more within the Just as they came an d went be breast ; a fore. The d rkness clears,
The sun shall shine, the streams And Morn perched on the moun ’ shall flow tain s crest Though you and I are friends no Her form uprears
. da a is c is es more The y th t to ome b t,
Beyond the years.
And in the volume of my years, Where all my thoughts and ar fin acts shall be, Beyond the ye s the soul shall d The page whereon your name That endless peace for w hich it
appea rs pined,
a a ars Sh ll be forever sealed to me. For light ppe ,
No a a o - es a s re t th t I h te y u over much, And to the ey th t till we blind ’ an d a s T is less of hate than love de With blood te r , fied ; Their sight shall come all uncon ’ fined Howe er, our hands no more shall
ars. touch , Beyond the ye ’ll We go our ways, the world is
wide. [ 4 1 ] T H E C O M PLE TE P O E M S O F
' ’ PER le - o i ee i A VISIT Well , p g g ne t, I mj t ckled , ’ ’ Bein tickled ain t no sin ; "w olc xmmck ’ y I be n dow n in ole Kentuek ’ y , an sa ek er two, y , ' hard ez breakin oxen ’ e aw a ar mys f y. ' ’ ’ ln bout fren ship lospitality a ta talk bout it VILLAt bows his indiscretion , ’ ’ there to see. be n dow n Villain s pfi tner makes con ieesion.
n d s they give you w elcome Finds her pa and dons lo g re ses.
a y ou by the h nd . Hero comforts tearful maiden , ’ We re glad to Soubrette marries loy al cha ppie, d ll re a Villain skin an a a h ppy. a week er two ; they treat you makes
’ THE SPELLIN -B EE
TH E C O M PLETE P O E M S OF
— ' ‘ ’ or t may be her ’ llin
’ ’ s ez a jest rewa rd , thi I reckon he w as w ond rin what ’ s s l t m work on pel in . hem rings 0 hern w ould ’ - - bl ue backed spellin book bring him. ' ’ fancy scarlet trimmin ; A n when the spellin ~ test co rn ’ men devoured it with our eed , he up an took his ' — an 80 did the girls station , ’ ' A ~ s ellin en. p with the best 0 them l c to a i t up where a l ould be t the very nat on . ’ ' e i A on the table s t r. n when he d spell some yo ung ' s speller in the hou e felt ster down , he d turn to look ll bound to get it. ’ ’ mmand we fell in line, A n say : The teachin nowadays ’ ’ ” M d our doot ca 0 to do y , n t be no grea t vally. ’ ’ he rest an set em down , o the a sa s But true en ugh ad ge y , “ ’ arry home the booty . Pride walks in slipp ry uen the me rry times be ’ the blunders, an the PA U L LAU RE N C E D UN BA R
’ But Lawyer Jones of all gone men 0 course I had to stand the jokes ’ ’ ’ hor l onest an chaflin ello s did s e y look the g , of the f , ’ When he found out that he d fur But when they handed her the ’ got to put the h in hon book I vow I w as n t jealous. ” ’ s est. We ung a hymn, an Parson ’ r s A n Parson Brown , whose se Brown dismi sed us like he
mons were too long fur tol orter, ’ la a h r cration , Fur, l he d le rned a t ing e ’ ’ ’ ’ Caused lots 0 smiles by missia two an made his bless in n s when they give out co horter. ’ ’ s T w as a an c den ation . l te old w hen we got i l So one by one they gly it up out, but Nett e liked éo d ’ ’ - a the big words kep a landin , we ther, ’ ’ ’ A n o I d Till me an Nettie Gray w as left, s did , so w e agreed we ’ - s al the only ones a standin , je t w k home together. ’ w uz r s A n then my inward strife began We both silent, fur of wo d — t r s I guess my mind w as w e nu he had a urplus, ’ she S out su n PC“? .Till poke quite dde n - You mss a I did so want that spellt book like, i ed th t word but then to spell dow n Net on purpm c a r tie Well , I de l re it f ightened me ; ’ ’ ’ t fi t den in Jest sort 0 went ag in my grain a rs I tried y , ’ ’ i But she es s an I somehow could n t do t, Nettie, j t miled ’ s she now a A n when I git a notion fixed, miled , k ed th t I ’ ’ ’ i w as l in . I m great on stickin to t. y ’ b So when they giv the next word Sez she : That book is yourn y ” — ’ out I had n t orter tell right ; set I : It never c tt, ould be ’ ’ — — — ’ But then t was all fur Nettie s I I you ah an there ' ’ ’ — c an she u sake I missed so s she I stu k , well nder
l s . could spel it. tood me at So a a ater w n She spelt the word , then looked we greed th t l on he ’ ’ ’ ’ - a e had iv us r me so lovin like an mello , g g tethe , ’ ’ ’ l I tell you t sent a hunderd pins We d jine our lots an sett e down ’ ’ a o . a shootin through a fello . to own th t b ok together
[ 45 ] T H E C O M PL ETE PO E M S O F
' -PLUGGIN AWAY There will come a brighter day
All your labor to repay, IID blC little motto , Kw ”plum away. ’ s homely, though it
"i “ ’ f There ll be lots of sn oers to swal ng W bfl ‘ l ve an object ' There ll be lots of pain to bear lWfi S “ to ’ Y do - Y K ep a pluggin a a . ' e w y - lu in a a p gg w y o If y u w. got your eye on heaven , ’ m ve rising mm m ’ Some bright day you ll wake up l e l) there, - l Keep a p uggtn away. z ver fail to tell , m m still is king ’ ~ l i p ugg n away. Time its su re reward will bring ;
Work and wait unwearying, ' X“ a- lu i a ls are high before V p gg n aw y . paths are ha rd to climb,
H OF zmber that suceem NIG T LOVE PA U L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
Though midnight find the swain, II
love, But deep within her heart old Na ’ Still halting o er his numbers. ture knew sh h d That e a once arrayed , at ’ I w atch the rosy dawn , love , Earth s behest, e s a as Com te ling up the e t, n r Another ofispri g, fine and fai While all things round rejoice, to view ,
love, The chosen sucklin g of the That Night her reign has ’ mother s breast.
ceased . The child w as wrapped in vas t
The lark will soon be heard , love, ments soft and fine, And on his w ay be win ging ; ’ Each fold a w ork of N ature s ’ When Nature s poets wake, love, matchless art Why should a man be singing ? The mother looked on it with love
divine, And strained the loved one
COLUMBIAN ODE closely to her heart.
An d there it lay , an d with the wa rmth grew strong
ova un ea s a o a a e a sa se F h dred y r g t ngl d An d he rty, by the lt a as w te breezes fanned , L e A ay sleeping on the w st t Till Time with mellowing touches ’ lantic s si de passed along, Their devious ways the Old And changed the infant to a ’ s s rac World million t ed mighty land . n la Content, and loved , a d
bored , dared and died , Whi le students still beli eved the But men knew naught of this, till cha rts they conned , there arose And revelled i n thei r thn ftless e That mighty mariner, th ignorance, Genom Nor dreamed of other lands that a 0f f Wh0 daredd to try , n arm a n lay beyond n m ’ a : Old Ocean s dense, in definite The unh own fortunes of un expanse. sounded seas. ’ s li s s O noble t of Ita a ons, thy bark [ 47 ] T H E C O M PLETE PO E M S O F t alone into that sh roud And a dog for the hunt when the i n ght ! game is flush , ’ .m darer oi the raylm And the pick of a gentleman s r k, stable. orld sailed w ith thee to ’ zrnal i er is l ght ! Th e Dimmock o Dune . he h a s a a w as r e - unt th t w ith g me he e yw t r night, ’ 't e crowded then But he s rotting tod ay on Glen are tilled and cultiy ahed An sell ; ' lds ; T m the han d 0 M aePhem n ’ oolh ouse tow rs w hm that gave him the blow, vult fe o uin had his dm, And the um shall w n here the wim m stood ’ ' chapel smn ds ; But it s heigho {o r a brave old that nurtured men of song fage mien An d a glamwhile we are able ; ’ eems with men of Na Here s a health to dea th and an ’ e s nobla t typa ; other cup
- e loved the fors t foliage To the bright y e over the table. PAU L LAU R E N C E D U N B A R
’ ’ - LL a AN EASY GOIN FE ER Seen a light gle m f om huh eye, ’ ’ Ah a smile go flittin by ’ ’ TH BR a use all s in t no in thi ac ac Jump b k, honey, jump b k. strife , ’ ’ ’ in - ’ A n hurry , pell mell , right thro H y eahd de w in blow thoo de
life. pine, ’ ’ as I don t believe in goin too f t ac a Jump b k, honey, jump b ck. ’ ’ see a 0 a ve ’ ’ To wh t kind ro d you - M ockin bird w as singin fine, asse p d . m ac c Ju p b k, honey , jump ba k. ’ ’ a a 0 ’ ’ ’ It in t no mort l kind good , An my hea t w as beatin so, ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ N I would n t hurry ci I could . When I reached my lady s do , ’ ’ s o ’ ’ I like to je t g joggin long, Dat I could n t ba to go u s s To limber p my oul with ong ; ac Jump b k, honey, j ump back. ’ ’ To stop awhile n chat the men , ’ ’ ’ N drink some cider now an ’ ’ Put my ahm aroun huh wais ,
. then ac Jump b k, honey, jump back. ’ Do a ss a-standtn ’ w nt no bo by s Rai ed huh lips an took a tase, see a s tr To me work ; I llu y ac c Jump b k, honey, jump ba k. oo To do my d ty right straight up, Love me, honey, love me true ? ’ ’ A n earn what fills my plate an Love me well emI love you ?
cu . ’ ’ ’ p n h A s e answ e d, Cose I do ’ ’ e ll A n z fur boss, I be my own , ac u ac . Jump b k, honey, j mp b k s I like to je t be let alone, ’ To plough my strip an tend my
’ Ah do jest like I doggoned please. THE DILETTANTE : A ’ ’ a s all an My he d right, my MODERN TYPE ’ a he rt s meller , ’ ’ - H R sc s s e in p se and But I m a easy goin feller. ribble om ro rs ve e, And now and then he prints it ; H e a s a a s so e E R L E SONG p int little, g ther m A N G O OV ’ n i Oi Nature s gold and mi ts t. ’ SEEN my lady home las night, c a s s son Jump back , honey , jump ba k. H e pl ys a little, ing a g, ’ ’ ’ ’ huh han an sque z Acts tragic roles, or funny ; Hel it tight,
c e c H e es ca s his is s r Jump ba k , hon y, jump ba k. do , be u e love t ong, h t n t h no or m ne Hyeahd hu sigh a little sigh Bu o , o , t f o y ! T H E C O M PLETE P O E M S O F es almost everything THE COLORED SOLDIERS soc ial art to science ; I F the muse were min e to tem it i a s i m m nd , flowing prng, m v c w re I And y feeble oi e e cl and sw ift compliance .
strong , If my tofl z ue w cre mmed to ms above the sordid measures ow d , 1 ul s Wo d ing a stir ring song. ti through friendly lenses ; I Would Sill 8 a son8 heroic mamma looks pleased Of s tho e noble sons of H am, iii proud Of the gallant colored soldiers Who fought for Uncle Sam!
" 1“ “ h d ays ou scorn ed TH E STREAM y thig a a fli d flout stream I dream in calm And with m ny p an " a es “ an a S id Th e battles are the white fl , d w tch as in g ’ man s, the whi tes fi ht t clouds like crowds of And will g hem n °N W-hued an d white-robed
deeds sh all find a record registry of Fame ; blood has cleansed com tely ’ lot of Slavery s shame. tor an d all glory e noble sons of Ham nt colored soldiers rught for Uncle Sam!
The n trembling with the thrill URE AND A RT of s o udden th ught, UBND CHARLES BOO TH Comm anded th at the skilful N B‘ I‘ I’ LETON wight be brought Th at she might dower him with a s l nd and pelt. 1 g queen Nature, Then out upon the silent sea-lapt e. an d a t f ir, shelf 1 a time fell upon evil And up the hills an d on the 8. w s s u t o k m l t A do n they o ght PAU L LA E N CE D U N B A R
AFTER W H ILE That a fter while the clouds will a A poemor em u p rt, And then with joy the waiting I TH I NK that though the clouds hea rt be dark, a ’ Sh ll feel the light come stealing That though the waves dash o er i n , a the b rk , That drives away the cloud of sin Yet after w hile the light will a it m And bre ks s power. co e, A n d y ou shall burst your Chrysa And in calm waters sa fe at home lis, The bark will anchor. And wing away to realms of - a Weep not, my sad eyed , gr y ss bli , a robed m id , a Untr mmelled, pure, divinely Because your fairest blossoms free, fade, ’ al ’ Above l ea rth s anxiety That sorrow still o erruns your From that same hour. cur) . And even though y ou root them
“9 : E CL’ U E The weeds grow tanker. TH T N S
You kin talk about yer anthems For a ears s al ’ ’ fter while your t h l A n er y arias an sich, ’ cease , ’ A n yer modern choir-singin And sorrow shall give w ay to That you think so awful rich Peace ; But you orter heerd us youngsters The flow ers shall bloom, the In the times now far away, ’ ’ ’ weeds shall die, A -singin o the ol tunes a s ’ A a t , and nd in th t f i h een by by the ol - as a In f hioned w y . Thy woes shall perish . ’ Smile at old Fortune s adverse There w as some of us sung treble i a few f tide , An o us growled bass, ’ ’ Smile when the soofl ers sneer and A n the tide 0 song flow ed
chide. smoothly ’ ’ o s a Oh, not for y u the gem th t With its comp mmen t o grace ; a p le, There w as spirit in that music, ’ ’ ou w rs a A n a 0 s And not for y the flo e th t kind olemn sway, ’ ’ ’ fail ; A -singin o the ol tunes ’ s s l - Let thi thought cheri h In the o fashioned w ay . T H E C O M PLE TE PO E M S O F
’ ’ ber oft o standin But I think that some bright homespun pantaloons ' ’ me bronz e an ireckles i s ot lif air o er the When the to l e . ’ ’ ’ ’ suns o youthful Jun es A h the sun 0 heaven a risia that no mo rtal minstrel Glads with light the happy a s h nted sich a lay hore, ' i s a ea he n tunes w e w as s ng m I h ll h r t a gel chorus, ' ol - i a r a s of en dl fash oned w y . In the e lm em day , ’ ' ’ A -sin gin o the ol tunes ' ’ ol - ash o a In the f i ned w ay . ud always le d us, ’ girls ud all chime in m ’ ’ eetness o the sin gin MELANCHOLIA ’ ’ ’ the list nin soul 0 sin ; ' a n SILEINITLY ho d to tell the p rso wit ut my window,
as to s as a n l at the good ing pray T ppi g gent y pane, a ls to people sung the ol F l the rain . nes Th rou gh the trees sighs the breez e ’ - i a ol fashioned w ay . L ke soul in pain. Here alone I sit and weep PA U L LAU RE N C E D UN B A R
Bloodshot eyes all strained an d H ark ! the morning cock is crow
staring, ing ; a s s s s Gazing ghastly into mine Dre m , like gho t , mu t hie Blood like wine ’ s On the brow clotted now Ti the day . ’ R s is r Show s death s dreadful sign . o y morn now bo n ; s a Lonely vigil still I keep ; Dark thoughts may not t y. Would that I might sleep ! Day my brain from foes w ill keep ;
Now , my soul, I sleep .
s i Still , oh . till , my brain s whirl in g l Still runs on my stream of THE WOOING thought ; I am caught A YOUTH went faring up an d
a a set. In the net f te h th down ,
and s are r - -d Mind oul b ought Alack an d well a ay . ’ s c s r i To de tru tion ve y br nk ; H e fared him to the ma rket town ,
can ! - - Yet I but think Alack an d well a day . a An d there he met a maiden f ir,
a s and a a Eyes that look into the future, With h zel eye uburn h ir ; Peeping forth from out my H is heart went from himthen and i m nd , there, -a-d a They will fin d Alack and well y .
Some new weight, soon or late,
O n s os es s my oul to bind , She p i old right merrily, ac and -a—da Crushing all its courage out, Al k well y ; a d w as a as s he Heavier than doubt. But not ower f ir , - -d Alack an d well a ay . ’ H a r s an d s a as a c s e bought o e ighed Dawn , the E tern mon r h
sigh , daughter, a a Ah, dea rest m iden , would th t I Rising from her dewy bed , s b u l Lays her head Might dare the eller too to y ’ ’ - - ac and a day . Gainst the clouds sombre Al k well shrouds ss a m co Now half fringed with red . She to ed her he d , the y ’ ’ uette O er the lan d she gins to peep ; q ,
- - ac an d a d a . Come, O gentle Sleep ! Al k well y [ 55 ] TH E C O M PLETE P O E M S O F
" sir, in the market yet, MERRY AUTUMN
- - ack an d well a day . 1“‘ n a m thw e tales they we must cool upon a tell shelf ; “ 4 a 4 M t the ” :h s for aa d I ell gold ' A nd ms asnr er field an t “ mo o d p . " dell , so young to fi ll myself, i Beca m the yea r is dy ng.
” Such fly I a 9 16 are mmt M d a w as hliod w ith sorrow I a re not w ho first taught
sore,
- -d ’ sole an d well a ay . There s nothin g know to hm ed he at the maid once or bird m ore, To make a solemn au z aek an -a~ a d well d y. d he c ried , Fair maid In solemn tim when grief holds eu if , sway ll s ve g to a , now a I li , Wi th ma ntenanee distm ng, Dt too un rse to ' yo g you lf You ll note the more of bl ac k and PA U L LA U R E N C E D UN B A R
’ ’ ’ A n at all a An o cu o i b rimmin d N ure, from e rth to y p 0 J y s ’ Tw el se sky , l it ems about to slop , ’ ’ ’ Is o e a . A h o es la r bubbling r with l ughter y u feel j k a acah, ’ ’ Dat is trainin fu to trot The s s ’ ’ ripple wimple on the rill , When y o mammy says de blessin ’ ’ ’ Like sparkling little lasses ; A n co n de pone s hot. n The sunlight runs alo g the hills,
a s a the asses. And l ugh mong gr se When you t down at de table, ’ ’ ’ ea a ah Kin o w ry l k sad , i s n The ea rth s ju t so full of fu ’ ’ ’ A n s s i i ’ you e je a l ttle t ahed a c a c a It re lly n t ont in it ’ A n purhaps a little mad ; s ams so And tre of mirth freely ’ ’ H ow y o gloom tu ns into glad run ness , a s s a it The he ven eem to r in . ’ How y o joy drives out de
’ doubt Don t talk to me of solemn days ’ h i s e s W en de oven do op ned , In autumn s time of plendor, ’ ’ ’ A n de smell comes po in out ; Because the sun shows fewer rays, ’ ’ lec Why, de tric light 0 Heaven And these grow slant and slen s Seems to settle on de pot, der. ’ When y o mammy says de bless tn ’ ’ ’
’ A n co n s . a de pone hot Why, it s the clim x of the
year, ’ The highest time of living l When de cabbage pot is steamin ’ ’ a its s c A n a Till natur lly bur ting heer de b con good an fat,
- Just melts into thanksgiving. When do chittlin s is a sputter n ’ ’ So s to show you whah dey s at ; ’ ’ ’ a a o s sc WHEN DE CO N PONE S Tek w y y ody bi uit, ’ ’ a a o ca an HOT Tek w y y ke pie, ’ ’ Fu de glory time is comin , ’ ’ ’ ’ DEY is times in life when Nature An it s proachin mighty ’ s s a co an o Seem to lip g g , nigh , ’ ’ ’ ’ e - a cr a J s a r ttlin down e tion , A n you want to jump an hollah , ’ ’ Lak an ocean s overflow Dough you know you d bettah ’ ’ es stahts a-s in When de worl j p not, ’ ’ mn When y o mammy says de blessm ’ ’ ’ ’ Lak ca s n . a pi ninny top, A n de co pone s hot T H E C O M PLE TE P O E M S O F
’ ’ Eahd 0 lots 0 m Ons’ t 0 , ve hmhd 0 lotS 0 O r dark or doubly bright ;
We”: iSICfl CCI to mm; Sin g“)
Ck dc 5 mm i n i IU me up She l m a d all Is bri ght» ’ ’ -La n an m -C She dlfi an d i i lt "Y l fe mn fl . ’ ’ OW dc M astah s th mc F0? ov 60th m e me da ' l e y , ’ ' ’ ‘ i l m7 hea t 3 3Ing n 0? am doubly bright. lPP)’ aftab tone ; ' Wu ds w sweetly mur lrt d
’ 0t i ta l) dc softa 5p , Th e c an as h ge h m e, and Helen 81c ' m POM 8 hot. Not sleeps ; but Wm m g t: r deem
OI s 10 wi dom , 8 W, truth , an d l BALLAD ight, Than ever blm d her M ing m is me y love . sight.
T H E C O M P L E TE P O E M S OF
DISCOVERED Toiling in joy from dew to t ' U “1 C d ‘ down hu The sui ?” i an k nd, d the rain bc md d
03 Miss LUCY. f Fin e gl rw hrs hrchat d an d fair ’ a 5 l oh , d t a l right , to view. .
1 IJ uc , Then will quiet my ’ $1 : t t czixld be i , hi rsx nc“s, ’ ' n o could t hide i mme. For hem is fruit for my failin g two eyes to m l ’ min , Miss Lucy .
v e st r -c ou s ’ But e en th n the o m l d ou thought you s awful gathered ,
al n a s ’ Sw lowi g up the zure ky ; min , Miss Lucy. The sw eeping winds in to white n e g you do e, I s en ; a a h ' fo m l t ered min , Miss lac as the ba ’ ’ The p id bre t of y . tek y o ahm jos so, a r b ’ h d y ; got outside de do e s ts a a e ’ ' Th n the piri th t r g d in the dat man s y o beau ! da rken ed air PA U L LA U R E N C E D U N B A R
INVITATION TO LOVE H E HAD HIS DREAM
s are H E had his am COM B when the night bright dre , and all
s with tars through life, O r when the moon is mellow ; Worked up to it through toil and
n is s Come w hen the su h golden trife. ' a Afloat fore er i b rs before h s eyes,
-fi l c Drops on the hay e d yellow. It olored for him all his skies Come in the twilight soft and The storm-cloud dark
a his ba gr y , Above rk, Come in the night or come in the The calm and listless vault of blue its day . Took on hopeful hue, ’ 0 ma c v ass a Come, love, whene er you y , It tin tured e ery p ing be m H c . e ha is And y ou are welcome , wel ome d h dream .
H e a r a l bored hard an d failed at last, You a e sweet, 0 Love , de r H is sails too w eak to bear the Love , s bla t, You are soft as the nesting dove. a Come to my heart and bring it rest The r ging tempests tore away s his a a as a As the bird flies home to its wel And ent be ting h rk tr y. But wh at cared he come nest. For wind or sea ! H e sa Come when my heart is full of id , The tempest will be
grief short,
is bar c O r when my heart merry My k will ome to port. Come with the falling of the leaf H e saw through every cloud 3 ’ O r with the redd n in g cherry. gleam ’ rst s H e ha his Come when the year s fi blo d dream.
som blows, Come when the summer gleams GOOD-NIGHT n s a d glow , ’ Come with the winter s drifting TH r is s is s E la k ilent in h ne t, s w s no , The breez e is sighing in its
ar c . And y ou e welcome. wel ome flight,
n th Sleep , Love, a d peaceful be y
rest.
- Good night, my love, good
- night, good night. [ 5 1 ] ' zams atten d thee in thy T ain t no poss um ! Bless de r a p. L mb !
» Ye s l the thy rest till morn s, it i , you rasca , Saml ' gs light, ls round thee vigil keep Gin it to me ; whut y ou say ? ’ ’ i h m ou sma now g t, y love. good Ain t y t ! Oh, go ’ h o - ; t, g od night. w ay ! ss do Po um look mighty nice, ’ 1 i s , my love, on n ght But ou a too i y x b g a price.
se th s w sl ’ y oul ith umber me is o Tell , y u talkin true, ght ; ’ ’ ' Dat s de gal s whut m a ies you ? t i an d I amhlest. ’ th ne ba c Come k, Sam; whah s i ght, my love, good
- ’ ;ht, good night. ’ Co se y ou know s dat possum s mine !
)OUETTE CON QUERE D PA U L L AU RE N C E D UN B A R
of a s all her a h au Nora, pride my he rt Spend we lt in g dy r s s a s s Rosy cheeks, cher y lip , p r dre , An d c s rs a s kling with glee, de k he elf in g rment t Wake from thy slumbers, whe bold Oi sca ur and ever thou art ; rlet, p ple, red ,
Wake from thy slumbers to gold .
me. She heedeth not how sw ift the
’ hours fly , a s Ah, Nora, my Nor , there love s s and si s her happ ir But mile ng y in the a , life along ; It stirs in the numbers that She only sees above a shi ni ng sky thrill in my brain ; ’ a s s v c is its She only he r the breeze oi e Oh , sweet, sweet love with s ca in ong. mingling of re, Her garments trail the woodlands Though joy travels only a step
through , before pain . And gather pea rls of early dew Be roused from thy slumbers and s That parkle, till the roguish list to my numbers ; Sun My heart is poured out in this Creeps up and steals them every song unto thee. as one . Oh, be thou not cruel , thou tre
ure , thou jewel ; But what cares she that jewels Turn thine ear to my pleading should be lost, an d a to . he rken me ’ When all of Nature s bounte ous wea lth is hers ? Though princely fortunes ma OCTOBER y bee have n their cost, OCTOBER is the treasurer of the Not one regret her calm de
a s s. yea r, me nor tir — a a And all the months pay bounty Whole he rted, h ppy, careless, r to her store ; f ee, s her The fields an d orchards still their She live life out joyously, ’ No ~ ares tribute bear, r c when Frost stalks o er An d fill her brimming cofiers her w ay A s more and more. nd turn her auburn locks to
h e a . But she, with yout ful lavishn ss, gr y
[ 63 ] T H E C O M PLE TE P O E M S O F
' ' I s c s M M ER S NIGHT tret h my hand imploring, cry
aloud , ' It is dewy as a maiden s My voice falls dead a foot from N th , i m ne own lips, i es are bright as are a And but its ghost doth reach that ’ tiden s s eye , s n vessel , pa s ing. passi g ’ a maiden s b reath the nd t a flies h t Ea r o O th, O Sky , O Ocean , b th u s of the perf med bo om s s urpas in g, ' South . hea i O rt of m ne, 0 soul tha t m s i s s an in el , the p ne t d dreads the dark ! a p rk Is there no hope for me ? Is there i ther hasten ng, like rakes ll: a ro m , That I may sight and check that to h w a amps light t ei r y speeding ba rk
.rd st s foot ep home, Which out of sight and sound is ’ es come stagg ring dovim passing, passing ?
dark. PA U L LA U R E N C E D UN B A R
’ ’ ’ dis h eah a -s s - Went mo nin , y it s night, H lf tinging drop , half blinding ’ Dah s a s a c dah . de bin in sight. pr y ’ ’ ’ ’ Who s dat stan in in de do ? ac s s s is ma nified ’ E h lighte t ound g , Dat s M irand mu t be y , sho , For drowsy quiet holds her Git up, Suke go long i reign ;
’ The Got c s -s burnt stick in the fireplace de lo e tick in huh han , ' a s Dat n o ss l n bre k , look fun y, g odne a , a s h The nodding cat with start S ke alihe, but s e look glum ! a a s H eah i n w ke , y , M ra dy , hy eah I come ! s 0 o n And then to leep drops 1? Git up, Sulte g lo g l a a g in,
’ ’ ’ ’ Ef t had n t a o s at s . b en fur you, y u Unheeding Tow er her ide ’ ’ ’ s I d low ole fool, a be n home ’ I far ac ss w look out ro the la n , long fo now l Where huddled stand the silly sheep ; w My ork lies idle at my hands, DAWN My thoughts fly out like scattered strands A N a s ngel , robed in potless white, Oi thread , and on the verge of Bent down an d kissed the sleeping sleep Night . — Still half awake I dream an d Night woke to blush ; the sprite yawn . w as gone.
M en saw us and ca the bl h lled it What spirits rise before my eyes !
Da . wn How various of kind and form !
s as Sweet memorie of days long p t, The dreams of youth that could
as A DROWSY DAY not l t, l Each smiling ca m , each raging H E air is a sk is ra T d rk , the y g y, s torm ,
The misty shadows come an d a s c Th t wept a ross my early skies.
8 0,
u —n And here within my d sky room Half seen , the bare , gaunt fi gered E ach chair looks ghostly in the boughs
gloom . Before my w indow sweep an d
n s a Outside the rain falls cold a d w y, slow And chafe in tortures o [ 65 ] T H E C O M PLE TE POE M S O F
So mn o r re inks down upon my le be y u t ad and slow . t; She is dead. work on such a day , La her here beneafl l the rass sit and dream and y g , oo ee C l and gr n an d sweet, Where the gen tle hrook may pass Croon in a g t her feet. Nature s h s shall come and DI RGE h mig a es flow ers uneh of mignone tte And the f ir t shall sp ring dead hand ;
sun is set lden , ’ a a v the at r s s n S fe bo e w e wirl p pi s stand , She has crossed the bar ; gun zhd da y , ar E th has lost a p recious pearl, love away a as n He ven h gai ed a star. y sight. a i Th t sha ll ever s ng and shine . a modest flow er Till it quells this grief of mine
T H E C O M PL E TE POE M S O F
’ h a n s Aun t Dos y . Sam, THE SECRET
a all dc l CS ’ WHAT says the wind to the w av Ee Tm dc dalr fiddlah y , ’ ’ mg U” ? w s he fa rin ? What “ the wave to the s de als dat used to sin g g . ' ri ver ? dance de bes ? Wha t means the si gh in the passing
' ’ I’M ? t one o d em is lef to tell Why do the rushes quiver ? story ; ' H m You "or ha rd the famtmz ve lef dc deah ole place cry
’ Of the flow ers th at sa id Good one o dem da t seed it in b e - y : good by c glo ry watch it in de hour of LlSt how the gray dove moa ns an d my ? grieves
' Under the woodlan d cover ; lei de ole pl antation to List to the drif t of the falling t s swalle , a s ' le ve , i ol s in me a lover till de PA U L LA U R E N C E D UN B A R
A t a a c a o THE WIND AND THE m ny rime th t he wot i , had a hi SEA Wherein he pl yed s part.
' I Srooo by the shore at the death H e thought of the gallant ships da of y , gone down As sun sa flamin the nk g red By the will of his wicked waves ; d ac of a s a A n the f e the w ter th t An d he thought how the church spread away yard in the town ’ Was as a as ac - gr y the f e of the Held the sea made widows
dead . s grave .
A n d I heard the cry of the w an The wild wind thought of the love ton sea he had left a a as And the mo n of the w iling Afa r in an E tern land , ; wind An d he longed , as long the much ’ For love s sweet pain in his heart bereft, had he , For the touch of her perfumed
the a sea had s . But gr y old inned hand .
The wind w as youn g and the sea In his winding wail and his deep
w as old , heaved sigh But their cries went up to H is aching grief found vent ; gether ; While the sea looked up at the The wind w as warm and the sea bending slty
w as cold , And murmured : I repent.
For age makes w intry weather. ’ as s But e en he poke , a ship came 80 c a an d they ried loud they wept by , ama n i , That bravely ploughed the sk a ar Till the y grew d rk to he main , ’ It ; And a light came into the sea s
And out of its folds crept the misty e e green y , in m , hi a w And s he rt gre hard again . i s In ts hroud , like a troubled Then he spoke to the wind spirit. ie F r nd , sees t thou not For the wind w as wild with a Yon vessel is eastward bound ?
a s hopeless love, Pr y peed with it to the happy And the sea w as sad at heart spot loved one may be To hiteh up my na g and go hur t yin g dow n A nd take Ka tie M ay for a rid e w in d rose up in a dear into M ,
light, For b umpety -bump goes the the M s spe W 3 0 hip d 8 “:
sea by his c - J - wi ked But tra la a la our lay . i ht ’ g There s joy in a song as w e rattle he vessel ever ahead .
a In the light of the glorious d y . wind grew fierce in his
a t . a w i A coach would be fine, but ’ t he on an d li . the b row p spring wa gon s good ; ' his a s an d r his g rment to e M y jeans are a match for Kate s lit , gingham an d hood ' i 11 on fl n . the y g ship hills take us up and the vales
take us down , s n o n for a hip we t d w , But wha t m atters that ? we are ( w as k there, riding to tow n ,
TH E C O M P LE TE P O E M S OF
the heart alone Tums ever from my w ay its self makes moan pregnant tide. o s c s M ladm a r is rm ng ome low, y bo t, torn f om , 1: l B “ Drifm e h d a s a ao m e. the t r f l eet , ot er m sile nce than song by far 30 all my hopu are a t eems sweeter. And d rift away, an d drift away. Few are they along the
i fl i t at m a my M to the , A n d um her sin g w hm skim w e win gs eh a - fli ht tray ! w rd soa rin g g ; s i But plea ure d m as soon as born, The ow l takm up the night , A nd ONE LIFE night long and doubly dark ;
I me lark fl ifi the a r m m l rk. m hu t to dea th, my ve g tits of Fate have pierced Let others labor ’ s I ll s and s a and triving heart, ing igh lone,
sick and wea ry of write my line.
r a e is e s. or g a di ess ma in a n d sma rt. Thei f t th ir r ve or PAU L LAU R E N C E D UN BA R
s And hrieked with a voice of She keeps her last, long liaison
dea th , with death !
- But the rough voiced breez e, that
s hook the trees, ’ Was touched with a Violet s A CONFIDENCE
breath. UNCLE JOH N , he makes me tired ; ’ ’ Thinks at he s jest so all-fired ’ Smart, at he kin pick up, so, DEAD ’ E er thin v g he w ants to know.
N is e A K OCK at her door, but sh Tried to ketch me up l ast night, ’ is weak ; But you bet I would n t bite. ’ ’ s Strange dews have washed the I jest kep the smoothe face,
as paint strea ks from her But I led him sich a ch e, ’ C n o cheek ; ould t corner me , y u bet
s s s I s all a s set. She doe not ri e , but, ah, thi kipped the tr p he ’ ’ a a friend is know n , M kin out he w n ed to know ’ ’ And knows that he will find her Who w as this an that girl s beau ; ’ ’ ’ l So s d i ou see a l alone. he f nd out, don t y , Wh ’ ’ o w as . So opens he the door, and with goin long with me an s s s a sl soft tread But I wer je t y , ’ A n s Goes straightway to the richly I never wink my eye,
c ai s a urt ned bed . Tell he holler with whirl , ’ a ot a ? H is soft han d on her dewy head Look here, in t you g girl ’ ’ Y o se s ea he lay s. ought en me pr d my s A strange white light she gives eye , ’ or i d l: s r s , him f h s gaze . Like he too me by urp i e ’ n o A n sa , c , Then , looki g on the gl ry of her I id Oh Un le John ’ ” c ar m 0 ay . h s, Never thought h in one ’ A n s a s c H e c rushes her resistless in his omehow th t eemed to ti kle ’ a ah s a c . rms. Him he helled out ni kel Then you ought to seen me leave ’ a ac - St nd b k ! look not upon this Jest a lafli n in my sleeve . ac — bold embr e, Fool him well , I guess I did ; ’ Nor view the calmness of the H e ain t on to this here kid . ’ an n a es w to s f ce Got a girl ! well , I guess y , ’ With joy unspeakable an d bated Got a dozen more or less,
breath , But I got one f eely one, [ 73 ] T H E C O M PLE TE P O E M S OF
’ ’ 0 110 fun a un n sha ner no ; Th t do t git red a bit, ' o N sw eet on her, y u see, ever makes a bit o row ’ h er um at she Whe she $ 6 a m g n wo r er cow . ' ' e n kin d er sweet on me , Th m ki d s few ah far betw een ram i l B g r I ever sew . ’ ' r e ou h hi s l ajun ! this is t u , Tell y uther t ng he l do, ’ ’ ’ ou thmk s e d I m tellin you l Mebbe y won t it tru . ’ ' But if she won t be sich a sca b s got 3 dime ' ' , 1 1 ° hd vers W “ e a roun ah blab . She 2 tim . ’ ’ Ah o ! YO“ 0053 , ou W n t 13 5 ain t the w ay with y u, 8 Y ; ’ M 8 klfl dCf to know w me fellers dm the girl have. If ou e l k irl to let her know Y know d her i e I do, ' Gum ou d k i y inder l ke her too. an: about her so. ’ ’ ’ ’ ou some n if ou ll sw a I know her ? her name s Tell y p y e r ’ Yo i u won t ml it anywhere.
0h. you got to m yer hear t l in town she is . Ea mmt 7 01 ou l , truly, 8 I sta rt. I, git out, y gil y ’ l, day kimd c e ; m nigh kn ock yo u silly. Wel one I her he k ' ’ ’ Gee 16“c a an ak o see her w hen she s , but I he p we , ’ ause at first she flared 3d C kinder ,
TH E C O M PLE T E PO E M S OF
' a beam m Love s th n e s ra n l not , y , A ome ing in the te d r t i
d R v an - ght ha not a rhyme , e ived old , long conquered tren , barren world were pain , mis And as in de ths oi man seas p y , out one savin g glea m ; M y hear t w as drowned in mem b uly ask th at with a ories. d w ake me from the came w elling to my lr m ea . Nor could I ask it otherwise ;
For oh l a sw eetness seems to Eng were (he m of , laSt lays, r Ami r of w s ing were the bane ; d the d egs sor ro past. g for a wrea th of bays oothe a hea rt in pain , It stirred a chord tha t here of ’ zorn the moed of battle s late ’ n ight, I d grown to think could not ther aims above brate. ' hoose the human s higher It brought the trust of i ht g , youth , PAU L LAU R E N C E D U N B A R
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Comes silence an d she sings no Fa mer walkin th oo de ba nya d ’ ’ Seein s is c ou more. how thing omin , ’ ’ a s ci all s is fatt n in I wake, I breathe, I think ag in , See de fowl ’ ’ ho s o And walk the sordid ways of men. Good times comin s y u ’ bo n . ’ Hy eahs dat tu key gobbler brag ’ in SIGNS OF THE TIMES g , Den his face break in a smile ’ ’ Am a- c an co a ’ gittin ool ol h , Ne bbah min , you sassy rascal , ’ s a-c ’ Fro t omin in de night, H e s gwine n ab y ou atter while. ’ ’ ’ ’ H icka nuts an w a n uts fallin , ’ ’ i Possum keepin out o sight. Chopp n suet in de kitchen , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ a n a a Tu key struttin in de b nya d , Stoni r isins in de h ll , ’ ’ e is - in Nary step so proud z h ; Beef a cook tu de mince meat, ’ ’ ’ ’ s a c s all. Keep on struttin , Mi t h Tu key, Spi e groun I smell em ’ ’ ’ is o eah lre s 0 dat Yo do know whut time it . L ok hy , Tu y , t p ’ bblin go ,
- ’ a r ss c mm c a squeaki n e s Cid h p e o en e ain ln s oh You n d , de en e ’ ’ e a Bat a s sto d a , eah in pple w y f , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Chillun sw a min la]: ho o roun You ol fool , y nail: s in d angah , ’ s ’ net , Do you know Than ksgibbin s ’ n h ? Huntin z igs ermu g de ay . hy eah ’ ’ Mistah Tu lrey keep on gobblin ’ A - t de geese a flyin souf, ’ ' WHY FADES A DREAM ? Oomph ! dat bird do know whut s m ’ co in ; WH Y fades a dream ? ’ E s m f f he did he d het his ou . A n iridescent ray Flecked in between the tryst ’ ’ ah allab Pumpkin gittin good y Of night an d day . Mek me open up my eyes ; Why fades a dream ? ’ ’ l s - loolrin Seems ak it a at me Of consciousnes s the shade , ’ ’ ’ CS a- a dah sa s J l in yin Pie . Wrought out by lack of light and ’ ’ ' Tu key gobbler gw ine roun blow made ’ in ’ , Upon life s stream. ’ ’ ’ i b i n Gwine roun g b sass an Why fades a dream ? slack ; ’ i Keep on talki n Mistah Tu key, That thought may thr ve, ’ dr am You ain t seed no almanac. So fades the fleshless e ; [ 7 7 ] T H E C O M PL E TE PO E M S OF
OUId a us enou h to a ill le rn to tr t Not g m ke things white. B ' ri gs that seem. ut jest sorter siftin dow n ’ So s ov a dream , to c er up the bmw n ' g thought may grow Oi the da rk world s rugged ways ’ ’ axin s a - a N a i w g t r be m glow m ke th ngs look like holidays. ’ fe s s a s he tre m Not moot d over, but jest
a dream. specked , ’ strain in fur e Sorter fieet,
a s a Wh t it t rted in to do. u a bird , with pl m ge Mercy sakes ! it does seem queer ’ h s as da is C ri tm y most nigh her e. n fl utters 3OW" ' wi dow : Somehow it don t seem to me
chirps its little strain . hr s as be C i tm like it used to ,
° ’ u a , r st pon my window p ne Ch i m as with its ice ah snow , i i 8 100 3 8 ", 8 3 d hops 8 » h s as 8 C ri tm of the long ago. t c its 900 ’ 7 no i e to 2 ; You could feel its stir an hum t on n or its la ' , heed y , Weeks an weeks before it come ; ’ flies . it away Somethin in the atmosphere
T H E C O M PL E T E PO E M S OF
' ’ ' ibors amt so fren ly ez it Tho it ought n t to cause me no ’ ’ 5 t d a rt hey to be su prise , ’ ' ’ ’ n to be a-lookin kinder Fur there s many a sun at y ou ve r i a ays l ke t me , seen rise ’ ’ ’ feared they d tech me An many a one you ve seen go
5 ci I wuz a match , dow n ’ ’ ’ ecause at mother s gone Sence yore step w as light an yore ’ ' i m a- atc a r as keepin b h ! h i w brown , ’ ’ ' ’ te I don t do nothin A h storms ao snows have had ’ c n what I used to do their w ay ’ ’ ’ - it e a visitin to ole ma n ou re » her w nt Hello, , y a gittin a l a month er two . gr y.
’ ’ ’ H - rers ac s mo re fea rsome ello, ole man , y ou re a gittin ’ ' o an won t hOp quite s gray. ’ ’ A h the youthful p ranks ar you ’ ’ s a zet s chirp is sadder, ah u ed to pl y ’ ’ lty ain t ha i so clear ; Are drea ms of a far past long ago " ’ ’ a a a nin comes , I set ah Th t lie in he rt where the fires PAU L LAU R E N C E D UN B A R
s an s a When it doe the will of hone t She loved all n ture, flow ers fair,
a f sun f i mind The w rmth o , the kiss o a r, When it bea ts with love fur all The birds that filled the sky with an m kind ; song, Then the night but leads to a fairer The stream that laughed its w ay
da n y alo g. ’ ’ man e a- H e Hello, ole , you t gittin r home to her w as shrine and a ! gr y throne, But one love held her not alone ;
s out t an d She ought pover y grief, TO THE MEMORY OF Who touched her robe an d found MARY YOUNG relief.
’ GOD is n s n s has h pl a , a d what if we So sped she in her Master
With our sight be too blind to see work ,
s Their full fruition cannot he, Too bu y an d too brave to shirk,
a i s h s Who m de t, solve the my tery ? When t rough the silence, du k ’ One whom we loved has fall n an d dim,
as leep , God called her and she fled to him.
Not died ; although her calm be We wonder at the early call ,
s o n al deep, And tear f sorrow ca but f l ’ m n s a So e new, unknow n , and stra ge For her o er whom we pre d the surprise pall e is r In Heaven holds enrapt her eyes. But faith , sw et faith , ove ll a . And can y ou blame her that her Th i is gaze e house s dust, the voice
e s Is turn d away from earthly way , dumb , ’ When to her eyes God s light an d But through undying years to
love come, ’ H ave giv n the view of things The spark that glowed within her above ? soul
sw e a ts s A gentle spirit etly good , Sh ll light our foo tep to the I a The pea rl of precious womanhood go l . w a she Who heard the voice of duty She went her y ; but oh ,
e d cl ar, tro And found her mission soon and The path that led her straight to
near. T H E C O M PLE TE PO E M S OF
’ s as this put dea th to Ain t you nevah hyeahd M alin dy ? ss s te u ‘ s ' Ble ed oul , k p de cro s . ’ ’ ’ our da find s o h eah a n y to God L ok y , i t y ou jokin . honey ? ’ o o Well , y u d n t know whut you ’ los . M A LINDY SI NGS ’ ' Y ought to hyeah dat gal a-wa b ’ ’ lin i , quit dat noise, Miss ' ’ i s e Rob ns, la k , an all d m things, ' H eish dey moufs an hides dey music book aw ay ; ’ faces a: use to keep on tryi n ? ’ li When M a ndy sings. practise tw ell you te
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ - d sta t no notes a flyin Fi dlin man jes stop his fiddlin , ’ ones dat rants an d rings Lay his fiddle on de she f ; ’ ’ i o r kitchen to be big woods M ock n bi d quit tryin to w histle, ’ ’ ’ i s b ss i . M al ndy sings. Cau e he jes so shamed i e ’ Folks a-playin on de banjo ’ g t de n ach l o gans Draps de fin ahs on de o ' e y g
TH E C O M PL E TE PO E M S OF
' u hed i Cah Fa o g with V ney y u well , my ' ’ i n H ad l try n ha d to not let o , to afi at ole man Johnson. ’ ’ ’ c isson would a noti ed he s a caution now , you bet ’ ’ re ion f s e de d ct o his look , Hittin clo t on to a hun d rd . but ’ ' ’ ’ is w atchin ev ry step dat he s spry an nimble y et ; ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ n H e o so Lindy took. lowed how a t o gigglin , ’ ' n a cheer an asked huh
’ ' ’ ’ mt ou se w w if e y t do n ? D ain t n o use in gittin fe ble, now ’ l ou oun sta hs i c, y y g jes watch ’ ’ " ns - me a w e d up a bowin . , ' ’ ' I reckon t ain t w uth An he grabbed ole Aun t M arier ’ ’ weighs th ee hunderd mo ’ ’ c er ss jes fu style, I re kon , le , ’ ' ’ ' she sot down jes de A n he spun huh roun de cabin ' ' s n wi gin Johnny lak de res . ’ ' stayed dah tw ell he Evahbody lae d an hollahed ’ n s xi huh fu to ji e ome Go it l Swing huh , Uncle ’ ” i game ; Jim ! ' eah sa tn ro ah A n s d huh y p p , he wung huh too , I reckon . PAUL LAU R E N C E D U N BA R
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Kep on blun d r m roun an Fu I kn ow t will staht a hank rin ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ foolin tw ell he giv one an y o mouf ll mence to
re w orter. g ad big jump , ’ n a -fo most had a a Broke de line, a lit he d We whe t bre d white ez cot ’ in de fiah-place right plump ; ton an a egg pone jes like ’ ’ a fi l Hit d ah in it, mind you ; well , go , ’ ’ ’ ’ s steamin I thought my soul I d bu t , Hog jole, bilin hot an ’ ’ ’ n as Tried my best to keep f om lafli , ro ted shoat an ham sliced but hit seemed like die I cold ’ must ! Look out ! What s de mattah w il ’ ’ ’ Y ought to seen dat man a-scram y ou ? Don t be fallin on de ’ ’ ’ ’ blin f om de ashes an de flo ; ’ ’ o a grime. Ef it s g n to feet you dat w y , ’ ’ ’ im es Did it bu n h l Sich a qu tion , I won t tell y ou nothin ’ ’ why he did n t give it time ; mo ’ ’ Th ow nd in — d dem ashes a dem c Dah now well , we had hot ’ ’ ’ dahs eyah which-a-w ay I chittlin s now y ou s try in ’ ss gue , ag in to fall , ’ ’ ’ A n ab c c a a a it you ney did , I re kon, l p C in t you st n to hy eah about ? ’ ’ ’ ’ y o eyes on sich a mess ; S pose you d been an seed it ’ ’ Fu he sholy made a picter an a all ;
e rs funny one to boot, Seed dem gr ad big sweet pertate , ’ ’ ’ Wil hi cl s all s othe full 0 ashes l ayin by de possum s side, ’ ’ an his ac l i f e a l full 0 soot. Seed dat coon in all h s gravy , ’ a n Well , hit l ked to stopped de reckon den you d up a d ’ aht p y , an I reckon lak ez died ! ’ ’ not M andy lowed y ou all mus ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Dat c i s c it would Tom wife, scuse me, d wa n t mu h ’ ’ a had n t a e es M ndy , h ppened on upon my sh v , ’ ’ s s s ou de pot, But I s done my be to uit y , ’ ’ us s To invite out to uppah well , so set down an he p ’ ’ sc a a e es we r mbled to de t ble, y o s v . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ A n d lak i b lieve I to tell you bout t Tom , he lowed : I don t ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ — essin wh at we had but I ain t in pologisin an perf , ’ a c it. ble, Let em tek it la]: dey ket h ’ o so ask Menti n jes a few things, dough Bldah Thomp n , de ’ I know I had n t orter,
[ 85 ] PAU L LAU R E N C E DU N B A R
’ ’ ’ an u d seed d at colo ed Jigs. cotillions, reels br eak ’ ’ ’ a s ordril a z hah cleah his th o t an down , c ls nu a w lt er two ; ’ ' e e O ess o s dat s c e het, an one y pen Bl y oul , mu i wing d ' ' . evah w ud he said : em an dem people lak to
e a look down in t nd h flew . ' ea s a c y on sich generous h t Cripple Joe , de old rheum ti , ’ ' :se ; danced dat fio i om side to
a . l truly than kful , men midd e, ' ' c o dat possum , i y u Th awed a way his crutch m ’ B! hopped it ; wha t s rheumatics ’ ea t an d drunk onab giust a fiddle ? ’ ’ ell d w as n t Bi m, tw ah dah Thompson got so tickled ' ’ ’ n lei dat lak los , he to his grace, ’ ’ ’ elt jes like new sausage. H ad to tek boie feet an hol dem ’ ’ ’ s f e vas mos nigh tuf d to so s to keep em in dei r place. ’ ' A h de Christuns ah de sinn ahs ’ ’ knowed how we d be got so mixed up on dat flo ’ ' ’ i had fiddlah Dat I do , so he de n t see how dey d pahted ’ l . ef d e tr u mm ha d c ha n c e d m
’ an d a LOVE S APOTHEOSIS Love me, let my life t ke up
thine own ,
ove . car a L me I e not wh t the e As sun the d w . circling years Come, sit, my queen, for in my
ma . To me y do heart a throne and ars If, but in spite of time te , Awaits for you !
You prove but true.
o Love me albeit grief shall dim TH E PARADOX
mine eyes, A I M the mother of sorrows, And tears bedew, am ’ I the ender of grief ; I shall not e en complain , for then n I am the bud a d the blossom, my skies - I am the late falling leaf. Shall still be blue.
s I am thy prie t and thy poet, o and i e L ve me, though the w nt r I am thy serf and thy king ; s s a now h ll pile, I cure the tears of the hea rtsick, a c And le ve me hill , When I come near they shall ’ ass s a s a a Thy p ion w rmth h ll m ke sing.
for me, meanwhile,
- White a re my hands as the snow A sun kissed hill . drop ;
a are m fin e a An d when the days have length Sw rt y g rs as cl y ; Dark is my frown as the mid ened into years,
night, A n d I grow old , air is s a nd F my brow a the d y . Oh , spite of pains an d griefs a
cares an d fears, n Battle a d w ar are my minions, Grow thou not cold . Doing my will as divine ; am ca I the lmer of passions, a and a s a ass Then h nd h nd we h ll p ac i Pe e s a nursling of mine.
up the hill , a I say not down ; Spe k to me gently or curse me, ' a of ve fl s Th t twain go up, love, who Seek me or y from my ight ; ll am loved their fi , I thy fool in the morning, ’ s rt s e T o gain love crown. Thou a my lave in th night. [ 89 ] T H E C O M PLETE PO E M S O F
e rave w ill l take a or i - th g D ytime n ght time , I rom the noise of the M m m m m iie ; lt thou see me md know WITH THE r then , no longe , but life;
i NIGHT is for sorrow and daw n s I sin at m com for t thou g y joy ! C as tr s 5» h ing the ouble that fret and i c with paw onate brea th , alimos ; e an d mile to have Du h “ for é ghing daylight J h for u ug t me m g, a ve the iow an of Cha ry an d m fel d za th . h t stro an ng.
e i All th n ght through , though I e r m a a n , b other, w h we ry, mo n in the dark, w hm thy lonely hea rt I wake in the mornin g to sing ells ; w ith the lark. thy footsteps and lead
of the spray on my And a fight at night with the wild in ac sea-s g f e , pri te
mist of relucta nt tears . When the foam has drow ned the
of sk a , a the y bove me And , pr y, what joy can the lands o he av s bo reen f t w e man feel h t ; Like the rise an d fall of a sliding flashi ng dow n on a gray keel ? bite sail t Fai scimitar from its shea h. r is the mead 3 the lawn is iair And the birds sing sweet on the the a n s bre ki g billow , lea ; ’ is er the rocks d d ain ; But the echo soft of a song alo ft a th rill in min e in most I s the strain tha t pleases me ; tart And sw ish of rope and ring of r o reason cann t explain. chain Are music to men who sail the m ar Be si to y he t , lent, mai n . mystery of time is here ;
' w a i a e y w ll be pl in wh n Then , if y ou love me , let me sail PA UL LAU R E N C E D UN B A R
What is the chief who shall my Here let me rest upon this single
a a e g rments pl n ? hov . ’ a c a m s No g rb onvention l but I ll For oh , y wing are weary of the
a a n tt ck it. wi d ,
s a w its s ss ma (Come, why not don my p n And ith tre no more y, ac s gled j ket ?) trive or cope.
cr has One y dulled mine ears,
a r mine eyes e blind , ABSENCE ’ Would that o er all the in terven D- OO NIGHT, for a in G my love, I h ve g space, a f dre med o thee I might fly forth an d see thee face a a s In w king dre m , until my soul to face.
is lost fl s a c I y ; I e r h , but, love, in gloom ’ Is lost in passion s wide and shore I grope.
less sea , l h , far a W ere, like a ship, un ruddered , it F y home bird , unto thy w it is tost ing nest ; Hither and thither at the wild Spread thy strong w ings above the ’ n - a s sw sea. w ve will . wi d ept ’ m There is no potent Master s voice Beat the gri breeze with thy un ruflied to still breast
s s U s s Thi newer, more tempestuou ntil thou itte t wing to wing
Galilee l with me. s Then , let the past bring up it The stormy petrels of my fancy tales of wrong ; fl y We shall chant low our sweet con
In warning course across the nubia s l ong, a e d rkening gr en , Till storm and doubt an d past no A n d a , like frightened bird , my more shall be l heart doth cry A n d seek to find some rock of rest between H ER THOUGHT AND HIS
Th a a f a d e thre tening sky and the re TH E gr y o the se , an the gray len tless s wave . of the ky , It is not length of life that grief A glimpse of the moon like a half
h c s . dot crave , lo ed eye But only calm and peace in which The gleam on the waves and the a to die. light on the l nd, [ 9 3 ] T H E C O M PLE TE POE M S O F
n — m e a a d av v o . my he rt , y Wh n they h e li ed en ugh ’ eart s hand . Men court not death When there are sweets still left in r the W a f om ith life to mm.
Nor w ill a b rave man choose to 50“ her light fell on live when he , ac d f e, Full deeply d runk of life, has il Of the BOOd ' tldC Of r a g t e ched the d S, And knows that now b ut bitter d How to a my he rt from ness remains.
e H is the coward who, outfac ed
cient prank remem» M y roomis rather bleak and bare I onl have on roken y e b chair. ’ - o i . t n re long unheard f qu p But he , the s plenty of fmh
s e ax r tens lip r l thei ion Some light, beside. ' ns to s pipe begi lide , What tho I can not ask my friends clo s of as s e ud he , To share w ith me my odds and fl at his s e s y id ; end . ad n s and w be d low lo er A liberty my aerie lends, c ies his reas hin l on b t , To most denied . ts in peaceful sl umber
Little child at rest. bo re who falters at ’ m s a m rs nd s et No ore h ll be y cu e a man , there s om hing ' ning, An d d uns shall fail to find my lair dreamy moods of your s, as l l s present proves so fleet With be t y bi l . When debts have grown and
funds are shor t, past for y ou endures. I fin d it ra ther pleasant sport P AU L LAU R E N CE D U N B A R
E H . . a s w TO . K M iden , let your bro s be
ON TH E RE CEI PT OF A FAMI LIAR c rowned As s POEM we foot thi merry round .
a of va To me, like h untings a From the ground a voice is sing grant breath ing, From some far forest which I m so a is s Fro the d soul pringing. once have known , ’ Who shall say t is but a clod of The perfume of this flower ’ Quick n ing upward toward its verse is blown . ’ God ? Tho seemingly soul-blossoms faint
a to de th , Who shall say it ? Who may h ars N aught that with joy s e be i know t, ’ e er withereth . That the clod is not a poet ’ s So, tho the pregnant year have Waiting but a gleam to waken n n come a d flow , In a spirit music-shaken ? Lives come and gone and al
ered s s a t like mine own , Phylli , Phylli , why be w iting ?
This poem comes to me a shib In the woods the birds are mating.
ole b th : Fmm the tree beside the wall , ’ s Brings sound of past communing Hear the am rous robin call .
r to my ea , ’ Listen to yon thrush s trilling ; Turns round the tide of time s re Phylli , Phyllis, a you willing, an d bears me back When love speaks from cave Along an old an d long un an d tree, traversed w ay ; Only we should silent be ? M akes me forget this is a later
e y ar, a s t , , ’ When he ye r it elf renewing M akes me tread o er a remin is All the world with flow ers is
cent track , strewing, sad a ’ H alf , half gl d , to one Then through Youth s Arcadian d ay ! forgotten n la d ,
n Love a d song go hand in hand . A BRIDAL MEASURE m Co e, unfold your vocal treasure,
ME ssa a s as a a asu CO , e y prightly me ure , Sing with me nupti l me re, Tuned to some light song of Let this springtime gambol be
pleasure . Bridal dance for you and me. T H E C O M PLETE POE M S O F iEA NCE IS SWEET That I may turn my face ’ Throug doubt s obscuri y w “ W 8 1 Toward tlline abidingb placet ’ see E en tho I . 1 his glory far above
cried : earthly things. I For lo, the w ay is d ark ; . O W‘d‘ Love, dear L W » me Through mist and cloud I grape, E; Save for tha t fitful spar k. w I my subtlest art I ooed , o m little am f hope. s r ly the Wight pur ued . e as a an d o w as w g y L ve Lead gently, Lord , an d slow , For fear that I may fall ; ied at me an d passed me I kn ow not w here to go
Unless I hea r thy call .
e a grew old and I gr w gr y, M y faintin g soul doth yearn Wealth came wending For thy green hills afar ; n my w ay . So let thy me rcy burn is golden h an d with glee , M y greater, guiding star l
’ d his flaming lances far ; H e set his foot upon Fame s r i ed ain stood un a fir ght nether stair. n i ht an d the i ah hi e — I g Morn ng But , s dr am, it had ar aw n in da th united !
DREAM S
t aw akml
e 1 , and at thy fe t rana tes shall be neth the youth to morning ? the night in truth , loured d reams adorning
o 0 ‘ . . j h 1 _ 1 o Into 11 l i s soft above, nt: 312 05. PAU L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
’ F (And it s weary, weary waiting, THE END O THE CHAP
love . ) TER My eyes are seaward straining A H es he - , y , t chapter ends to day ; For the coming of a sail ; We even lay the book away ; But void the sea, an d void the
But oh , how sweet the moments beach sped Far an d beyond where gaze can Before the fin al page w as read ! reach ! ’ a And it s weary , we ry waiting, We tried to read between the lines love . ’ - .The Author s deep concealed de signs ; I heard the bell-buoy ringing But scant reward such search se How long ago it seems ! ’ cures a a (Oh , it s we ry, weary w iting, You saw my hu rt and I saw love. ) yours. And ever still , its knelling
as s a s. Cr he in upon my dre m The Master, H e who penned The banns were read, my frock the page w as s ewn ; a us a it, H e is sa e ’ And b de re d g Since then tw o seasons winds And what he orders, y ou and I have blown Can but obey, nor question why. ’ A nd it s weary, weary waitin g,
love . We read together and forgot
The world about us. Time w as
The stretches of the ocean not. a and a to-da an Are b re ble k y . Unheeded d unfelt, it ded . ’ a a a r a (Oh , it s we ry, we ry w iting, We e d and hardly knew we
love. ) read . My eyes are growing dimmer U a a sa sun e ntil bene th dder , Is it tears, or ag , or spray ? We came to know the book w as But I will stay till you come home.
done. Strange ships come in across the in but new e , as our ds w e e foam ! Th n m r ’ s a lit, But it we ry, wa ry waiting, It dawned upon na what w as w rit ; love.
I our A nd we were startled . n
eyes. [ 1 0 1 ] T H E C O M PLE TE PO E M S O F f th the light of grea t And they pulse again witb a keener prise.
- deep toned tocsin tolls, I know w hy he beat: his wing ! spoke fo rth : Behold " I know w hy the ca ed bird sin I SOUl‘ l g p .
ah me , I cannot look When his wing is bruised and eyes : so close the book . his bosom sore , ht it g rief or brought it When he beats his ba rs and he
3, would be free ;
l a I is lage sha l re d like this ! t not a carol of joy or glee, But a pray er that he sends from ’ his heart s deep core, l But a p ea, that upw ard to H eaven he fiin gs hat the caged bird feels, I know wb the c ed bi rd sin sl y ag gs l he sun is bright on the an d slopes ; wind sti rs soft through LOVE AND GRIEF m a l w y he rt g o s, ever h ave gues ed it? to suppose might ha ve reprewed it n e a rose, i kissed it an d pressed t. wind may b ring its perfume ’ rhyme in life s prw e from the south,
lii ted d hlest it. p an Is it so sweet as breath from my mre s ' , who know love s mouth ? ave c s s it ? ome to te t Oh , na ught th at surely is, an d me a rose , naught that seems
ss an d ss d ir. ki ed it pre e turn me from the l ady of my
d reams.
EAM SONG I rs a o i a sta g , with n di nt DREAM SONG II me, a s 2 had touched me with dre m PAU L LAU RE N C E DU N B A R
s a s is is r st CHRISTMAS IN TH E And n rl , Why, th Ch i HEART mas Day !
TH B s s the now lie deep upon for s a for No, man of ice, h me, ground , shame ! ’ A nd winter s brightness all around For Christmas Day is no mere s Decks bravely out the forest ere, name. s of a a . With jewel the br ve old ye r o ch r No, not for y u this ringing ee , The coasting crowd upon the hill This festal season of the year. With some new spirit seems to And not for y ou the chime of bells thrill ; From holy temlale rolls and swells. And all the temple bells achime. In day and deed he has no part Ring out the glee of Christmas Who holds not Christmas in his
time. heart !
In happy homes the brown oak bough Vies with the red-gemmed holly THE KING IS DEAD now ; A YE la his a ar s , y him in gr ve, the old And here and there, like pe l , dead year ! there show His life is lived fulfilled his The berries of the mistletoe .
destiny. A sprig upon the chan delier H a sad r r s ot ve you for him no , eg et Says to the maiden , Come n here ! ” ful tear To d rop beside the cold, un fol Even the pauper of the ea rth lowed bier ? Some kindly gift has cheered to Can you not pay the tribute of a mit th i sigh ? d Within his chamber, dim an cold , a There sits a grasping miser old . Was he not kind to you, this de d H e has no thought save one of old year ? u a gain , Did he not give eno gh of e rthly To grind an d gather and grasp store ?
d ra and la nd an d in . Enough of love, ughter, a
f s c ? A peal o bell , a mer ry shout good heer Assail his car : he gazes out Have not the skies y ou scanned m c Upon a world to him all my, someti es been lear ? dies o ld |, oi himw ho , o u t ask more ? Lon o had l grierfed at what l deemed abuse ; vell to ha te him i or the But now I am as grain within 1 the mill. It ou and the s rr s y , o ow If so be thou must crush me for i iiold . thy me. l him t es s s l I h e hurt til r G ind on , O potent God, and fain ; do thy will l p anting period of his
31 , ’ HUM It me new wounds, but LOVE S ILITY
h l . ea ed the old As some rapt gaz er on the low ly
earth . s for igh thee, my poor, s u to r a a ts Look p adi nt pl ne , d frien d m in g g fu a sigh while my com So I , w hose soul doth know thy
s s . ion ing w on drous worth so s t oon forgo ten in the Look longing up to thee as to a
star. rtist worn and weary When he rests inviting kisses . ut with l abour manifold I nl hhi phuxz bc fide lfluz qmfing;
king might d rink his Give the king his golden goblets, tar (3hm: rhux: lus in s udl the py q
goblet made of gold . hoand But for me the spa rkling wate r ’ in s a ta ce gro ning ble Phona a luounr and huhnnfin g; silver gleamin g bright gourd l the happy faces hack the flaming light, cups of priceless crystal TH E KNIGHT with many a lovely line, O va T ed s his ow with warmer colour. good knight , , gird roa s on Led by the ruby wine. b d word
(And he wields it w ell , I i su 7 sweet w th nlight, wees ); ’ w an d a as ith the dew r in , H e s on his steed , and away h ’ niner s d aily labour, ' s s i a t arti t n ghtly p in , To the fight for king an d queen. ’ re grows the cup I drink Wha t tho no edge the broadsw ord PA U L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
U ART M Y A THO LUTE touch, as of lips that w ere press mg T ar n ou t my lute, by thee I Mine ow n w ith the message of s ing, bliss
is a . My being ttuned to thee A su s fleetin dden , oft, g caress ing, - Thou settest all my words a wing, ’ A brea th like a maiden s first melt And est me to melody. kiss.
art v Thou my life, by thee I li e, — I woke and the scofier may From thee proceed the joys I doubt me know I peered in surprise through the w a S eethe rt, thy hand has power to give But nothing and none were about The meed of love the cup of me, woe . A nd w m I as alone in y room.
art a Thou my love, by thee I le d ’ Perhaps t w as the wind that My soul the paths of light along, caressed me From vale to vale, from mead to And touched me with dew-laden mead , breath And home it in the hills of song. Or a l - , m ybe, c ose sweeping, there
e l ass me My song, my soul , my lif , my al , p ed Why need I pray or make my The low-w inging Angel of a ple . Death . Since my petition cannot fall ; ’m For I already one with thee ! Some sceptic may choose to dis i dain t. Or one feign to read it aright ; Or s m THE PHANTOM KISS wi dom ay seek to explain it N E s an d s s ca ss O night in my room, till Thi my ti l ki in the night. am be less, With will and with thought in But rather let fancy thus clear it c s a e e lip e, Th t. thinking of me here alon , s s a as r a I re ted in leep th t w d e m The miles were made naught, and , ss le ; in spirit, s s When oftly there fell on my Thy lip , love, were laid on s lip mine ow n . [ 1 09] T H E C O M PLETE PO E M S O F
M M UNION For the petty beads of thought Which thine eyes alone could cc of my heart .
an hour with thee. love shall ren d apa rt veil of mystery :
1m and misty veil nut in between our mule
e ath c ri d . Ho, ma iden , ’ can see e r mu l l I th e th o , ’ As th ro rain we me me ~z~ mr ba rque sped on the ' a tho c and coo in r Wh t old l g als. Shall their bimr mum mm s a s N n ho l ? ay , wro gly I shall we thee “ill and be d.
breez e oi Dea th that And thy fam shall be to me
Dea r and helpful as before. life , thy soul has wed to unsounded deeps. Du th may vaun t and Du th w
l l ‘ l b L U M I ’ L D I L k’ u D M b U l ‘
r coldest clas p. TH E I LACK R OOPS IN CUM it not at all ; and Pov id his body w ith reimt
e i n Cm mw d . Bm ely you woke throng: mbut m un. elpl& han ds he h tle cloud ba vy and dim. the air.
e in pray fl . m ailed ; and forthw ith bbis h Fate, ne e cur mme whipp d , M n W i di the di m oi the batd e l n n at his fa t i g ; and stay 0 had sc a orned forg ve o Fr m the fight. callmhim gm t PAU L LA U R E N C E D U N BA R
for ar and a r s All for their love of you, not Le ned one le de to how us w a ? your woes, the y There shall lie Who shall rise up when the world
Tears that shall be to your souls as gives the test ? the dew to the rose ; Think thou no more of this Res ! Afterward thanks, that the pres t ent yet knows Nat to ply ! WH EN ALL IS DONE
s V WH EN all is done, and my la t X N R RU ALE A DE C MMELL sa word is id, DEAD And y e who loved me murmur, ” H e is dead . r BACK to the breast of thy mothe , Let no one weep , for fear that I Child of the earth ! s o ' hould kn w , E en her caress can not smother And sorrow too that ye should What thou has t done.
SOITOW SO. Follow the trail of the wa tering
sun When all is done and i n the ooz Over the earth . n i g clay, Thy light and his were as one Ye In this cast-ofi hull of mine Sun , in thy worth . Unto a 03 m“whose sky w as as Pray not for me, for, after long night . d air e n Came t thou , holily, b ari g thy o The qfi t Sf the grave will be a li ght prayer. And the dawn came, a In it thy f me For I have sufiered loss and
Flashed up in a flame. grievous pain , The l f l atred and the Back to the breast of thy mother w otfgs gi’dazi‘ TO TCSt And wounds so deep that as u stn ven Long h t tho ; - well tried and pure, Dared where the b ills by the light ’ Had not the paw t to ca” tha n ning of heaven were riven ; or to cure. o G now, pure shriven .
a r e Who sh ll come afte th e, out of When all is done, say not my day ’ the clay is o er, [ 1 1 3] T H E C O M PLE TE P O E M S O F
’ ' thro night l seek a dim Tha t I wonder wha t s the of shore writing mine. that my morn has just
DISTI NCTI ON e dawn an d not a setting ” l ad I AM but clay , the sinner p e . n When all is do e . i Who fed each vain des re. N ” ot only clay , another said, " r But worse, for thou a t mire. POET AND THE BABY THE SUM
man to w n te a sonnet,
o e LITTLE r a n by the way , y u t ll , A d e mi g A l i n day b d a ; going to weave the dim , litt e to li g y y A i a a s tic spell l ttle p in, little trife, - - o and a is i . a toddling on the floor A little j y , th t l fe
s s ad r , mu e he mu t o e ' A h ttle sh -hved su s s s ort mmer mu e he loves, not tt ol tlm? l strih my Bm h r md mm thou n m ong in youth are sweet ) ; Et ancl beat the waters in that As one who drow ns loud resoun d tng bea t M I” of melody. D her own bold n umbers i to thy m ng St ll ' lcean s dea r dcccit of lor tn g crowns. A DY PLAYING TH E HA RP CONFESSIONAL “ silver melted into t m 31 d? S hou y If ui e ; I d ream there be g l , It shall depart walls a round , em to hea r P AU L LA UR E N C E DU N BAR
M ISAPPREH ENSION Think you not w ell the w rong has been repaired ? ’ OUT Of my heart, one day , I T w as all in vain that ill Pro wrote a metheus fared l Wi th 1 heart 3 b °°d i mbued , l The fire has been returned to s Instinct with passion, tremulou ly Heaven again ! s trong, With grief subdued ; We have no singers like the ones B reathing a fortitude whose note
- a a n Pain bought . G ve c h lle ge to the noblest ’ a a And one who cl imed much love w rbler s song. v for what I wrought, We ha e no voice so mellow , d s s n Read an con idered it, weet, a d strong ’ And spoke : As that which broke from Shelley s ’ A —t i o n y , brother, s well writ, g lde throat. ’ But where s the joke ? The measure of our songs is our desires R U P OMETHE S We tinkle where old poets used
to storm . OM HEU S s PR ET tole from Heaven ’ We lack their substance tho we the sacred fire ’ keep their form : And swept to ea rth with it o er We strum our banjo-strings and n land a d sea. call them lyres. H e lit the vestal flames of poesy,
Content, for this, to brave celes
tial ire . LOVE ’S PHASES
Wroth were the gods, and with L ovn bath the w mgs of the but~ eternal hate
terfly , Pursued the fearless one w ho Oh c as mm ’ l p but ently, ravished Heaven g Famine and dipping and flutter That ea rth might hold in fee ing by the perfect leaven ’ s Incon que tly. To lift men s souls above their e n Sti r not his poi se Wi th the breath low estate. of a sigh ; o But judge y u now, w hen poet! Love hath the wings of the but
wield the pen, terfly . [ 1 1 7] E C O M PL ET E P O E M S O F
' p ot tb e a gle Is the chap [or its money s
stron gly And tbe lost for sum cz oss of the w orld he half of the sins Tha m mrsing this brave old wrongly ? ' i or b road is For it s firre to ons, i go m and the
ings ol the eagle Is sw eet to the morrtal fl r :
But the man w ho ft ils in a noble
’ ice Of the fl i hfifl ’ a g Is hero that s no less dear.
"f“‘fl g ’ T is true eno ugh that the laurel when the moon
’ Twines but for the Victor s n lh ng. " brow? ere the l ilt Oi it For many a he ro has lain him down
PAU L LAU R E N C E D U N B A R
How can the wind help from kiss The stars were out and the moon
ing her face, it grew Wrapping her round in his stormy From a wee soft glimmer w ay out embrace ? in the blue ’ But still serenely she laughs at his To a bird thro the heavens
rout, winging. She is the victor who wins in the n She san g, a d the song trembled bout. ’ r as 80 may life s passions about her down to my b e t,
(It w as sweet, so sweet the soul swirl , i S nging. ) Leaving it placid , my little As a dove just out of i ts fledgli ng March girl .
nest,
And, putting its wings t° the first What self-possession looks out of sweet test, her eyes l F1°“c homeward 5° wearily What are the wild winds, and winging. what are the skies,
Frowning and glooming when , She sang and I said to my heart brimming with life , a Th t song, Cometh the little maid ripe for the w as s 1 That weet, so sw eet the strife ? singing, md m Ah ! W » an d bah l W d, what Shall live with us and inspire us mi ght have you now ? long Wh at can you do with that inno a And thou , my he rt shalt be brave cent brow ? and strong n Blow , Wind , a d grow, Wind , For the sake of those words and and s l eddy , wir , - a winging. But bring her to me , Wind , my
t a lit le M rch girl. The woman died and the song
w as still .
w as s (It weet, so sweet, the m REMEMBERED ms ) But ever I hear the same low
SH E sa an s e ng, d I li tened th trill , ’ s whole ong thro . Of the song that shakes my heart w as s It weet, so sweet, the with a thrill , i s n ging. ) An d goes forever winging. [ 1 2 1 ] M a i -de e i VE DESPOILED y h l f ct on , if I go
Into the garden . ' a eat one summer s d y , It must be better w orkia g
mien dejecte d , there, at by ; ' ’ I m su re it s sweeter s distr aught . his lock And something in the balmy ra y . a M y clear my metr e. i e e his gait, so sad h s y , him with a p ity in g cry : [I n the Gard em]
s is a a sk ! what has disturbed Ah thi noble, wh t y Wha t breezes blowing ! ’ The ver clouds I lmow nOt Wh Thou seemst y , y . a on C ll e to rowin g. The ea l i quive r hanging str m wil be a parad se ’ To-da l y , I l warrant. ’ n d a s on s sin gle arrow left ? I k ow the ti e th t the ri e i is guilty of this W ll seem a to rrent ; I know j ust how the lea fy boughs Are all a-quiver ; looked in my face and I know how many skills an d mm
TH E C O M PLETE PO E M S O F
“ perfume oi the rose For I speak to y ou of summer
a ta e my cryst l foun in nights upon th yellow sand . When the Southern moon w as re s s ai an s n all time, a ro e blow s ling high d ilveri g the land ;
ai art u And l my fount n , tho if love ta es w ere nor m ed , ’ there s a tale that I could tell llO watched thy w aters Oi your m y nightly wanderings
with a dusk and lovely belle. sad to smile or sing? m a a me back y pipe g in , And I speak to you of care-free ll r a s s ’ a b e the thi ingle son gs when labour s hour w as ’ o er, A rcad l ell to y And a woman waitin g for your s s i tep out ide the cab n door, And of something roly-poly that ou l y took upon your a , OICE OF THE p While y ou listened for the stum BANJO b ling, hesitatin g words, Pap, PA U L L AU R E N C E DU N BA R
n d — Time may leave us poor a For Death , a swift old chap is
stranded, circumstance may he,
a us s H m ke bend ; And wift the steed e rides. ’ ’ s H But they 11 only find u mellower, e needs no chart o er main or ’ mra in won t they, co de ? mart, ” For the end . no direction bidet. So c a , ome, final cup with me, ’ And let the soldiers chorus sw THE STIRRUP CUP ell , To hell with care, to hell !
s r u w COM B , drink a tir up c p ith me, e Before we close our rous . ’ You re all aglow with wine, I know A CH OICE s The master of the hou e, HEY as es Unmindful of our revelry, T ple e me not th e Has drowned the carking devil solemn
a of s s c up. care, Th t hint ermon overed ’ i T is ru r sh u And slumbers in h s chair. t e the wo ld o ld heed
its wrongs, s ar u in a m l Come, drink a cup before we t t ; B t poe et me sup, ’ - We ve far to ride to night . Not simples brewed to cute or And Death may take the race we ’ c ss s make , H umanity s onfe ed di ease, And check our gallant flight But the spirit-wine of a singing i But even he must play h s part, line, ’ And tho the look he wears be Or a dew-d rop in a honey cup
i gr m , ’ We 11 drink a toast to him !
[ 1 2 5]
’ THEN AND NOW A nd made the pond rous crusty sa THEN ge
The object of a noble rage. H d 8 loved her, an through many rs No yea , r did I think (How dense we
H ad paid his fair devoted court, are !)
i she a an d sn rs a an da Unt l we ried , with ee Th t y y , however far,
al his a S . n Turned l rdent love to port Would h d me holding, un te le pel d, That night within his chamber The place that Doctor Johnson lone, held l He long sat writing by his bed A note in which his heart made But change has come and time has
moan moved , now a a u r rove For love ; the morning found him And , ppl uded , n ep d,
, a a e p , dead . I hold with p rdon bl ride n The place that oh son occupied . N OW J
m d c ! P resum tion l a is Like him , a an of later ay Con eit p Wh t this ? Was jilted by the maid he sought, And from her presence turned You surely read my words amiss ; s Like John on I , a man of mind ! away, r c e so ? Consumed by burning, bitte How ould you ev r be blind
thought. r No . At the ancient Cheshi e ” — s H e sought his room to write a Chee e, B r s a a curse lown hithe by ome v gr nt
ree e, Like him before an d die , I ween . b z hi s s a w Ah no , he put s woes in ver e, To dignify my h llo wit, ’ c s s s a sit ! And sold them to a magaz ine. In Do tor John on e t I
AT CH ES H IRE CH EESE M Y CORN-COB PIPE
WHEN first of wise old Johnson Men may sing of their H avanas, rs taught, elevating to the sta M y youthful mind its homage The real or fancied virtues of their
- brought, foreign made cigars T H E C O M P LETE PO E M S O F
' rship Nicotina at a dif I d rather fish than feast or fly
a r a s s e an h. oi shrine , In iry e lm er ne d hig
u r in o ed in glo y ’ I d take a suit not made for s - look , co rn eob pipe of mine . a s Some easily (lig ted book ,
es s i s so ai ragran t as the meadows Some fli , ome l ne , me b t, s e s the clover is in bloom ; om hook , Then w ould l seek the ba s nd nty as the essence of the y a r s est perfume ; b ook . as a re the orchard s l sc e n I wou d e h w mi e every task , the fruit is h an ging ripe . ' ’ ’ In Nature s smiles my soul should sun s warm kiss upon bask — is s - i thi corn cob p pe, And I methin ks no mo re could
s a ask moke bout it cli n ging, ,
i e ght its form to trac , t iental beauty wi th a veil her face ; cas acc ou is dim with vapour In e of ident, y know ,
PAU L LAU R E N C E DUN BA R
r i da is Ef s e Whut I kee c y long, de e hy ah folks will keep on ’ ’ Down in lovah s lane. hllin ’ ’ ’ a s s a s Yo a I kin llu ing ong h id wid nonsense, an you s ’ ’ ’ l v Long de o ah s lane . willin ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Ah de w o ds I hy eah an say I bet some day dey ll be a killin ’ ts a da Somew haih Mel up lu de we ry y along de line. ’ ’ ’ r l n W en I s st o li by de w ay , ’ ’ 0 c s s - o ah s o e I buy de al ice c ream , Down in l v lane . g Whut else I gwine to do ? ’ ’ ’ ’ An dis t ought will allus rise I know s jes how de t in g u d ’ Dow n in lovah s lane seem ’ ’ Wondah w hethah in de skies Ef I d be sho t wid you ’ ’ ’ ’ On a s at chu cli Dey s a lovah s lane. Sund y, you ’ o a-shouttn Ef dey ain t, I tell y u true, ’ ’ ’ all e ou o Ligion do look mighty blue, Den de we k y g roun ’ ’ ’ ’ Cause I do know whut I d do poutin ’ ’ ’ ’ ova I s tiahed 0 all dis Dout a l h s lane. mighty ’ doubtin , " l s I s I tel you ca u e true. PROTEST
’ ' WH O sa my hea t ain t true to y HYMN you ?
tta b s d f ’ be h e n . Dey ei h y mo O u L a o l mb ut in de ool , ’ s s ou an ’ I know I love y thoo thoo as a cal De M t h l you to de fol , m r ’ ’ a a e n i . In w t h ti e dro O li l lamb ! ’ s es d s ’ I wu h d e people top dey H e hyeah y ou bleatin on de hill ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ talkin , Come hyeah an keep yo mou nin ’ ’ ’ Don t mean no mo dan chicken s still, ’ squaw kin : ’ ’ 0 li l lamb ! ’ I guess I knows which w ay I s ’ ’ ’ as a sen She ud fo f walkin , De M t h de p ; ’ ’ s H e w a a so a a I know de norf f om souf. nd h uf, he w nd h no f, ’ ’ O li l lamb ! ’ s Eliz r a I doe not love y B own , H e w ndah eas , he wandah ’ ’ u ss s I g e I know my min . w es ; ’ ’ a s wn -w ren tn You llu try to tek me do De win a ch at his breas , ’ ’ ’ ’ evaht in o fin Wid g y u . O li l lamb ! [ 1 33 ] le Shepud w haih you hide ; Who is it all de day n evah onee ’ s you walkin by his side, trie ' e s e o 0 HT l amb ! Fu to b cros , r onee l ses dat o r y ou weak, he know y u
Whah did y ou git dem toci i M y , ’ ’ ’ a o s t, don st y away no mo , y u a scampl 0 HT lamb ! Whah did dat dimple come Porn ’ in y o chin ? 1 while de l amb he hyeah ’ — ’ Papp ou I b lieves ' ’ y do know y td s voice a-callin cleah ’ y ou s a trama; ’ ’ t Sweet li l lamb ! ' ah f omde b rambles thick. ' ’ d - u , I s a comin quick ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ 0 li l lamb l Let s th ow him outen de do in ’ de san , ' We do want stragglers a-leyto L E BROWN BABY ” roun hy eah ; ’ ’ ’ ’ s him wa bi brown baby w if spa lelin Let gin y to de g
733 :
T H E C O M PLETE POE M S OF
’ ’ silvah is de only thin g to Somep n s w rong erbout my lung. ’ us f om de pow ah ’ ’ ' ’ ” ' ~ b an Doctah sa s at ug ragin roun y I ll die young,
w ho he may de Well, I w ants to go l
’ W en de a o g l y u loves so deah, ’ Goes back on l folks kin keep you c ean an cleab ' ’ ’ I Sb d itt kDO tin w if yo gold gr l to W?
“Yo y ou people te
’ ' este rin p my min , ’ ' o ’ D n t shut me out cause estion a answ ehed s I w nt ’ ’ n ' a can t see. kin to get at any l ' ' Somep n s gone w ron g ’ a-ca usin ou y drea d , ’ — Don t be afeared to tell Whut l JILTED mastah dead ? PA U L L AU R E N C E D U N B A R
’ in w a n e lanni M astah , my mastah , dead dah H e t n yab used to p n ’ ’f ’ ’ ’ l’ de fiel ? o he got so po an o , ’ ’ ’ ’ dah es so S n tr in an Lif me up some , , j I o he gwi e to give up y , l ’ l’ kin knee . de homestead mus be so . im I w as too weak to go wid h , dey ’ ’ I kin see him stan in now erpon said , ’ ’ e ll fin so s p ez cl ah ez day , Well, now I him de te ’ ’ ’ - ea w in a k o fondlin mastah is d d . Wid de ind ’ thoo his haih all thin an
’ ’ ’ a I n ez as ez gr y ; Yes, suh, s comi f I ’ ’ An I membah how he trimbled kin , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ sa s ha d tu s when he id , It T was kin o da k, but hit
me, lightah agin ’ ’ ’ ’ i h ah Nat to mek y o Chrismus b r g t , P omised y o pappy I d allus tek ’ ’ ’ ” e keer but I low it wa n t to b . ’ u es as a — I s fol Oi y o , y , m t h , ’ ’ - ’ All de women was a c ryin , an de r h eah le in , y ! sl men, too, on de y , ’ ’ ’ A n I noticed somep n shinin even ’ ’ in 01 M astah s eye. CH RISM US ON THE PLAN But we all stood still to listen ez TATION ’ ’ 01 Ben come f om de crowd ’ ’ ’ - s a A n spoke up, a try n to te dy rism s h w as Ch u Eve , I mind hit his c and it ’ down voi e mek fu a mighty gloomy day ’ loud Bofe de w eathah ao do people
a of us w as a ; ’ not one g y h eah as L y , a , s ’ ’ ’ ook M t h I been Cose you ll t ink dat s mighty ’ ’ ’ se v fu ! s a ’ r in you lo de e m ny n tw ell fun y I try to mek hit a ye hs, cleah ’ ’ , A s c n now, en e we s got freedom ’ ’ ’ u a da k s al s a en do ’ ’ ’ ’ F y lu h ppy wh an i you s kind 0 po , h t s holidays is neah . pea rs Dat you wan t us all to leave y ou ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ n t m tn a o But we w as , fu dat o n c use y u don t t ink you can ’ ’ ’
as a mus o a . M t h d tol us we g , p y ’ ’ ’ e d a s r E m m r h H been p yin us ence f ee f y me b y as n t fooled me, ’ n s dom , but he could t pay no eem dat whut I hyead y ou ’ mo say . [ 1 3 7] T H E C O M PLE TE PO E M S O F
w as you wants us ANGELINA ’ dat bee kin , ’ ’ HEN fiddle s to si out we 3 W de git ngin , ' a 1 ah i n 0 V g n y reel , You hy eah behin . ' A“ y ou mm to { Cd a ticklin m s de w ay dis freedom ' o ao in O a lac y toe Y people, white r b k , ’ Ef y ou t cs tell Mistah Lin cum o a s y u w nt to keep it, too, tek hmfreedom back. ' ’ You jes bettah tek a him an git ’ ’ ' ’ fine wo k dis ol planta o self c a y le n out 0 view. ' u w hatevah W 13 5 “ ’ git, Case de time is mighty ternptin ' ’ w did su O t 08 an hit pp . when de ch une is in de me kin do it y it. s i w ng, ’ an d ’ is y o s, dc h ands is u a a ir i F d y, sa nt or sin ner man , ’ ’ an I reckon we ll be cut - i to de pigeon w ng. ’ ’ ' ’ A o y ou could n t he p f om dan c bah ez much ez o ' ’ ’ y u do in ef y o feet was boon wit ' has scra ah we to pe tw ine, When Angelina Johnson comes
’ “ W “! m h u . s down de e ah tood dah trimblin ,
' ' sfied wid livin Who w an t to be so awful moe ' a bad e tson dat s t ? Th y overdo the thing. ' Tha t s j est the thing that makes ’ gh iu me to listen i ’ ' ’ ’ ’ birds is sing n roun , A n quicker n a w ink ’ ’ ess in w hut ll happen I set it down that them ' snow is on de groun . folks ’ ’ tgtime an de summah, Ain t ha lf so good ’ t rer on de she f ; think. ' s ol Mistah Wintah ' ’ d r ice J hustle fu bisse i . I like to see a man ess n , ' In clothes b ecomin too ; ’ ' u l to e a fix ut hy eah tu a p pose, I ike s e a wom n uestun dat has riz As women orter to do ’ ’ ’ ots o people difiah An boys an gals I like to see ' ’ ’ ose s ah an hut dat pu p is. Look fre h young ’ ’ ’ s i 3 1 rdin to my rea n n , 9 7 : ’ ’ de p int w haih I s We all must have our vanity ’ A n V: pride before we die. a w d put life into us , PA U L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
For he who has not labored here POSSUM ’ Life s greatest pride has ’ Er s an t tn dat s missed : dey y g rile me ’ ’ ’ A n es j gits me out o hitch ,
Tw ell a c a ofi The pride to feel that yore own I w nt to tek my o t , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ So s r ar an t ar an c strength to pit h , i ’ s see s i n an t H as cleaved fur y ou the w ay Hit to ome g white man To heights to which you were not ’ ' M ittin dat ow dacious sin born , ’ W en he wan t to cook a possum But struggled day by day . ' ’ 5 ss s 0 s . What though the thousands sneer Tekin de po um kin ’ an scofl , ’ ’ ’ W dC a “0 “SC a An scorn yore humble birth ? Y Y in t in t lkin , ’ ’ ’ Kings are but puppets ; you are Hit jes hu ts me to de hea t ’ king Fu to see dem foolish people ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Th ow in w a fines a t. By right 0 royal worth . y de p ’ ’ d ez W y , at skin is jes tendah , ’ A " CZ c CZ be The man who simply sits an waits jui y kin a I knows all erbout de critter Fur good to come long, ’ ’ ’ — Ain t worth the breath that one Hide an haih don t talk to would take me l
is To tell him he wrong. ’ ’ Fur good ain t flow in round this Possum skin is 56 lak shoat skin ; ’ ’ world Jes you swinge an sc mpe it
Fur every fool to sup ; down, ’ ’ ’ e a s a You ve got to put yore m n on , Tek good h p knife an seo i t, ’ ’ ’ A n o an o a g hunt it up. Den y u b ke it good an brow n . ’ - Huh uh l honey, you s so happy ’ ’ ’ s sa Dat yo thoughts is mos a sin Good goe with honesty , I y , ’ ’ ’ OU 8 s dah a- a To honour an to bless ; When Y ettin ch wm ’ ’ ’ 0“dat OS UN S cracklin s i T0 rich an poor alike it brings P k n . ’ A wealth o happiness. ’ ’ ’ ristercrat l The s ain t got it al , White folks t mk dey know bout ’ ’ s Fur much to their su pri e , catin , ’ ’ ’ That s one of earth s most bless ed A n I reckon dat dey do things Sometimes git a little idee ’ ’ They can t monopolize. Of a middlin dish er two ; [ 1 41 ] ’ ’ ' t ing dey know s I w histles so s on t be feared ’ a earie cain t be be t Oh lone de way , my d l ’ ’ ’ Bu down at de t able t anyhow I s kin o skeered , ’ ’ s s Fu o dc kun pos um meat ! l ne w ay , my dea rie. ' Dc o i been l okin m ghty slum. k But y ou in mek hit lighten some, ' ’ ’ Ef you ll jes say you s gla d I THE ROAD
o a m w ar . see my gal to-night Dough l ne de y , y de ie
d e e w ay , my dea ri l ’ ain t out de st ars a mt , A DEATH SONG ;ht
w a m dearie l de y , y LA Y me down beneaf de willers in ' i is ow ful s w m ne p lo , dc grass, ’ ’ ’ I does git to y o do Whah de branch ll go a-singto as ’ ’ a ac an p y me b k , mo , it pass. ’ ’ ' - one w a m a i . A n s de y , y de r e w en I a lay i n low , I kin hyeah it as it go ’ ’ ’ - n e tek o s skeery lak an still Si gin , Sleep, my hon y, y
T H E C O M PL E TE POE M S O F
’ La o ai LULLABY y y h d down in my lap, ’ ” ’ P o little lamb i 8 come tu l ttle boys. , Y u to a v a n ht ° a ’ o ght h e g E od sl p. 0 little lamb . ’ Po little lamb . cd a a s out to m ke noi e , ’ ’ You n runn in ' bee roun a heap . 0 t a . li tle l mb ’ ' s nu o ’ ’ Shet dem eye don t y u peep, me t have too morrer sho ? now dah o s ’ , now, g to leep, tole me dat befo , Po h ' ttle lamb . il u fool me, ch e, no mo , ’ 3 little lamb .
bad da 1 de livelong y , TH E PHOTOGRAPH ’ 3 little lamb . ’ w ’ stones an run nin ay . 83 8 dis picty ah in my han ? ’ Dat s little lamb . my gal ; ’ ’ ’ ' - i y ou s a runmn wil , A n t she put ty ? goodn ess lan l ’ o c H u am lak some p folks hile ; h n e Sal. ’ Da ine whup y ou atter while, t s de ve ry w ay she be ’ ’ little lamb . Kin o tickles me to see ’ H uh a-smilin a b ck at me . PAU L LAU R E N C E DU N B A R
’ n h i c A ez s o 3 my face s black, Se ond hand to boot, ’ ’ Ax huh pa I s a- try in to Spite you ! ’ Fu de blessed little miss Full of jealousy ! ’ ’ ’ - h eah man l Who s a smilin out 0 dis Look y , , I l fight ’ h ss Picty ah, lak s e wan ed a ki ! you , ’ Don t y ou fool wid me !
JEALOUS PARTED R YBAK come Caesar Higgins, ’ ’ s fine ? Don t he think he o in c b DB breeze is bl w ross de ay. ’ oo at new s L k dem riggin a a My l dy, my l dy ’ ’ tr in s ? Ain t he y to hine r a De ship hit teks me fa aw y, ’ a s a c a Got t ndin oll r a a My l dy, my l dy ; ’ - ’ ’ A n a stove pipe hat, Ole M as done sol me down de ’ ’ I ll jes bet a dolla r stream ; ’ ’ Some one gin him dat. Dey tell me t a mt so bad s hit
’ ’ seem, Don t one 0 you mention ,
M a a . ’ ’ ‘ y l dy, my l dy hi c s Nothin bout s loe , ’ Don t pay no attention , ’ ’ ’ O oo se I knows dat y ou ll be E r let on you know s tru ’ ’ e, Dat he s got em on him , M a a ’ ’ y l dy, my l dy s c Why, t 11 mek him i k, ’ ’ ’ But den I do know whut to do, Jes go on an sco n him , a a ’ My l dy, my l dy ; is r c ! M y , ain t d a t i k ’ I know ed some day we d have to ’ ’ ’ a t e s p . Look hy ah, whut he doin ’ ’ ’ a s m Lookin t othah w ay ? But den hit put nigh bre k y ’ ’ a n he t, Dat ere move s a ew one ,
M a a . a y l dy, my l dy Some one call him , S y l ’ Can t you see no pusson ’ ’ da is is ac a s De y long, de night bl k, P uttin on you ir , ’ ’ a a ss u My l dy, my l dy ; S akes alive, you s wu ’ s I know you ll wait twell I come Dese hy eah millionaire .
back, ’ n i a a Need t git so fl ghty , My l dy, my l dy ’ ’ ’ ’ ll stan s ll s a Case you got dat suit. I de hip, I t n de ’ Dem cloes ain t so mighty, ' ’ come back . my Talk erbout a man backslidin w en ’ he s on de gospel w ay ; lady, my lady. ’ ’ em i T ptat on s los de day . ’ ’ b lie e jes v in whut I Gw ine to keep my ey a right strai n m ght up, gwi e to shet y a a ' l dy, my l dy mhs, an m ' dat e me ’ nothin kin ke p Whut ole projiek Mistah Sam s hw y . n e gw i e to try to w uk on m . a a l dy, my l dy ; ' a man an v is , lo e love ; ' Lismn a s h eah ' . whut d t oun I y ouah ea s m h t , y little ’ ’ dah ? ta in t no one commence
' ' to sin e; os f om his th one ‘ ' It s a fiddle ; git erway dah ! don above, you hyeah dat blessid lady, my lady. thing ? ’ ' dat e e W y , s swe t a dripptn honey , ’ m s o knm ra s de u e, y u , I d w EM PTATION
PA U L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
’ ’ ’ l m so s an l But I d let y ou have em al , Com up oft s y ’ ’ a she a Give em to you freely , Th t didn he r me nigh . ’ ’ ’ ’ a an s as Good an bad ones, gre t mall , I w pokin round that day , ’ ’
So o a . A n ez c s y u le ve me Dely I ome down the w ay , s s Fir t her whi tle strikes my ears, ’ n Dely got dem melti eyes, Then her gingham dress a pears ; ’ ’ p
an ac an a . Big bl k tend h So with soft step up I slips. ’ es a a -s z Dely j l dy i e , , , s s i ’ Oh them dewy ro y lip
Delikit an slen dah. ’ R ez c s ipe herrie , red an round , ez Dely brown brown kin be c a P s . ’ u kered up to m ke the ound A n a is c ; ’ huh h ih urly w as S She lookin in the pring, 011 she l00k so s ’ , weet to me , Whistlin a to be t anything, ss c s ! a a ” Ble de pre iou girlie a er Kitty D le In the Sweet. I w as jest so mortal beat ez b e, Dely brown brown kin ’ ’ That I can t quite ricoleck She ain no mullatter ; ’ ’ a w as s c cullud ou see Wh t the toon , but I pe k She pure , don y " ’ ’ ’ F w as hymn er th“, fur Dat s jes whut s de mattah ? 9 ’ H mn i s ‘5 3 “ i he y y th ng 1 l ke r. Dat s de why I love huh so, ’ ’ she for a D n mix Well went on while ai t no about huh , ’ c l W th her fa e al in a smile, Soon s y ou see huh face you know i ’ ’ A n r “00d D a I neve moved , but in t no chanst to doubt huh . ’ ’ Sti ller n a pi ece 0 wood ’ ’ ’ ’ s de o c c an a n t Folk y g to hu h pr y Would wink ner would n t stir, ’ ’ ’ - So s a ss . a a r to git ble in But g zin ight at her, ’ o ttah w s — O mph , dey be come my ay , Tell he turns an sees me myl ’ ’ c a ss . a i s sh Dey ould lu n le on Thought t f r t e d try to fly . ’ ’ ’ Sabba da don f y I go tu , But she blushed an stood her ’ es see J to my pigeon ; ground . ’ ’ es s ts an s at a-s I j e look huh, Then , lyly looktn round , ’ ’
Dat s en ufi uli ion . g She says : Did you hear me, Ben ?
Wh‘S‘li" “ mamc w hen . B K TH E R ro n REA ING CHA M ’ a s I oo i a S y , l k n wful stern . ’ Susanner w histlin CAUGHT ; well , Then the red commen ced to burn ’ ’ s s . c c s 0 r It mo t nigh too good to tell In them he k he n . Why, la ! ’ ’ ’ ’ Twould a b en too good to see Reddest red you ever saw ’ ’ ’ ’ Ef had n n fur P it t b e me, iney s wa n t a circumstance.
[ 1 49] I ma t ln eak m ned t msoe ' it s - Ei SW z bfi n i a r me, ' ’ l ieu find l ve h eu to d n se
Some blm ed hoy abmt the ph ee.
' An lz t night l heerd him u y i ' “ W whistl n brings shore e must send fur Dr. Glen n,
' " re ting ll b ak the cha rm. ' " O vhat s that ? h,
Wm l . " H UNTING SONG t like to tell y ou. ry ? Tm a c h oo “ ool nig t, g d m o see e. Well , y u
’ ' Skifi o snow upon de grom ’ now that she d in " ’ k ed Jes bout faa me o de y eah ’ W en de lea ves is d ry an Y us he sse ou m t ki d brown ; ' ’ n that heard y ou whistle e T k a dog an tek a m .
T H E C O M PLE TE P O E M S O F
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ eller s mo n th ee thou But I has n t seen no banjos layin ’ miles across dat awful nowhahs roun dis w ay . ’ ’ Jes gin 01 Jim Bowles a banjo, ’ ' ' o m let n obidy fool y u ao he d not go very fu , ' ’ ’ ’ ' de ocea n bein gran ; Fo he d outplayed all des e fid n d i l ou dl is and t to see c b l ets, y ers, w if dey flour h ’ ie de s w dem f om de y tir. ’ ’ ’ rople ? We been t inlti n E vahb iddy dat I s met wit has ’ ’ ll white folks w as alak been mon st ous kin ao good ; ’ ’ s nt d Engli hmen is diftu , But I t ink I lak it better to be ’ ' ’ ’ s n s :y curus fu a fac . down i Jone s wood , ' ’ e s h avier a n redder in Where we ust to h ave sich frolics, ’ ’ ' ta e-u ah e s se k p d y look , Lucy, you an me an Nel , ’ ’ on t sal n or e a t ud ca ci put t p pper Dough my ppe ite ll me, ’ ’ ss s ! ble ed t ing dey cook dey was n t nuflin else. ’ ’ ’ ' in ou ood ol tu n i s g y g p , I d j es lak to have some sweet ' ’ a sni s eets an ert e s e s n p p , b , p at rs roa t d in de ki ; ’ ’ ’ ' ’ I s a-longin tu my chittlin s an ’ o nt some one to tell y u, my mustard greens ergin ; PAU L LAU R E N C E DU N B A R
’ ’ ’ . a m is P S. Ef you c t mek out d Ol M as Bob ao Missis ’ la er on s e letter, y it by p de he f, In d y house up d aih ’ ’ An a when I git home, I ll re d Got no chile lak dis is, ’ ’ ’ ’ it a se f. D a w h i , d rlin , to you my own in t none any a h. l Sleep , my litt e lammy,
Sleep, you little limb, ’ ’ CH RISM US IS A -COMIN H e do know whut mammy ’ Done saved up fu him . ’ N - BO ES a gittin achy, ’ ’ ac a- te col ’ ’ B k elin , l l be a p c , ’ ’ Dey b njo i kin an s - row in s ’ H a g haky, Dancin all night thoo. ’ ’ Jes lak I w as ol . ’ ’ Dey ll be lots 0 chicken, ’ Fros erpon de meddah k Plenty tuk , too. ’ y Lookin mighty w hite ; ’ Drams to wet y o whistles Snow dra s lak a feddah ’ p o s S to drive out chills. i ’ Slipp n down at night. ’ Whut I keer tu drizzles ’ ’ 3 Jes keep t ings a-hummin ’ Fallin on de hills ? ’ ’ ’ ho ’ ’ Spite o fros an s w ahs, Jes s a-hummm ’ keep t ing Chrismus is a-c ’ ’ ’ omin o ol h w h Spite c an s o a s, ’ A n all e is ouahs. ’ ’ de w ek Chrismus a - m d y s a co in , ’ A n all e i t1 ’ ’ de w ek s ouah s - Little ma a axin , " Who is Santy Claus ? ’ ’ ’ M eks it kin o taxin A CABIN TALE Not to brek de laws. ’ ’ TH E YOUNG MASTER ASKS FOR A Chillun s pow ful try tn ’ STORY To a pusson s grace ’ ’ U sa dah ! W en dey go a pry in WH T you y , ? huh , uh ’ ’ c Right on th oo y ou face hile, ’ ’ ’ Dow n ermong y o feelin s ; You s enough to dribe me wile . ’ ’ ’ ’ Jes pears lak dat you Wan t a sto y ; jes hy eah dat l ’ ’ ’ ’ Got to change y ou dealtn 8 Whah 11 I git a sto y at ? ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ o s em las ? S to tell true. Di n I tell you th ee night ’ ’ a a . Go w y , honey, you in t right ’ ’ ’ m n s A n my pickaninny I got so ep el e to do , ’ ’ ’ ’ D reamin in his slcepl Cides jes tellin tales to you . ’ e es Lem see Come hy ah, M ammy Jinny, Tell you j one ? me ’ ’ - s a b e. Come an tek a peep . Whut dat one gwine to [ 1 53] T H E CO M PLE TE PO E M S O F
' ’ memb r a ls d s ole , yo y f i ; And qcould n t keteh de scamp . ' ' ta s . A n ha I do know no le y w h he wa n ed to tramp. ’ ' dah dat ch r D dow n in ee , ah de sooun el d mek his track. ’ ' an ts h eah. ef y ou w to y Do his du t an oome on back. ’ ’ off o an s H e w l up y h , as sich a s y ole limb , ’ ’ n ess Ia s ! a now. Good n Tr ps w as jes lak fun to him.
eyah ”W Now, do w n nea h wha h Mistah lak ou w as cd down y Bah
e asel dah Liv d , dey w as a we meks -t n ’ ' boys high o e But dey was n t iren s a-tall
Cu e de weasel w as so small . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ bah d es t ass A o de u , j u s , ’ l Tu n his nose u w en he d ass. ey w as a ole b ack bah. p p ’ ' ’ ’ Weasels s s a o c s m l live roun hyeah some m ll o e, but y .
So dis h eah one sa sa s he H e w as so big y ys y , ' ’ ' " ll es fix dat bah ou see. ca y OE a pig I j , y So fixes u his a picks a chicken up, he p pl n
TH E C O M PL E TE PO E M S O F
' ' ' mus be a dmkey r But of all de w hfi da kies dat ' innement he pa n l
’ '
ol Ike Bates s Sam.
' In de b eebm er de stab lg m de ’ ’ o fiel er m w in hay ,
' You oould hmh dat hoy a-w bn ' ' din w tr niz h t mile a
’ ' Poet ria up his ugly ’ ' tw ell y ou muld n t see his
" ’ ' hye a h las s de b uga Den you d hyeah a soun lak dis un f om dat PAU L LAU R E N C E D U N B A R
t ’ l ’ ’ ’ ’ At de call u co o ed soldiers, A n dey could n t sta t a hymn ’ ’ ’ s res Sam enli ted mong de tune, mebbe none 0 dem ’ ’ ’ ’ 0 a s a ahm Wid de blue G wd gre t y u d keer, ’ ’ ’ e ed a his sw ellin Sam s pp bout u d whi tle Sleep in Jesus, ’ ’ ’ as an bre , he knowed de Mastah d ’ ’ A n lafied an s loudah h he whi tled y eah. ' his oufiul an in y joy glee In de camp , all sa d discouraged , f Dat de govament would let him he would cheer de hea ts of ’ his . he p to mek people free all, ’ ’ ’ Daih as 0 s w lots tie to bin him , When above de soun of labour ’ a a an his p ppy, m mmy, dey could hyeah his whistle a Din h , call ’ as his s Dinah , min you , w weet ’ ’ ’ n as n a hea t, a dey w t n ry finah ; ’ ’ a lak But he lef em ll, I tell you , ’ a king he ma ched away, ’ ’ ’ Try n his level bes to whistle, ’ cru l w ah w as va an c a When de e o h happy, solemn . hoky , s y ’ ’ c m a c de boys o e m hin back, ’ ’ Dey w as shouts an cries an ’ blessin s all erlong dey happy
ac tr k, ’ ’ A n de da kies all w as happy ; souls ’ an e bodies bofe w as fre d .
Why, hit seemed lak de Redeemah ’ ’ ’ m s e u a been on arf indeed . ’ ’ To de front he went an bravely Dey w as gethahed all one evenin ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ an his es ca fought de foe kep j befo de bin do , i Sperr t, When dey hy eahd somebody ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ A n his comerds sa id his whistle w histlin kin o sof an sweet ’ ’ s made em trong when dey an low. ’ h ea it De n i could y h . y could t see de w h stlah, b ut When a saber er a bullet cut some de hymn w as cleah and ’ ’ ’ ’ ri n s ca m f e o hi n down , , ’ ’ ’ ’ A n de time u d come to trench A o dey all stood daih a-listenm ’ ’ ' ah s u d ethah ontw ell him de boy g Dinah shouted , ’ ’ roun , Sam l [ 1 57 ] T H E C O M PLET E PO E M S O F
' ’ l d k w a 05 a s o ted a litt e a y y C e y u know w en women argy. th thoo de trees dey is mighty easy led ' u ' ' [ce all in a puckah mekin By dey hea ts an don t go foolin ' ’ ich soun s t a ese de rm o of a d bout ns de h id.
But y ou got to mek erlow ance i n caus da de e t ao along.
ca d LUC B CK L D Now de use at m ade Miss Lucy Y A S I ’ ’ in to th ow huh grace away ' ’ ’ ’ ’ is mighty stirrin mong I s a fea rd won t ba ih no spection ' a le U ouah a c m p p w y , w en hit o e to jedgemen t ’ ' ' ' in an dey argy in ao day ; ’ ’ ’ ’ ' ’ night an day ; Do de same t in g been a-wo kin ’ ’ s monst ous da t y a s c trouble e h en e de worl began , eks me tiahed to tell tt Lucy Jackson dat w as
I mighty belle. E f y ou tended de rm vals which
PAU L LAU R E N C E D UN B A R
’ ’ ' s w huh c s mamm roane [d fo d to ho Lu y y g d to see huh. ’ ’ ' ' ’ ’ t she cou n t an huh a sto med mess , u ld p ppy an to , ’ ’ ’ but know But she kep right on a-hol in to ’ ’ dc r s n dan cahs cen ta of j es p e e t de h de llo . ’ ' vas ow nah of de flo ; So dey w en t an ast de pastoh ef he ' ' ’ ’ i kin o c c ul n t nk she d ooled o d mek huh quit, ’ ’ ’ 1 ci she happened on de But de tellin of de sto y th ow ed reacha de p h in a fit. ’ ’ otioed da t ere lightnin ' Cd UC S C C ’ SC in L Y Y Tildy Taylor chewed huh bank ’ c tw ell she d c in ’ ’ her hewed it would n t been so ston a hole, ’ w en de people gin a ’ ’ All de sinnahs was rejoicin ca use ’ ’ a am had l b lef de fol , ' w ow hllll a ! 7 m ntle A n ’ ’ - an c a lidin DUI. i ome ' y g . Llfill w as side an side lS WfiS dfl h tO tCk hub an ’ r a al fu d ancm , I don t bl me de g , luttahed down de 60 v ' au could n t Cf ed. ’ ’ I I tri ldah f om a bed tick w en LYR I CS O F L OVE A N D LA UG H T ER
T H E C O M PLE TE PO E M S O F
’ ’ ’ your lot till the season W en de sunshine s shoutin
r sk grow older ; glo y in de y , ’ ' ’ o s for the road ? A n do little Johnny-Jump-Ups s ’ ’ ' jes a-springin f om de ’ aw ay in the hush of the groun ’ ’ - morning, Den a lookin roun to ax each ’ ' o s for a ? otha the ro d h w y . ' e ll c v ns a o d h , a on entio Don y u hyeah dem cows a ’ ' sc o i orning, m o n ? D at s dey howdy ’ s for the road ? to de spring ; ' ' f w arblers so merrily sing Ain dey lookin most oncom
ing, mon satisfied ? ’ from the rill from the Hit s enough to mek a body want ’ - roa dside up springing, to spread dey moui ao of grapes from the Vina sing ’ es lowly swinging, J to see de critters all so ' ’ - a . s a kli on the ro d p n eyed.
ry house is a hut or a ’ ' ' W da hovel , y t squir l dat jes run past PAU L LAU R E N C E D UN BA R
’ ’ ’ Robin w histlin ovah y an dah ez he But i t s moughty ha d a-w aitin ’ ’ ’ ’ buil his little nes ; W ere dc night goes frow nin Whut y ou reckon dat he saym on ; ’ ’ ’ to his mate ? A n it s moughty ha d a-hopi n ’ ’ 3 ’ ’ H e a-sa at hub s yin d he love in de W en de clouds is big an black, ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ es w o ds she know de b , A n all de t ings y ou s waited i n ’ ’ h h as H as a A n s e lookin moug ty ple ed f iled , er gone to wrack ’ ’ des - at whut he state. But keep on a joggin wid a ’ ss c dat ah 0 Now, Mi Lu y, robin little bit song, ’ ’ ’ 0 s s sholy got his sheer en e, De mo n is allus b rightah w en de ’ ’ - s n A h de hen bird got huh night bee long. ’ mothah-wit i n true ; ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Dey s lots 0 c s ou s ot So I t ink ef y ou ll ixcuse me, tu 3 kno k y g to ’ ence tek I do mean no erf , ’ ’ ’ ’ ' o r s Dey s a lesson in dem birds fu Befo y jou ney done, ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ A n dey s times w en ou ll be me an y ou. y ’ w ishin ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ s a-buil in 0 ca an I s I my bin , Dat de wea ry race w as run ’ rbo e ’ vines e v de do W en you want to give up try tn ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ u o sheltah f om A n des o F to kin gin it fl at erpon de wave, ’ ’ ’ de sun ; W en y ou don t feel no mo sorrer ’ Gwine to have a little kitchen wid Ez y ou t ink erbout de grave ’ ’ ’ ’ a r a flo - eg l r wooden , Den, des keep on a joggin wid a ’ ’ A h ll a ac veran dy ’ dey be b k little bit 0 song, ’ ’ ’ ’ w en hit s done. De mo n is allus b rightah w en de ' ’ ’ - a tin c ’ I s a w i i n y ou, Lu y, tek de 3 night been long. ’ m ’ z a ple o de birds, ’ ’ ’ ’ Dat s a-lovin an a-matin evah De whup-lash sting a good deal i ’ w ha h. mo ’ ’ I cain tell y ou dat I loves y ou in De back hit s knowed befo ’ ’ ’ ’ s s w o ds de robin mu ic , A n de burden s allus het es ’ ’ ’ But my cabin s talkin fu me Whaih hits weight has made a ’ ovah thaih l so ; ’ Dey is times w en tribulation ’ s u ah han ’ L Seem to git de pp JOGGIN ER ONG ’ ’ A n to whip de weary trav lah ’ ’ ’ ’ s d l DB da hest hour, dey allu say , he ain t got stren th to ’ ’ ’ Is des befo de dawn, stan [ 1 65] TH E C O M PL ET E P O E M S O F
keep on a-joggm wid a The fame that for a momen t ’ tlc hit 0 song , glean”, ’ s i n i allus br ghtah w en de The flies forever, dreams, ah ’ - t s been long. dream !
0 burning doubt an d long regret. IN MAY 0 tears with w hich our eyes are
W“:
y ou in M ay , ou with y under the glut of pain ,
The somber cloud, r da th oughout the y ,
i -lilte r g the w ne b eeze! re sweet to think Your full fruition who can tell ? s ain ay should be our ag , Wealth . fame, and love, ah l
not, I shrink, love tha t beams
the sight of men . Upon our souls, all
ah ! d reams. gs the flowers to bloom ,
' VI DAY IN WINTER SNOWIN
s D5? i s o o ME on de medder , s n w up n de 1 ess on de w ay ; dey is snow upon de ’ ’ blessed reason An de little branc h s u " ' ’ da all listen in an s i l [H de y . g t l ’ ’ ' ah ! Whut you axin ? De win goes roun de cal ’ ’ ’ n eks me so merry ? sperrit w an erin r0t ’ ’ ’ see me sighin An de chillen shakes an ’ ’ it s w a m in Feb aw ary ? as dey listen to de so ’ Dey is hick ry in de l ' stake ah rider whah de blaze is risil ’ robin set ; But de heat it melts ain t ’ mence a-thaw m up de gray clouds in ' ’ ns o an is mo t us wet . Now den I des peep ’ ’ ’ o d ri stan dah w n n , den I hurries to de ti ’ slceert an sta ry ; Lawd a mossy on my bod ’ at to caper wish it would n t m ' ’ nit s wa m in Feb aw ary . ’ ’ I kin stan de hottes sm PA U L LAU R E N C E D U N BA R
a sa sb a s K P Wh t you y , you Li y D vi , EE A SONG UP ON DE ’ dat you see a possum s tracks ? WAY ’ h e h o s Look y a , boy, y u top y o ’ ’ ’ H c s is m a o 1 O , de loud ighty he vy fo lin , bring 0 Spot, an ’ A n de rain is mighty thick ; bring de ax. ’ a s w a ol w a Keep ong up on de y . Is I c ? Go y , now, Mandy, ’ ’ ’ ’ A n de waters is a rumblin what y ou t ink I s made of On — de boulders in de crick, sho, ’ ’ a s w a . i i Keep ong up on de y W d s win s des ez gentle, an y ’ ’ ’ ’ u a ercross a i a F bird de ro d d s in t no kin o snow . ’ ’ I s a-singin lak he knowed Dis hy eah w ea thah s des ez healthy ’ ’ Dat n t daih e we people did ez de w a m st summah days. ’ Fu tr a aib Al o e to y de r iny l y u chillen st p up lively , pile ’ a s Wid ong up on de w ay . on wood an keep a blaze. ’ ’ ’ What s de use 0 gittin skeery ’ ’ ’ ’ What s de use 0 gittin mopy case dey s snow upon dc , ’ ’ groun ’ ? Case de weather ain de bes l ’ ’ a so w a - ci Keep ng up on de y . Huh uh , I s a reg lar snowbird ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ a i a W en de r in s f llin ha des , dey s any possum roun . ’ ’ ’ Dey s de longes times to res ’ e a o s w a . Go on , Spot, don be s foolish ; K ep ong up on de y ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ s s a-s a s don y ou see de sign 0 feet. Dough de plough t n in till ’ ’ ’ De ll a s y a t , What y ou howlin tu ? Keep till , be w t h u de mill ’ ’ h l is Ra mus c ez ez sun su , cose dc co putty in ome well ’ ’ ’ ’ Fo w eathah s is sw eet ; de wo k done, ’ ’ a s n ss w a . But we goin out on bus e , an Keep ong up on de y ’ ’ ’ ’ hit s bus n ess o de kin ’ ’ ’ ’ Dat mus put a dog an dahky in W y hit s nice to hy eah de show ahs ’ ’ ’ a happy frame 0 min . Fallin down ermong de trees : ’ ’ Yes ou s col n ir s , y I k ow , Spotty , Keep a ong up on de w ay . ’ ’ o des s a c s Ef o h but y u t y lo e to me , de birds don b t ah bout it, ’ ’ ’ n ll mek ez c o s lak as A I . you hot otton But g ingin dey ple e , ’
w en s es a . we trik de h ppy tree Keep a song up on de w ay . ’ ’ ’ ’ don lak intah w eathah You s s s w No , I w , don po e I g ine to see ’ ’ ’ ’ an I d wush t uz allus Dem ah fowls do mo dan me ? ’ suh des c as dis June , No, , I ll h e frown, ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ E w as n fu tracki o A n l ou h f it t de n de a d g de rain fall down , ’
oss an c . s p um de oon Keep a ong up on de w ay . T H E C O M PLETE P O E M S O F
’ ’ ’ KNINO OF THE Don y ou t ink ease chillun s chil ' ’ S IN THE BED lun dey hain t got no pain ao " ache. ’ ’ sho a cur ous critter, ’ ’ ’ ' doub tin da t. s ain t no So she shakes em . an she tw ist ’ ' r t ' r O . ea ahs t om e 0 funny p em, m she tu ns m m
a s to hat. p h huh erbout, ’ ’ ' " ' erstan an to un huh , Twell I don see how dc chillun ’ ’ des up ah say ’ ’ ' it 0 use to try to Den she lif s em up head dow n» ' ” a woman s w ay . git livah
870W“: ’ ' o > lainin but to be c mg . But dey snooz es des ez peaceful ' ez a liz a d on a stone.
io s my own obserw at n , ’ ’ ’ ' W en hit s mos nigh time tu ’ it ’ ' me tu to prove , I w akin on de dawn o jedg t fine it migh y , ment day , ' ’ ’ ' t no bettah z ample Seems lak in hy eah ol Gab iel
’ 1 171 1 3 L U M K L IL I D I U D M D U l ‘
" ' ' ’ s gon e erroun a -grinn in Den I say s to my ol ooma
at o w ches d wn de lane, ’ ' ' s da t meks Don t so t o de now me y ou reckon . ’ ’ ’ ah ; t ain t dc col da t dat we gwine to have ” 5 me shake ; rain ? ' ' t de w in tah- time itse f ' ' ’ s i ect in me ; o Go n, man . my Liz y aJ ’ ’ in m is c i “ ' k de ti e om n , o y u cain t fool me, ’ I d bettah mek a break , bit, set s a ssu ’ wid Mi t h Po m I don t see no rain a-oom e ’ ’ ' is tre . i h y ou s w s in tu it, qui ’ ’ Cam ou erbout ’ ’ de mo y t ink 1 hyeah de da kics singin , ’ ’ de mo you pray an w i l ’ dc qua htahs a l is gay , ’ W a n s a wa ' y de r i t y y de l de time i n birds lak me eehul ef ou a s te ' ’ w y w nt erroun
’ ' hick ry chip : is fly m ah B t e ’ ’ u I s e huh pat de skillet a s ca ied a g been erw y, ’ ’ ’ ' see huh a s huh ey e t s dan ous roostin g to be ’ ’ ’ Wid a kin o amttb us motim he groun . J i P AU L LAU RE N C E DUN B A R
’ ’ ’ T amt no use to go a-ploughtn Tw ell de co k go w ay down ’ ’ ’ ’ ll too undah n tu de groun be , a I raise a awful s wet, hout, ’ ’ So I puts out tu de big house at Ez a big ol y allah belly comes a lli ’ mo ht ac a van tin . a ug y p e, you bet, g out ’ ’ s An ol asta sa , , L , m h y Well i by ’ ’ ’ eed n t s a Catfish ci ou s N wriggle, Mi t h , y t ink hit gwine to ’ cas es e I got you j de same, I ain: ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ca ll ca an i eathah You been tin , I be tin , Go fish n , hi t 8 d w , on e ’ ’ ’ ’ we needah ain t to blame. an I low we cain t com ’ ” But y ou need n t feel so lonesome plain . ’ ’ ’ ’ tu I s th ow in out to see ’ ’ ’ Ef Talk erbout a dahky walkin wid dey ain t some of yo comrades ’ tu to o c a his haid up in de aib l keep y u omp ny. H ave to feel mine evah minute to ’ ’ ’ dis fisht Spo t, n I now y ou talkin , sho ot daih ; be I g it ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ w y dey ain t no kin to beat ; En 13 cuttin ca ahs an de win p ’ ’ ’ ci is soakin lai s - I don keer I , g , a as e r s , l hin thoo d t ee ’ ’ ’ an ac b k, an naik, an feet a s a-sin m , But de r in keep on g ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ s s s a ab . s It de po t I lookin ft e se s s , lak o bl d ong Tek y ’ ’ ” s as Hit de ple ure ao de fun . ease. ’ ’ Dough I knows dat Lizy s w aitin ’ ’ s Wid my pole erpon my shouldah wid de killet w en I s done. ’ ’ an my wo m can in my hanfl ’ ’ A PLA NTATION I kin feel de fish a-w aitin w en I ’ ’ PORTRAIT strikes de rivah s san ; ’ ’ ’ N a min ’ ey h , you ho ny scoun els, HAI N T you see my M andy Lou ’ ’ ’ , need n swim erroun an Is it true ? ’ grin, Whaih o a you been f m d y to da , ’ ’ y I ll be grinmn in a minute w en I h i W a h, I say ? ’
c au ou in . men e to h l y Dat you say you neyab seen Dis h eah ’ ’ y queen fish W en de begin to nibble, an ’ ’ ’ ’ a fie ’ W lkin roun f om l to street de co k begin to jump ’ , Smilin s ? ’ ’ ’ weet I s erfeahe dat l d dey l quit bitin , “ ’ case dey hy eah my hea t go Slendah ez a saphn tree ;
thump, Seems to me T H E C O M PLE TE POE M S O F
' ’ ' “ ” w m blow t om de bay B e snow s a-sayin Got you to ’ ics sway ' ’ ’ ’ reg lar saplin do Fu de wintah w eathah s come ’ widout a-askin ouah de ’ ’ an graceful , dout a limb, ' ’ ’ A o he s langhin in his sleeve ’ at w u ’ h t he foun ; ’ den de frush s wing, ’ Fu dey ain t nobody ready wid she s ing er de ' dey fuel y food , In his wa ble ring ' A n de money bag look timid spring ; ' ’ lak. fu sho oly beat de frush ,
me , hush ’ s r l e mon, but we d ak it ef i ing. huh teef k n
te ez sn ow. Leave a little Chrismus basket ’ ’ ' ’ an n at de do ig roun a bright .
’ ' Wba s do use o telltn chillen moon gives in de prime ’ u a bo t San ty er 11 Nick. ’ ' Ah de sto ies dat a body allus
T H E C O M PL ET E P O E M S O F
' s - ery of d eep d raw n b reath, Dow n in my oi cabin u it were at w ar with " ’ h. raters in de tiah layin ’ roas ; l es l hy lis smil , her g ance one ai to No d h cross me, iles ' talkifl pfl l. - t through love lit wood ' ’ But I s got de comp ny nd aisles, sw ee t b row n gal. ugh the silence high and
’ ’ So I spen s my evenin IIStl ' a w rbler s song I hea r. huh sin g,
Lak a blessid a ho h ngel ; e frown , despair comes voice do rin g ! “7 Sweetah den a bluebird fl saclt-cl w on my oth go n ; ’ erroun , s s I 1 not, Phylli , le t die, ' W en he sees de steamm s i on me with m le or ' new ploughed groun .
s lo Den I hug huh c sah, cl ’ my b reas . PA U L LAU RE N C E D U N B A R
u sass r Bl ebird de obin, THE VISITOR as Robin s s him back, ’ ’ ITTL L E lady at de do , Den de bluebird scol him ’ ’ ’ ’ W y you stan dey knockin ? Tw ell his face is black. ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Neyab seen you se befo Would n min de quoilin ’ ’ ’ er w a s sho All In y o ckin . de mo nin long, ’ ’ Don you know de sin it is a es a , Cept it w k me e rly ’ ’ Fu to git my temper riz Case s s . hit done in ong ’ ’ W en I s got de rheumatiz ’ ’ An in ’ ’ my j ts is lockin ? Anybody w o kin
’ Wants to sleep ez late 01 ss a n s No , Mi t ont you down, ’ ’ Ez folks ll ’ de low him, Don y ou tell no story ; ’ A n sh s a ’ ’ ’ I wi to t te I been seed you hangin roun ’ ’ i ’ (Co se d s ain t to scattah, Dis h a ye h te itory . ’ ’ ’ x an ’ But twi me you), You den come fu me to tell ’ ’ ’ I could stan de bedclothes, You a tale, an I ain ’ ’
o a a . Kin l t h , too w ell h e Look y ah, w hat is dat I ’ ’ e s T amt my n atchul f elin , mell ? ’ ’ Steamin Dis hy eah mopin spell . victuals ? Glory ! ’ ’ I stan s early risin ’ in s Come , Mis y, how y ou do ? Mos ly moughty well ; ’ u fiah ve Come p by de , But de y minute , ’ ’ ’ as I w jokin , chile, w id you ; I feel Ap il a heat , ’ dat s n i h Bring ba ket g ah. ss y o s , c es Ble oul de bed loth ’ H uh ’ uh, ain t dat lak 01 Nevah seemed so sweet.
Miss, ’ ’ ’ ’ Sen in me a feas lak dis ? M astah , he s a ’ R a ’ heum tiz cain t StOp my s Ca e de han s is slow , ' bliss , ll s A de bo ses balkin , ’ as feeltn ’ ' ’ C e I s spry ah. es a J c in t mek em go. ’ ’ ’ s a a c a an ra Don know whut de m tt h , Chi ken me t g vy, too, ’ ’ ’ ’ s - Hit a funny t ing, Hot an still a heatin ; ’ ’ ’ Less n hit s de { evah Good cl sweet pertater stew ; ’ ’ Dat ou s s r . M ss b lie i y git in p ing i y ves in treat n . s De set down, you blessed
[ 1 77]
LADY OF CASTLE The bird m his n
GRAND tree, m w m ‘ B me pd am w hm she gd r fi lw eUs , Nobody sing; for ly the popla rs stand the window where
Lady of C e Gran d
BM land ? and lovele toes she hide the livelong l ay . c as the poplars ar . i o m reach ng ut. but vme an d f“
W a ddes t in all t the firm in the fi fifl i Ahe Cfl l l l fl d Ifl S g
pride, y the fire-d ogs stand ; M y Lady of castle is the body an d cold the PAU L L AU R E N C E DU N B A R
’ ’ ’ ’ dc t ou hts de o c s al W en g y keep on Well , d ritter l w as p osp ous, ’ d rappin now w ould be de chance ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Was n t fin ? F big enough to u to tease ol Pa son Hedgehog, ’ ’ Dem s whut I call driz z lm givin of a dance ; ’ ase people, C , y ou kn ow, dc critters ’ ’ Othahs ca a n ll em me ly mo f, preachah w as dc smc est kin , ’ ’ ’ dc s ame s r a But fu t n hit me be t h, A o he nevah made no lowance fu ’ Case nevah c 3 drouf. dey te h dc frisky min .
De a r eah y kin t lk f om hy to y andah, 80 s inbitations Rac ’ ’ dey ont dey , A n f o e h e in m yandah hy a rga , ’ c all ’ ’ ’ ’ oon writ em , An ss dey don mek no mo pre ion , Dis h eah is inbite ou ' ’ ’ y note to y dis 0 Den powd ry kin rain . a c al ’ ’ to de F n y B l ; o r c Eu y min is d y z cindahs, ’ ’ eu o a s ’ ’ Come erlong bring y l die , Er c 0 kin dlin a pie e wood , ’ hillun ’ ’ ' ’ ’ bring y o c too, T a a- a in t no use t lkin to em, ’ ’ l o i s ’ ’ Put on a l y b bs ao tuckah , Fu dey d rizzle ain t no good . ” s how whut y ou kin do.
s s e Gimme folk dat p ak out nachul, ’ ’ 11 e W en dc m all Whut say d s whut dey mean , night co e, dey ’ ’ Whut don t set dey w o ds so gathahcd in a place dey
skimpy knowed , ’ ’ Da Fu t you got to guess between. enough erway f om people, ’ a a l ho i I w nt t lk des ak dc s w ahs n gh enough dc road ,
w d s All d n cd Whut kin ash c du t erway, dc critters ha erspo d , Hop ’ dat s rinklin conv sation a ih Not p u , To d up to Ba , ’ ’ ’ Dat des all dc da . A n h ea drizzle y I s y h to tell you , Pa son lh Hedgehog too , w as da . E CRITTER ’ DA CE D S N ’ n m Well , dey talked a ade dey ’ ' ’ I bc unce dcs s A N T nobody n evah tol y ou not a j , lak critter ’ - a wo d a t ll, do, ’ ’ ’ ’ Bout dc time dat all de critters Ao dey walked ao p omen aded ’ ’ ’ ’ gin dey fancy ball ? roun an thoo an thoo ; ’ ’ ’ s a s ol M is cx she w his ah Some folk tell it in a sto y, some Je lou F , p , ’ i ca al folks sing dc rhyme, See M s Wild t d h, ’ ’ ’ ’ n ous a-c P cahs to me you ought to hy eahed Ain t hit sca l , hub omin ’ ’ it s l o ld , ca e hit s o cz time. wid huh sh u ahs haih ? [ 1 8 1 ] T H E C O M PL E TE PO E M S O F
’ ’ ’ ’ ' i Sis T utle was n t hon n fu tah Fox, she vowed she was n t ’ ’ cin tricks, gwine to b licve huh eyes ; ' ’ ' ’ ' ’ i tlc by 01 M s Tu , But day could n t be no sputin ’ ’ C3 ; bout it any mo : ’ ' ’ ’ ’ hit mcn cc a-play in Pa son Hedgehog w as a-cape in all ’ ’ a r ll to place , e roun dc flo. ’ ’ ' an fou stan side ’ ’ ’ ilin ace Den dey all es capahed sonn lous sm face to f . j ’ s e n ca e d y did t doubt, ’ ' dc co nc Dat de s i rog , he play t, y t ll could go to meetin ; ' ’ l e w ho p ay d c fif , could tu n cm out ? ’ ’ ' ho -fid So i a ci an uli io Grass ppahs a dlin w d d n n g n , day ’ 0 save dey life ; w as in de fol , ’ ’ ’ ’ e c fi r Fu a - a ci so o h call d ggc s, d n n wid dc Pa n could ’ ' m a n t hu t dc s u . tree, . o l how dose critters sas
a s d w s a ight to see . ” WH EN D COLo ’ DEY LISTE m sw in M is Rab g RE LD ER ’ O D SO I S dow n dc flo ,
PA U L LAU R E N C E D U N BA R
’ ’ er icler es Dressed p t , j fu y ou ; THE BOOGA H MAN
RCCkon I d a bettah w o ’ ’ ’ W E N dc evenin shadders e a i My 01 ragg d c l co . - ’ ? 1 ° a g tdl ow n ' a all dc a s I s o Aft b p in to k, ? q agm F blaci an fca ’ vy ou e I Cain t y t ll me how look ? ’ a ah ’ ’ ’ ’ Ov h hill tow n , Speak up Ike an spress yo se f E ou s f y li ten keerful,
’ ’ ’ Keerful CZ OU kin Bless my soul ! I mos i n got Y , ’ ’ ’ ’ 80 3 YOU n ce Tellin you bout Tildy Scott. bou to noti ’ ’ ’ h a Des a d rappin pin ; Don t you know, come T u sd y ’ Den y ou ll hy eah a funny night, ’ ’ ’ ercross I She gwine ma y Lucius White ? Soun de an s ’ ’ La 1OW dat 8 dc ca i Miss Liz e say I allus w ub y ; ll n ’ Of dc Boo ah M 8 0 ! Heap sight laklier n huh ; g ’ ’1 ’ A n she 1 somep n new , git me W00-00 w oo-ool , ’ oo Ef I wants to ma y t . H y ea h him 8 : he o erlon dc ’ ’ ’ ’ g g a Ike o s ress s . Spe k up, , a p yo e f w ay ;
’ OO-OO o -ool m W , w o I could a y in a w eek , ’ ’ ’ ’ s D on y ou w ish dc n ight ud tu n Ef dc man I want ud speak. ’ ’1 ‘ Tildy s presents 1 be fine, ’ o-oo o-ool n e Wo , w o But dey would t kal mine. ’ ’ ’ ’ H id e o little hind o Him whut gits me ln a wife y y ’ ’ ’ o ha n ; LI be proud , you bet y life. ' ’ WOO-Oo w oo-ool I s had c fl ers ; some ain t quit ; , ’ ’ ’ Callin o d e B oo ah M a n. But I has n t ma ied yit ! f g ’ ’ a u I c an s ress o SC I. Spe k p, k p y ’ 9 ’ W en dc w m s a-shxvernn s ou es s dc Ike, I love y , y , I doe ; Thoo gloomy lane, ’ ’ an d w s A n You s my choice, allus a . dey comes dc patterm ’ ’ ’ Laflin a ou a a t y in t no h rm Of de evenin rain , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ w a dahk a s o arm? - Go y , y , wh h y W en de owl s a bootin , ’ s dah 8 Hug me clo er , dat Out daih in de wood , ’ right ! Don you wish , my honey, ’ s W as n t you a awful ight, Dat y ou had been good ? ’ " ’ H avin me to baig you so ? P ain t no use to try to Now ax whut you want to Snuggle up to Dan ; ’ ’ c a know , Bless you , d at s d c llin ’ ’ ’ ’ e n s Speak up, Ik , a press y o se f l Of de Boogah M an ! [ 1 85] I V V LV I L u u x u L V D ‘ V L U V F o
' Dow n did l h ll at 5 yo mammy, your i ’ ’ mn s y o pap, ah wriggles Oh, the logs tbey cm k an
' And the w att : dmps :
But it is not rain b ut b Where my dead darlia g
Out to the lifelm da
But cver tbe wind rides An d we sit close witbii IR WRAITH Out of tbe faoe of tbe d: — is cold an d chill l and my darlin gr si fire sobs low in that
C.
T H E C O M PL E TE P OE M S O F
’ ’ A n s h ee d w moughty glory in him I p in it, Du e thoo his face . dah bl ssed snow. ’ g to ds night. ’ I t a attah lak de big house , an Den bre h p ' acrost dc 30 de fiah s lak dc sun ; Come ’ Den dey 0011 105 3 d a ttah 00k moughty l akly, ah ’ A r dc do dc chile dc putticst cabin : ' A n my mammy 11a one ; . ’ ’ ’ ’ S oilin al m blessid cs a - p l y icy , s , j livin ’ ' ' ’ f om d at al t w en a body s wo k is Come in w le , ' " Don t I see y ou. boy ? done . ' s ng to d night.
’ Down ez sof ez meal , GRIEVAN CE ' ’ ’ Wb ut s de use 0 livin ’ ' ’ C! t OU ot dc snow s a-i allin p Y g feel ’ ’ ’ Of de stuff dat s fallin is col . ' ’ ’ ’ ’ - R0un nu white an d amp cc a callin , , ’ ’ ’ ' o - D ut some one a c allin , mence to scoi ,
Come in hyea h, YO“St amp ! isby Brackett, PA U L L A U R E N C E DU N B A R
’ ma a finer Yes a Maids y v unt their , huh co t ah long an shaggy. ’ ’ charms ah she ain t no shakes to ’ Naught to me like Dinah s arms ; see ’ s ma a a Dat s a - es Girl y dr w, or p int, or ring bone, y , y ou right, ’ ’ sew suh n h , a s e got a ou ry
I a a . love Din h kne ding dough knee, ’ ’ de But y ain t no use in talkin , ’ d she ss fu Eyes of jet an teeth of pearl, de only ho me , ’ ’ - c Dat ol ar o i . Hair, some say , too tight a url ; m e m ne But the d ainty maid I deem ’ ’ ’ a c s a . s Very ne r perfe tion dre m Co e, I knows dat Suke s con ’ ’ ’ she s an d s a Swift work , only fling tr y, an she moughty ap n s Me a gla ce the least of thing . to vex ’ I n s she n And wo der, doe k ow But you got to mek erlow ance fu That my heart is in the dough ? de n ature of huh sex ; ’ ’ Dat l a o o m re mine . ’ ’ Ef y ou pull her on de lef han ; ’ she plum termined to go TO A CAPTIOUS CRITIC right, ’ ca n A nnon could t skeet huh, but EAR c c ss so D riti , who my lightne ’ she boun to tek a fright e r s d plo e , A ’ t a piece 0 common paper, or I st c Would might udy to be prin e ’ an t m s y g w hut white, s of bore , l’ ’ Dat o mare o mine. Right wisely would I rule that dull estate ’ sir s c c a But , , I may not, till you W en my eye ommen e to f il ’ a ca I trus es to bdi te. me , dough ,
huh sight, ’ ’ ’ ’ A n she 11 tote me safe an hones ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ da s DAT OL MARE O M INE on de ve y ke night , ’ ’ Dat ol mare o mine. ’ a s Ri I she es s c WANT to tr de me, do you , mi whup huh , j wit h ’ tah ? ai an s a Oh , well , now, I huh t l , ettle to l reckon not, wa k, ’ ’ ’ W n I she s ll huh y you could t buy my Sukey Ef whup huh mo , he ’ ’ ’ fu a tho an a ah lak ez she us on de Spot. h id , not, ’ ’ Da l t o mare o mine ? balk. [ 1 89 ]
PA U L LAU R E N C E D U N B A R
’ ’ I done fu got de joy an cheah We bofe is choked ez choked kin ’ ’ all i s o be We knowed k n wed , ’ ’ ahs A n 1 d , bofe 1 soon go out . ’ ’ I done i n got each ol - time hymn ’ a a c s We ust to sing in meetin ; H ng vine by de himney ide, ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ h n A n ca I s lea ned de prah s, so neat a one by de bin do ; ’ ’ An s a s fu da d at trim , ing ong de y ’ ’ r De p eachah keeps us peatin . died , da o De y f long ergo. m s H ang a vine by de chi ney ide, ’ ’ A n one by de cabin do ; ’ ’ A n sing a song fu de day dat A PLANTATION MELODY died ,
De day of long ergo . ’ ’ DE is e trees b ndin in de sto m , ’ ’ a ai s es De r in done hid de mount n My yout, hit s gone , , long y ’ fo m, ergo , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ I an s lone in distress. A n it I ain t a-moanin ; y ’ ’ ’ ’ s dah But li ten , s a voice I hyeah, Hit s fu somet ings I ust to ’ ’ A -sa le yin to me, loud an C ah kn ow ’ La w ildaness - - i y low in de . I set to night a hon n . ’ ’ l 01 an flo De pa let on de pl k , ’ fl ’ ’ De lightnin ash, de bough sw ay s De rain bar l und de eave , ’ ’ ’ low, oa fo ca De live k de bin do , ’ ’ ’ o ’ My p sick hea t is trimblin so, Whaih c s ah de night dove ome ’ ’ I t hu ts my very breas . s. grieve ’ But him dat give de lightnin pow ah H ang a vine by de chimney side, ’ ’ ’ es s tr xn how ah A n one by de cabin do ; J bid me in de y “ ” ’ ’ La w ildaness. A n sing a song fu dc day dat y low in de
died , ’ ’ b r h s a O ot ah, w en de tempe be t, De day of long ergo . ’ ’ ' ’ A n w en y o weary head an feet ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ - I d lak a few 01 frien s to night Can t fin no place to res , ’ ’ ’ ’ To come an set wid me ; Jes membah dat de Mastah s ’ ’ A n me dat ol let feel delight nigh , ’ ’ I ust to in dey glee . Ah putty soon you ll hy eah de ’ h e is But y ah we , my pipe an me, cry ,
Wid no one else erbout ; Lay low in de wildn ess.
TH E C O M PLET E PO E M S O F
w is Sw eetah den haih de road rough , de music of a lor e
e a to hy ah you s y , ' o En ugh . Comin Pom de gal you loves bet ' man c o ! ta i , ome h me h dm yO k n,
” y ou step right ia ? DY OW . HONEY, ’ ’ HOWDY ! A t de gnte o heaven w en de ’ ' stor m 0 life is pas , ’ ' in a ar ’ ' ' ’ on j , Spec I ll be a tw ell de ’ n in o ’ th o , s a a s M a t h s y at la , ’ ’ ’ ' d rows in n dc ac , e rou pl e H y a b b e stan all wa ry . but a ak is Lou n w e , he winn ed his fight wid si . ' sw e an see ' ta , she an h, I w o u p Ho dy, honey, howdy, won t y ’ ” n c me e to grin , 5t right ia ? ’ o honey, howdy, w n t ? " step right in
H E UNSUN G R ep erpon de log laym at T HE OES PAU L LAU R E N C E DU N B A R
They fought their w ay on the And the great smoke wreath that i hillside, they fought their mingled ts hue with the s l w ay in the glen, du ky c oud , ’ And God looked down on their Was the flag that furled o er a “ s and sa sa sinew brown , id , I ddened world , an d the ”
. s have made them men heet that made their shroud.
God a t s They went to the blue lines gladly, Oh , Mighty of the B t le Who and the blue lines took them held them in Thy
hand , m, And the men who saw their Who gave them strength through ’ ’ a s to muskets fire thought not of the whole d y length, fi ht a a their dusky skin. g for their n tive l nd , The gray lines rose and melted They are lying dead on the hill s s are a beneath thei r sca thing show ide , they lying de d on
the plain, ers, i And we have not fire to smite the And they said, T s true, they s lyre an d sin g them one brief have force to do , the e old s train . slave boys of ours.
Give, Thou, some seer the power a saw and Ah , W gner their glory, s to ing them in their might, Pillow knew their blood , ’ ’ The men who feared the master s s That poured on a nation altar, whip, but did not fear the a sacrificial flood . fight Port Hudson heard their w ar-cry That he may tell of their virtues that smote its smoke-filled s as min trels did of old , air , Till the pride of face and the hate And the old free fires of their of race grow obsolete and savage sires again w ere cold . kindled there.
A song for the unsung heroes who
s a s They laid them down where the tood the wful te t, rivers the greening valleys When the humblest host that the a c as gem. l nd ould bo t went forth ’ A nd the song of the thund rous to meet the best ; cannon w as their sole te A song for the unsung heroes who
guiem , fell on the bloody sod, [ 1 97] ' ” Wha s de use o and struggled up to face ? ‘ Chflqda ain t d
dey w nid pfl a ben ea th the dank t g
dea r lov e , h‘gh ib ilan t sound of the
teef si How dem d, it is lvery bright, s hine, l v , o e ’ ’ A n n dat ] Jre as the ar of a de t i g me he t ’ Is dat all 0 you i
T H E C O M PLETE POE M S O F
' ' in the bu gle s blast ? B right his comra des eyes are at last ! in:
t ic Now for rest . From the h k
s c e Battlo- a s ic comrade , om behold r nk w h h knew him
brave, ' r colors now enfold him , No tears for a hero s grave. And his b reast
a In he as mo re to meet the bl de, t e t the mornin g coms .
e H e covered in the shad . ear tb rattle of the d rums
’ i a no i i stir there s M y ! Now t me for gr ef s pursuing.
a w a t l ying him a y O her work is for the doin g,
. a Where he fell Here M y . s a H e is t e fla g goe dr ped before sleeping, let him res
With the flag m omhis breast. ' pile the grave sod o er
With a knell A FROLIC PAU L LA U R E N C E D UN BA R
’ ’ Moonlight on de cotton-fiel Dough y ou feels de joy a-tricltlin ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ so n R o Shinin f a white , oun de co nahs of y soul . ’ ’ ’ ’ Whippo will a-tellin tales A n you low anothah minute ’ ’ ’ Out thaih in de night ; S sho to git you w a m an ’ ’ ’ ’ s d A n y o cabin s cro t de lot ry ah, ’ ’ ’ n s se Ru , Mi s Lucy , run ; W en you t up pas yo bedtime, ’ o Reckon y u ll be cotched Case y ou hates to leave de fiah. kissed ’ ’ ’ ’ Fo is de night done . Whut s de use 0 downright ’ sleepin ? ’ ’ You can t feel it while it las , ’ ' A n you git up feelin sorry ’ N DD N E ’ ’ ’ O I BY DE FIR s W en de time fu it i pas .
’ ’ Seem to me dat time too precious, OME s t mks s an S folk hit right ’ ’ A n de houahs too short entiah, 0 ah p p , ’ ’ ’ en c s en ’ Fu to sleep, w you ould p ez c erroun Soon bedtime ome , ’ ' em u sc a F to r mble to de kiver, ’ - h ’ Des a noddin by de ah. Lak dey d hy eahed de trumpet ’ so un . But dese people dey all misses ’ ’ Whut I mos ly does desiah ; LOVE S CASTLE ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Dat s s n de ettin roun a dozin , ’ ’ KEY and b ar an d bar An a- , key , noddin by de fiah . Iron bolt an d chain ! An d a ou W e ’ ’ wh t will y do h n the i h - When you s t a ed out a hoein , c s ’ King ome E r a-follow in de plough , To his d a ? ’ enter om in Whut s de use of des a- falhn ’ On y o pallet lak a cow ? Turn key an d lift bar, ’ ’ y , fun is all w aitin W de in oos d L e , oh , bolt an chain ! ac of all a In de f e de ti h , n Open the door a d let him in , ’ ’ ’ A n a-dozin a n d a- d row sin And then lock up again . ’ ’ B a ol hic r y good k y fiah.
ar n a But, oh , he t, a d woe , he rt, ’ ’ an a o c Oh , you grunts gro ns a Why do you a he so sore ? ’ mumbles Never a moment s peace have y ou ’ ’ ’ o is 0 . Case y bones full col , Since Love hath passed the door [ 2 0 1 ] T H E C O M PL ETE PO E M S O F
an d lift bar . Whose alta r is bolt an d chain ;
in e r k his squire, G ief, a they both rem in.
ING SONG OF LOVE
m a m ar is y d rling, y he t ON A CLEAN BOOK
the win g, to thee this mo rnin g like Lul a sea- as d san e bird , w he d upon th s o bi rds in sprin gtime my h re,
50 fine a n d a a ts soa r an d sing. cle n the t le,
So c a and r sweet song thin e m s le r b ight I almost see,
as n of a sa . ve often hea rd . The fl hi g il
The an t g of salt is in its vein s. is in my win dow, the r n e The f esh ess of the spray adow on the l a ,
C U M B L E ' I ' I ‘J F U E M S U F
9 all otha h bliss For me m mm thy v e one little kiss, i i ' uit da h n me . Thy music now the en
’ ' an is yo little h , ’ mdah ? him de lan ’ uit daihin me. ' some b myse f, y bell ; ’ ’ fun in livin lef ; A false light in th Wt 5 till ’ l s a l ez def ife du l While Solitude lh m to ’ uit daihin me . knellf
’ ’ > u tek y o han erway ? ’ hol it : but I say ' T w ooded l n i shad i hy a es w m uit da hin me . ' n s is sholy fi e. ’ ’ dat s de weddin sign . ’ ’ phodel, d say dat y ou d be
E; " . ‘ i {W th 0 Let. bw a 1 me. PA UL LA U RE N C E DUN BA R
’ ’ e SPEAKIN AT DE COU T Aftab while d y let him Open , ’ in H OUSE An dat man he waded , ’ A n he fit de wahs all ovah ’ D at c ’ RY been de ou t Winnin i e ie a in v ct r s l k s .
house, ’ ’ A n a s-a- ass l w m y me. W en be come dow n to de present, ’ ’ ’ ’ T w as s ss 0 a s Den ea hahs de be tne kin d in he made de i t fly .
Dat a see. ey h I did H e des waded in on money, ’ ’ f s had dah O co e I to be An he played de ta iii high. ’ ’ 0 cr In de middle de owd , A n he said de colah question, ’ ’ A n hallohed othahs I wid de , Hit w as ovah , sol ved , an done, ’ s eakah riz and . Da dahk his W en de p bowed t de y w as b rothah, ’ Ev ah blessed mothah s son . ’ ’ I w as kind 0 disapp inted an A t de smallness of de m , Well he settled all de trouble ’ ’ ’ ’ as d a us ietered a s D e C e I ll p gre t folk at s been pest rin de lan , ’ ’ On a mo expansive plan ; Den he set down mid de cheerin ’ ’ ’ ’ u co r s c him A la i n B t I t ought I uld e pe t n de p y n of de ba . ’ ’ ’ sa A n tek in de w o ds he id , I w as ieelin moughty happy ’ ’ ’ ’ Fu dey sho w as somp n know in Tw ell I hy eahed somebody
is a . In de bald Spot on h h id speak , ’ ’ i s Well , dat s h s ide of de bus 0 ’ But hlt di d seem so t 0 funny ness , ’ , Aftab w altxn f“ a week ’ But a for s nex ’ you w it Jone Dat de people kep on shouti n ” week. ’ So de man des could n t speak ’ De ho ns dey blared a little, Den dey let loose on de BLACK SAMSON OF
s R drum , B ANDYWINE ’ tol w as la m one me dey p y th fi h t r i In e t a B a ndy w ne, Black ’ g Samson a i a nt ne ro a rmed w ith a See de conkerin hero comes. , g g w scythe, s eeps hu w ay through the ’ r d ra ks. . Sxmn n s e n C M . “ sa s I all i s i M y th: a nd Legend: of Our Ow n Well , y , you wh te ” La nd . folks, ’ ’ o s sutn act r But y u y in quee , GRAY are the pages of record, ’ ’ What s de use of heroes comin Dim are the volumes of eld ; ’ ’ ’ E' i dey cain t talk w en dey s Else had old Delaware told us
here ? More that her history held. [2 05] T HE C O M PLE TE PO E M S O F
! ith pride in the story, What does it matter ? H is b u t
e an d noble an d fin , R rs him a — a n he tale of my hero, ende roy l ki g. I o son of B randywine. f he w as nly a chattel, Honor the ransom may pay Oi a ur chiefs and your no the roy l , the loyal black giant Who fought for his country
a da . d Celt and Gaul , th t y
ine ever shall join you, d 5 l Noble “ bright 3 the “017 . honor them al . t uc Wor hy the to h of the lyre, em all of their glory , Sculptor Of poet M d fin d it this noble of mine, al o F l f the stuff to inspire. a tithe of your t ribute , Beat it i"b rm “ml in son of Brandywine.
Tell it in storied line , So that the world may remember he heat of the battle, la a s n w me ht B ck S m on of Bu dy . the stir of the fig .
an ebony giant,
the pinions of night. THE LOOKING-GLASS 0 M W ’ P
1 1 1 1 3 b U M I ’ L IL L D I ’ U L IVI D
' a t let no d ky fool you A nd H onor, t ’ dc clo es he w aihs is
’ ' al Li l . g . ’ ’ ’ nones hea t a-bes tin un ’ e af d se rags o mine, ’ ’ l Li l ga . ’ ’ ain n o use in mookin ' c r s d bi d an w eathah do , ’ ’ ’ ’ y I cain t sprcss it w en w v s I lo es y ou true , ’ ' ’ reason I s a-sighin ah ’ i o o n n w i n y u, WHEN SA h Li'l’ gal. li m n dat singir Whaih de folks ’ Wo k is pretty m ' DOUGLA SS Fu a man to b
l de ' You kin tel y s ve ll ?l s , w e ha fa n on i a F om de canter PA U L LAU R E N C E D UN B A R
’ Some folks don know whut de What is the passing breath of
mattah , earthly fame ? ’ o o But I do , y u bet y life ; But to snatch glory from the hands ’ ’ ’ ’ Saml smilin an a-singin of blame ’ as see his . ha is C e he been to wife T t to be, to live, to strive in
deed . ’ She live on de i n plantation , A poor Vi rginia cabin gave the s w a er ao Twenty mile er y ; se ed , But huh man is mighty happy A its a and ’ nd from d rk lowly door s W en he git de chan t to go. there came ’ ’ ’ Walkin allus ain de nices ’ A p e of c s s ’ ’ ’ e r prin e in the world Mo nin fin s him on de w ay acc a , ’ l im B t s m u he allu comes back s ilin , ’ A master spirit for the nation s Lak his as is ple ure w as h pay . need
r s ’ ’ St ong, ilent, purposeful beyond a Den he do heap o talkin , hi ’ ’ ’ ’ s kind , mos l Do he y kin 0 still , a ’ ’ The m rk of rugged force on w o ds d But de , ey gits to runn in ’ brow an d lip , Lak a a de w t h fu a mill . a s s ’ ’ i ’ Str ight on he goe , nor turn to Whut s de use 0 hav n trouble, ’ ’ ’ look behind Whut s de use 0 havin strife ? r ’ ’ Whe e hot the hounds come Dat s de w ay dis Sam l preaches ’ baying at his hip ; en W he been to see his wife. With one idea foremost in his
’ A n c mind , I re kon I git jealous, ’ ’ ’ ’ w Fu la an Like the keen pro of some ou I fi joke an sco n , ’ ’ s An a o forging hip . I s y , Oh , go n , S am l , ’ ’ ’ " Des o on n g , a blow y o ho n . ’ ’ ’ dis c Sad da But I know omin y , THE MONK S WALK ’ Dey ll be brighter days in life ; IN ’ ’ ' this sombre garden close A n I ll be ez glad ez Sam l ’ a has c an d Wh t ome pass ed , w ho W en I go to see my wife. knows ?
W a red a h t p ssion, what white pain B K T OO ER . WASHINGTON H aunted this dim walk in vain ?
TH E is t a U r a a word wri th t he who nde ne th the ivied w ll,
ru s ma r a . re the si n n y e d Whe le t shadows fall. [2 091 T H E C O M PLETE PO E M S OF
and a e t a s e a thw ay chill d mp Soften d w inds h t e m brea th .
- r a e i world quit d e m rs Perfumed , br ng no fear of death.
I s it livin g thus to live ? ns H n whe re sunlight bur , as life nothi g more to give ? r s the mourn ing fe n , Ah , no mo re of smile or sigh
b s roses, side y ide , Life, the world , and love, good
el ss r e in thei r us e p ide. by .
ses s a sa G a an d ass o s ro , who h ll y r y, p i nles , an d dim ,
tn ss da b da ? c oi s l wi e y y y E hoing the o emn hymn , ’ r n e e s the a x ile or d oppi g y , Lie w lk . twi t fern an d rose, r nks ac b . e go p ing y He e w ithin the gard n close .
ovice come tod ay th the wall to pray ? -SONG a LOVE oung monk , l tely chid
I ? De ath should cla im me for her c s ? lyri , weet, forbidden - own to day ,
s s a t r r s s o And oftly I hould f l e f om o e , did y u note
"TH E C O M PLE T E POE M S O F
I w ronged thee. my Say s mas ior my u d l a md
r e i b ot h r ; lt. i i o l h vd hu . thy ba ut Sin oi min e was k and s n of n
other. M ine m it s lh bln l pa y m
not in ed it. mother. not paid for my love my liie ? PHILOSOPHY e i n re th n ght whe , ’ ' I s m r in kin h ur de h l o pm e ah , met y u. hu said oth b heart oi a da olate w t he de n mai , ' ’ ’ Bout hit bein eo le s doot the li fe-blood which p p y . y w et you the knife that l i elt
y our hand .
ou o oh , wept y . al ne by river, PA UL LA U R E N C E D UN B A R
’ ’ ’ ’ Widout breakin up onab faces in D ain t no mo tal w ay to beat ' ’ ’ ’ a s c so t o Des ass s an a a s i kly grin , l e w t h , las es ’ ’ w in n W en e knows dat in on ab a watah . ’ nards we is p intly mad ez ’ W is de bees allus busy, sin . y ’ ’ ’ A n ain got no time to w as ? ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ Oh dey s times i n bein pleasan t Hit s beca se dey knows de honey ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ in s a w as an fu goin smil roun , Dey a m kin , g ine to t ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ La ass an s Cause I don t believe in people k l es watah , lasse ’ ’ ’ w an a a . allus totin roun a fro n, w t h ’ ’ ’ But it s easy nough to titter w en ’ ’ ’ Oh , hit s mou ht mil an in g y de stew is smok hot, ’ ’ ’ soothin But hit s mighty ha d to giggle , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ A n hit don go to yo haid w en dey s n ufli n in de ’ ’ ’ Dat 8 de reason I s a-bachin pot . ’ U dc othah w o d sa p s I id , ’ ’ ’ Des ass s an a l e w tah , lasses ’ an A PREFERENCE w atah .
i 1’ ’ MASTAH drink h s 0 M ade a,
Missy drink huh sherry wine ,
ah e is s THE DEBT Ov s ah lak h whi key , i But dat othah drink s mine , HIS is the a ’ ’ ’ ’ T debt I p y a Des lasses an wat h , lasses s for s da ’ Ju t one riotou y , n a watah . a s n Ye r of regret a d grief,
’ ’ Sorrow without relief. W en y ou git a steamin hoe-cake
On a o w a man ! de t ble, g y , Pay it I will to the end ’ ’ i D ain but one t ing to go wid t, Until the grave , my friend , ’ s a an Side de gr vy in de p , Gives me a true release ’ ’ ’ ’ ss D at s lasses an watah , la es Gives me the clasp of peace . ’ n a a a w t h .
Slight w as the thing I bought, ’ ’ ’ o tm W en hit s possum dat y u ea Small w as the debt I thought, ’ Simmon beer is moughty sw eet ; Poor w as the loan at best ’ ’ But i u evahday consumiu God ! but the interest !
[2 1 3]
TH E C O M PLETE PO E M S OF
’ In the merry-chanting time of And ever more on Memory s breast
s H e s and a s an d UV pring, lie l ugh ? Love steals all my senses, oh , the happy-hearted thief ! In the vernal morning with the TO THE SOUTH s a t rting of the leaf. ON rt s N EW SLAVERY
l s s A way , ever alw ay , even in the HEART of the Southland , heed me a a utumn dre r , a ple ding now, the a s are s When d y ighing out a s Who be re t, unashamed , upon their grief, my brow ar s Thou t till my darling, dear The long kiss of the loving tropic st e e of th dear, sun , a s a w a s Alw y , ever l y , even in the et s And y , who e veins with thy red
a a . utumn dre r c urrent run .
Borne on the bitter winds from F IEND TO A DEAD R a every h nd , IT is as if a silver chord Strange tales are flying over all the
s w a Were uddenly gro n mute, l nd , ’ a is And life s song with its rhythm And Condemn tion , with h pin s warred ion foul ,
a ns a sil r ms in the ac w s Ag i t ve lute. Gloo pl e here brood
the m dn i ight ow l. It is as if a silence fell
e i s the a e e a art ha or Wh re b de g rn r d sheaf , Wh t thou , t t the w ld
ces m m r sh ul n at ee And voi ur u ing, It is o d poi t th ,
e A n d aun t and c i e w ll , v h de the w akness ? stifled i f a t t e see Are by our gr e . th h y There w as a time they w ere not is i It as f the gloom of n ight won t to chide ’ H ad a summe s da er is th old hid r y , Wh e y , uncompromis low s s n a And wil , ighi g t their in g p ride ? li p ght ,
n t low esi e h - w ashe th sh ul s Be b d t e w ay . Blood d , ou o d t lift u n e ono e p thi h r d head , he w For as p art of all the best White w ith the sorrow for thy
ha a es an d es e T t N ture lov giv , loyal d ad [ 2 1 6] PAU L LAU R E N C E D UN B A R
h h o lie on every plain , on every For those who loved thee and thy
c so. hill , hildren A nd whose high spirit walks the s a s and Southland still : Thou mu t ri e forthwith , s trong, thou must ’ Whose infancy our mother s hands Throw 03 the smirching of this as have nursed . b er dust,
o a un La ac c s a Thy manh od , gone to b ttle y by the pr ti e of thi l ter
s c accur ed , reed , ’ Our fathers left to till th t e And be thine honest self again
luctan t field , indeed . To rape the soil for w hat she would not yield There w as a time when even slav ’ c ry s chain ’ e s s a a Wooing for ay , the cold unam Held in ome joy to ltern te
o a rous s d , with p in , Whose grow th for them still Some little light to give the night ’ meant a master s rod ; relief, Tearin g her bosom for the wealth Some little smiles to take the place
that gave of grief. The strength that made the toiler
a a w as a cu still sl ve . There time when , jo nd as a the d y , Too long we hear the deep im The toiler hoed his row and sung ass cr i p ioned y h s lay , That echoes vainly to the heedless Found something gleeful in the sk r y ; very ai , ac Too long, too long, the M e And solace for his toiling every don ian cal l where. Falls fainting far beyond the out all is c a ward wall, Now h nged , within the
rude stockade, s Within who e sweep, beneath the A bondsman whom the greed of
' s a s h dowing tree , men has made A slumbering nation takes its Almost too brutish to deplore his a ero s as d ng u e e ; plight, Too long the rumors of thy hatred Toils hopeless on from joyless o l g morn ti l night. [2 1 7 ]
T H E C O M PLE TE PO E M S OF
ist his est 3 min er. with old WELTSCHM ERTZ on You w h - ssk y I am sad to day , cun ously bedtght. I have m cam no grieh y ou say ? ’ M t b l m m hh man w h ee a u ’ M m sh , y w p y row ? But — is r not fa n but a link 5pm , the e the lli g time will come when these lea f d read ’ a r is r in r The b re t ee there mou n g y of your face. left ’ i all OI au n s ra r c rope against my bark, W th tum g y be eft is a has a me e we ight of him in my It not wh t h ppened , n o a e s a Thi k f the b r , di m ntled tree.
e th roe oi his final w oe i s o a The b rd g South long the sky , uch o i my own last pain . l I hear their lingering , ong good b e er more shall leaves come y Who goes relucta nt from my th at bears the ban breast ?
wi th dread . I am P AU L LAU R E N C E DUN B A R
ca - a as h Love bekonod me out to the dawn , Where lm eyed P ll wit n s l s es An d happily I followed o . ti l foot tep rov , And charge thee seek the turmoil And y et my heart goes out to of the state ? m the What bade thee hear the voice an d Whose sorrow is their diadem; rise elate, a c The falling le f, the ry ing bird , Leave home and kindred an d c be all s nu The voi e to , lo t, s thy picy loaves, heard ’ To lead th unlettered and de spised droves an d et Not mine, not mine , y too ’ To man hood s home an d thunder much at the gate ? The thrilling power of human
touch , Fat better the slow blaze oi Learn n d While all the w orld looks on a ’ n i g s light, scorns c an i ’ The ool d qu et of her dearer I wear another s crown of thorns. fane,
a s Count me a priest who under Th n thi hot terror of a hopeless fi ht stands g , s c a c of final The glorious pain of nail - pierced Thi old endur n e the a hands ; p in , c nd Count me a comrade oi the thief Sin e thou a those who with thee died for right Hot driven into late belief. a H ve died , the Present teaches, ’ ’ s a a s s Oh , mother te r, oh , f ther igh , but in vain ! ’ a as Oh , mourning sweethe rt s l t
- good bye , I y et have known no mourning ROSES save ’ ’ s s m s s S - Be ide o e brother brother OH, wind of the pring time, oh ,
a . gr ve free wind of M ay , When blossoms and bird-song are rife ; ROBERT GOULD SHAW n Oh , joy for the season , a d joy for H W Y w as it that the thunder the day ,
c of a a a voi e F te Th t g ve me the roses of life, a s Should c ll thee , tudious, from of life,
c ass c s a a s e the l i grove , Th t g ve me the ro es of lif . T H E C O M PLETE POE M S OF
s f oi the summer, ing All o the love of my soul w ill I h in the night , bring to t ee, hutters my hea rt like a All of the pains of my bein g sha ll y e ; w ring to thee. and thy kin gdom , thy Deep forever the son g o f my
o i s a m f del ght , loving h ll sin g to thee, ’ ' e me the roses of love, Ever and ever th ro d ay and thro s a ove. night h ll I cling to the: H e rw e me the roses of love. a t thou the answer ?
a i c e D rl ng. I om , I come. low of the win ter, sigh thy grief. compassionate breath ; ITCHING HEELS a t fall, like the u umn ’ ’ ’ Fv dc ac 0 m cac d a pe e y hin heels, le f, a t ; e me the roses of dea th , down ’ ’ fiddle a at Don d t chune no mo . de h , ’ o ou see how (lat stuhs e me the roses f death . Don Y melody me up
T H E C O M PLETE PO E M S O F
Sutn Her dusky eyes half hidden Oh, weep , oh, weep , for a, S s a so a Behind her silken sleeve . o young, o de r, f ir, H er face is gray and silent H er a - a c pe rly teeth out gl n ing Ben eath her dusky hair . s Between her coral lip , An d a a for a The tremulous rhythm of passion w il , oh , w il , Akb r,
s Who walks the desert sands, Marked by her quivering hip . a Crying aloud for Sutn ,
rin n i a s As lovely as a jewel VV gi g h s fevered h nd .
Oi fire and dew dmp blent , In the tents of Akbar So danced the maiden Sutna s ’ The tear of sorrow run , a a Akb ar s n . In g ll nt te t ’ n s But the corpse of Sut a s layer ,
s i un . a c Lie rott ng in the s And one who saw her d n ing, ’ Saw her bosoms fall an d rise ’ Put all his body s yearning THE FCUNT OF TEARS s Into his lovelit eye . LL A hot and grimy from the roa d , e drov a m Dust gr y fro arduous yea rs , I sa t me down an d eased my load a his A j ack l from door, s Be ide the Fount of Tears. A n d b ade himwander far and look
’ e The a s s a O n Sutn a s face n o mor . w ter p rkled to my eye , a m s a - n C l , c ry t l like, a d cool ,
om da sea s o s a h n a s S e y the di g rge , And bre t i g there restful igh ,
rn ess s ac The wilde give b k, I ben t me to the pool . Those half-dead w ho have w an 10 ! a c c e : e e When , voi e ri d Pilgrim , d r d ,
rise , s os its ac . Aimles , acr s tr k H ’ arsh tho the sentence b e,
r ne — the o A n d he etur d l ver, And on to other lan ds an d skies
a ar of o an d S en i i n o fo h H gg d br w p t ; Th s fount s t r t ee. H e foun d fair Sutna stan din g ’ h Pass on , but calm t y needless Before her mas ter s tent .
fears, ’ Not m n A kbar s utn a ! sin i e , nor , S Some may not love or ,
H e n d se es e n o e cri d a clo ly pr s d , A n a gel guards the F unt of And drove his c raven dagger Tears ; ’ i s Stra ght to the maiden s brea t All may not bathe therein . P A U L LAU R E N C E D U N B A R
s in Then with my burden on my back Thi , this it is to be accursed
I turned to gaze awhile, deed ; if First at the uninviting track, For we mortals love, or if we ’
a s . s Then at the w ter s mile ing, We count our joys not by the
An d so I o w ay , g upon my things we have , ’ Thro out s ars the ultry ye , But by what kept us from the
But a s , p u e no more, by night by perfect thing.
day , s Beside the Fount of Tear . DE WAY T ’INGS COME
DE w a s c s y t mg ome, hit eems to ’ LIFE S TRAGEDY me, ’ ’ Is des one monst ous mystery ; I‘r ma be s s at all y mi ery not to ing w a De y hit seem to strike a man , o s e ’ ’ And to g il nt through the a Dey in t no sense, dey ain t no m a bri ming d y . plan ; ma s v ’ ’ It y be orrow ne er to be E r i t ouble sta ts a pilin down , ’ loved , s It ain t no u e to rage er frown, But s a s ’ deeper grief th n the e a It in t no use to strive er pray, s ’ ’ be et the w ay . Hit s mortal boun to come dat
w ay . To have come nea r to sing the
’ ’ ’ perfect song Now ci on r n o a , you s h g y , a y pl te - ’ ’ And only by a half tone lost Des keep on sayin to you, ” , the key Wait, is the s ’ There potent orrow, there Don t mek no difi unce how you
the grief, feel , ’ a sad s ar s ’ ’ The p le, t ing of life T won t do no good to hunt a a e tr g dy . meal , ’ ’ ’ Fu dat ah meal da boun to hide a s ss c ’ To h ve ju t mi ed the perfe t On tw ell e de devil s satisfi d , ’ ’ love, ’ ’ ’ A n tw ell dey s some p n by to Not the hot passion of untem ey ave er t ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ p ed you h , s s You got to ease yo e f an sta ve. But that which l ays aside its vanity ’ ’ ’ s f c And give thee, or thy trusting But i dey s co n meal on de she f ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ s tr Yo n n wor hip, uth u eed t bothah roun yo se f, [2 2 5] ’ ' 7 s boun to amble in ' ' y ou to dey oo n meal bin : W s de us ’ ’ m s stu iied up to be i roar You do see n ' li ' n er midd n , fowl er Up dah in (In t , ’ ’ ' k oot an you ll see i u
' ’ ’ o n taint bei o y do .
’ e h t imp happ n , hu uh, a
’ ’ l s don e 9 led t
’ hty skeered I 11 tall in “ at,
’ m why folks “rive ah
' ’ ' - m B aih s de ho 1 tu a full ted an .
LYR I CS O F LOVE A N D SO R R OW
PA UL LAU R E N C E D U N BA R
it my Heart-break Only two shades of a thing
11. died . ’ on a winter s midnight Once in the long ago.
its s c o s l ce highe t rown , So I sit me d wn in the i en , ” in m sa m s u Be st l the gloom . y soul And y to y o l , i l , I , So the world may not
a w . a g. we s t na do n died th t night , From weeping on Heart-b rea k " s a s when I eek th t ummit Hill . two ghosts that go ; LYR I CS O F SUN S H IN E A N D SH A D OW
PAU L LAU R E N C E DU N BA R
’ n s ca Dey s Alle on de hill ide , But our triumph ll through the ’ A n M arty in de plain ; forest hall ’ ’ i Is a ot s a s . Fu Christmas w as like sp r ngtime, br her funer l ong ’ ’ A n come w id sun an rain . ’ ’ ’ ar s an s For we e brother ever, Dey s Ca line , John , Su ie, ’ a an d an d a Wid only dis one lef P nther bird be r ; ’ M an and a s a a his A h now de curse is comm the we ke t th t fe r
face , Wid murder in hits bref. ’ ’ s a It s goin to be a green Christ Born to the ne t or l ir.
mas ’ Yes r s and s a Des hy eah my words an , b other , who h ll judge us i see ’ s an d a are w e Befo de summah beckons Hunter g me ; ’ ’ a for to Dey s many 11 weep wid But who g ve the right me smite ? me. Who boasts when he smiteth me ?
in — e Good hun t gl ay , good hunt THE FOREST GREETING ing, is s ac n i — e And dim the fore t tr k ; GOOD hu t ng l ay , good hunt s ts a a co s n But the por m n De th me i s, striding on : Wherever the fores ts call ; w Brothers, the ay is black. But eve r a heart beats hot with
e f ar , And what of the birds that fall ? THE LILY OF THE VALLEY
n i — e o Good hu t n g l ay , go d hunt SWEETEST of the flow ers a-bloom in g, ing Wherever the north winds In the fragrant vern al days blow ; Is the Lily of the Valley But wha t of the stag that calls for its a s. With soft , retiring w y ? his mate
a of ? ‘ And w h t the wounded doe vVell c s s u s , you ho e thi h mble blo
som
’ o huntin — a e A se s o G od g l y , good hunt s the nur emblem fl wer, ing Who grows more like her ideal n And ah ! we are bold a d strong ; Every day an d every hour. [ 2 37 ] i A star gle-n in the n ght. Wh t ha xu us tm’ the coming
The dm tints oi d le day . t at helvs to apeed the v-w y
' What turns o gold the evening
s u s of a d s o nd pl u it , flow er beside the w ay .
' her soul s sweet per
T H E C O M PL E TE PO E M S O F
’ ds sich a tattlah,
e slen seem lak his trick h r der hand ,
tell on i olkses As she matches this and
' quilt and I m a patch ; In ve will do the stitchi ng if
PARTED
Sml w rapped her soul in a laee of i ’ n in de t rick.
i e ' W th a prime d ceit to pin it ; s don tree chattah , t o w as ain in : ’ And I h ught I g g des look an sigh a s ’ ’ ’ fe r ome prize, s kin o peaceful e o So l stalt d my s ul to w in it.
We wed a nd parted on her com a pl int , PAU L LAU RE N C E D UN BA R
Bett had eerf l The night is not all dark, ah be k u ’ ’ Nor is the day all it seems, W en de win hit blow .
a s t e But each m y bring me thi ’ Suppah done an ovah, lief ’ Evah t ing is still ; My dreams and dreams. Listen to de snow man ’ Sltpptn down de hm I had not known before 11 ” A3 on de tiah, at Ne w as so sad a d, Th ver wor ’ K“ it w a mhut 11 W So wrap me in forgetfulness ? 1 : What 3 de use 0 keertn I have not heard . Ef de win ’ do blow ?
Smoke house full o bacon, T H E P L A N T A T I O N ’ ’ Brown an sweet an °°d i CHILD S LULLABY 8 a T ters in de cellah, ’ ’ WI NTA H time hit comin Possum roam de wood ’ ’ ba snooz in Stealin thoo de night ; Little by ’ ’ Des ez Cf n Wake up in the mo nin he k ow. ’ ’ ’ ’ a 8 h E vah t ing is white ; Wh t de 086 0 eerin ’ ’ Ef MOW ? Cabin lookin lonesome de win do ’ Stannin in de snow, ’ ’ M eks o v us you kin ner o , TWILIGHT ’ ’ W en de win hit blow. ‘ Twm a smile and a tear, ' Trom m ac feedtn s p b k from Twixt a ong and a sigh, . ’ ’ n ’ C01 a an , x wet blue Twi t the day and the dark. s ac a ed Home pun j ket r gg , When the night draweth nigh. ’ ’ a-blo i Win w n thoo. ’ Ah' sunshi ne may fade Cabin lookin cheerful , ’ rom a ns a ov nnernea F the he ve b e, U f de do , ’ ’ No tw rltght have w e Yet you kin o keerful
i ’ TO da Of our IOVC. W c the y h de win hit blow.
’ Hickory log a-blaz in ’ CURIOSITY - Light a lookin red , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ a s 0 ee in F ith 0 eye p p M AM M Y S in de kitchen , an de ’ ' ’ n Rom a tru le bed, do is shet ; ’ i ’ Little feet a-patterin All de pickaninnies climb n tug ’ ’ Cleak acr s fi o s de o ; ao sweat, T H E C O M PLETE PO E M S O F
’ ” ' i dah a t en n s to de w inder, stick n Tweil d t steamin ki ch bri g ’ es us s a bac fli , te lin k, ’ ' ' ' e errn on g us des all nose Olimbia an a-peepin 50 s to see
Whut on eari kin mammy be so ’ ' ’ saac sha p to hide ? s she cookin , I ? ’ ' ' " ook n I d des up ao tell iolks w en I ut s she c i , Jake ? ? w mum sweet pe rtaters I s hit pie kno ed I s ' ’ ? Hi w as a-oookin t in dat sm cake I p elt ’ 50 couldn t melt out even ah we stood ’ a in . an see ' M mmy de oven I huh w as mammy cooktn dat smile ; l e 'OO t ' ' ’ tl d sm ll SO g d . M OUIS mus h a~ wat rin roun hyeah tuh a mile ; ' s a dc w n e an ’ Y pre d i d r, Den we almos hollah t a we hu tes ’ w n an r n fro f ow , dow n , n s - ' ’ ’ ' ’ e c an n c m a sc e m i n s fi pi k i ie o e tum Ca hit s appl du pl , b g an , 11 40W" ’ ! tat an brown !
u l l W i 3 1 s e u g t d
s folk , ’ ' ' Dat s roun hy eah mix in teahs
0 5 1m. ’ De Law d u d had de time to se ’ ’ ’ Dis chile an tek him w ay f
im But let it go, I reckon J , ’ Ll den go right straight up Him ’ Dat took him t om his mammy nest ’ ’ ’ is htn as A n let d ac in my bre , ’ ' ’ A n lookin in dat fathah s face ' ’ ’ A n memberin dis lone sorrerin
place, ' s t He ll ay , Good Lawd, you ough to had
’ ’ ’ Do sumpin tu to comfo t dad !
THE FISHER CHILD’ S LUL LABY PA U L LAU R E N C E DU N B A R
’ ’ ’ ’ Ah hit tamt no p oposition tu to Dey ain t no use in mopin round ’ ’ ’ ’ an mek de hickory bu n . lookin mad an glum ’ ’ ’ te a nu Erbo t w in Ef de sweet perta r f ils us de u de tah season , tu hit s ’ ’ l des go geous y al ah y am, plumb boun to come ' ’ ’ We kin tek a bit 0 comfo t f om ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ An ci c es runnin s ouah sto o summah jam. it om to t ing ’ ’ ’ ’ I s n willi to retiah, W en de snow hit git to flyin , ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ De Law d ll min de w intah an dat s de M astah s own desiah, ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ mamm l min l fish. De Law d ll run de w intah an y o my y de ’ mammy ll run de fiah.
’ ’ THE FAR M CHILD S I am skeered beca use de w in hit LULLABY Staht to raih and blow, ’ ’ I ain t bothahed w en he come er H , is r c in ’ ’ O the little bird o king ra n at ttli de do , a cr e , ’ ’ the dle of th wind aib hiss e f an s ’ Let him t hout, let And it s bye, my little wee one, ’ him blow an bawl , bye The ha rves t all is gathered and ’ ’ Da s e a c s s an t de tim de br n he hek the pippins all are binned ; ’ - b resh wood mence to fall . e Bye, my little wee one, by ; ’ ’ ’ ’ ilin an ’ W en de sto m er ra de The little rabbit s hiding in the ’ ’ he l i s ttahs b ow n bout, s c golden ho k of corn, Dat m fiah- ac crac ’ de ti e de pl e k The thrifty squirrel s laughing ’ hits welcome out. bunny s idleness to scorn ; ’ ’ ’ ain n s s tu to T my livi busine You are smiling with the angels n i e qu ah, i trouble ner n your slumber, smile till ’ ’ ’ De Law d ll min de w intah an my morn ’ ’ ll ’ mammy min de fiah. i So t s by e, my little w ee one,
bye. ’ Ash-cake allus gits ez brow n w en ’ ’ eb ruar s h eah re l n F y y The l be ple ty in the cellar, ’ ’ Ez it does in bakin any othah time there ll be plenty on the ’ 0 a s ye h. helf
ac sm a ealhn ~ B e e De b on ell like, de y , my little w ee one, by ; ’ ’ r c n s e kittle o k a ing, There ll be goodly store of sw e t De same w ay in de w intah dat dey ings for a dainty little elf ;
s e one b e. do it in de pring; By , my little wee , y \ he o Whi hi k Vhy , t B b te t n sn ow flake is a brother song : B e y , my little wee one, bye ,
And the chimney sings the sw i when the wind is blm strong ;
Bye, my little wee one, bye ; ’ in The granary s overflow g, i ul
cellar, c rib, and bin , The wood has paid its tribute s the ax has ceased its din ; The winter may not harm y ’ when you re sheltered 3: within
' So bye, my little wee one, b
THE PLACE WHERE TI—I RAINBOW ENDS
’ Tu naa s a
PAU L LAU RE N C E DU N B A R
' ’ and a s a s use 0 v n w ee tn Gather , gentlemen l die , Wh t the e e p ’ For the nuptial feast now made Might as well go long an smile. our es s es a r is, Life, long t, trong t r ow,
ur n as s a l . Swin g your garlands, chant yo O ly l t little whi e ’ lay What s the use ? - a For the pa ir who wed to d y . A LAZY DAY Wish them happy days and many, and s an Troubles few grief not y , TH E trees bend down along the Lift your brimming cups and say stream, - to da . God bless them who wed y Where anchored sw ings my tiny
boat. ar Then a cup to Cupid d ing, The day is one to drowse and a Who for conquest ever f ring, dream With his arrow s dares assail ’ And list the thrush s th rottling ’ ’ E en a doctor s coat of mail . note. When music from his bosom bleeds So with blithe and happy hymning ' r s Among the river s rustling eed . A n d with harmless goblets brim
ming, No ripple stirs the placid pool , Dance a step musicians play When my adventurous line is —a Doctor Dan doth wed to d y . cast, i c d A truce to sport, wh le lear an
cool , WHAT’ S TH E USE The mirrored clouds slide softly
past. ’ ’ HAT S use 0 s a-frow n tn W the folk The sky gives back a blue divine, ’ ? ’ When the way s a little rough And all the world s wide wealth to s la oa fur s F wn y out the r d mil is mine.
' A pickerel leaps, a bow of light, You ll be wrinkled soon enough . ’ to What s the use ? The minnows shine from side
side. ’ ’ ’ What s the use 0 folks a-sighin ? The first faint breez e comes up ’ ’ It s an awful waste 0 breath . the tide ’ ’ ’ in r An a body can t stand w ast I pause with half uplifted oa ,
What he needs so b ad in death. While night drifts down to claim ’ What s the use ? the shore. [ 2 49] n u a c sn e e r oi comerd s
' ' ' ' fl o ea h a s s S uh , y L : hu t , ’ ' don e o w o ies Um p t y rr , ’ ' on s i Lay em de he , Tek a little trouble ' ' Brothah, w id yo se f.
' ' ' El a trim comes mon nin ' w e Bout his a ful cas , ' You know you don grieve him o Wid a gl omy face,
But you wrassle wid him, Try to tek him in ; ’ Dough hit cracks y o features,
w o s a in La , y u mile l k s , ’ Ain t you good ez he is ? ' Don you pine to def ; Tek a little trouble ’ ’ r thah B o . wid yo se f.
i Iii de ch llun pestahs, ’ ' c s A n d baby b ad , ’ Ri o y wife gits narvons, ' ' ' Ao you re gettin mad , ' Des o a o - y u gr b y boot strops,
[ 1 - 1 0
m m u a y au oe tound .
M ORNING
Ta t mist has left the greenin|
dew -d rops shine like fair)
rain, The 00 u rose awakes again
Her lovely self adorning.
The Wind is hiding in the trees,
A sighing, soothing, laughing
tease, i Unt l the rose says Kiss me, ” please, " 'i I s morning, tts morning.
With sta fi in hand and careless r f ee,
The wanderer fares right jauntily, F or towns and houses are, thinks
he, PA U L LAU R E N C E D UN BA R
A M USICAL All my life long twell de night has ’ pas Ov 'rsm a the rain upon the street, ’ Let de wo k come ez it will, sky all hue, ’ ' The grim of So dat fin I you, my honey , at las , s - In ide , the music painful sw eet, Somew haih d es ovah de hill. t And ye I heard but y ou.
As is a thrilling violin , BLUE is So your voice to me, ’ s a s a s I a And till bove the other tr in , STAND N t de winder, ’ ’ san cs as . Feelin It g in e t y kind 0 glum, ’ Listenin to de raind rops a Pl y de kettle drum, ’ ’ Lo k c os e ers TWELL NIGHT IS o in r t d medd DE PAS ’ Swimmin lak a sea ; A LL de night long tw ell de moon w goes do n, ’ Lovin I set at huh feet, ' ’ ’ ’ - Can t go out a hoein , e tu e c ac D n d long jou n y b k ’ ’ Wouldn t ci I could f om de town, ' ’ ’ ’ r G oun too wet tu huntin , H a d , rea s but de d m mek it ’ ’ s a n Fi hin i t no good. sweet. ’ Too much noise to sleeptn No one hyeah to chat ; r f All de night long tw ell de b eak o ’ ’ ' Des mus stan ao listen d de ay , dat -a- ’ To pit pat. a Dre min agin in my sleep , ’ a c s drivin s t r! M ndy ome my or e H s i it n ill s g tt misty,
away, ’ ' a s i dahk ’ ’ ’ V lley gitt n Axin me , Wha tu you ’ ’ a c - s c a-how ltn n W t h dog men e weep ? ’ ’ Rathah have em ba k ’ Dan a-moanin solemn da w ell de sun o s ’ All de y long t g e Somew haih out o sight ; ’ w - do n , Rain crow des a-chucklin ili ’ ’ Srh n , , D I ben to my hoe is is his delight. ’ ' Fu dough de w eddah git nasty an a frown , M ndy, bring my banjo, ac kin o i One pl e I know I g . Bring de chillen a , T H E C O M PLETE PO E M S O F
’ i om de itchen aw a a a k , Come y to dre ml nd town, i i in s ck t a s . an n M dy Lo . Mandy Lo u. ' Isaac Whaih is i . de fruit ben d n down ’ n t H a n n ah too D , , es tu y ou. ' ’ use in ta lkin t of , Smoo h your brow lovin brown, ’ e A n m s sholy blu . y love will be its crown ; ’ a a ea i Come w y to dr m n town , an M dy Lou. M IN’ TOWN
’ rea min o n ay to d t w , AT N IGHT
Lou, hl an dy Lou, i ’ U i me d da ' H T t Clock SU I“? skies (IOD HCVIlil II OWII W t , — NinC ? No eight ; hl an dy Lo u ; ’ i n n w I d d t thi k hit as so la te. st reets is paved w ith ' ' A er chew ! m s a I u t got a cough, ’ ' I raally b lieve I did doze 0 5 day s is n ovah col , ’ ’ ' s i t soothin a ce stra s f om de i o m gh y to de ti h , p y l , ' A ' dOZin dis w a fi M a n d Lo u y by de ah ; y . — Oo oom hit feels so good to
A n d sun g with such i alteri
r a b e th , The M aster in in fin ite mercy
Ofiers the boon of Dea th .
WINTER’S APPROACH
’ ’ DB sun hit shin e an de win h;
blow , ’ - n l 01 Brer Rabbit be a layt ow , H e know dat de w in tah tim ' - a comin , ’ t n De hun ah ma he walk an wait, ’ H e walk right by Brer Rabbit s gate H e know
’ De dog he lick his sliverin chop, ' ’ ’ A n he tongue gin his mouf go
aop, flop H e ’ H e rub his nose tu to d ah his scent PA U L LA U R E N C E DUN B A R
s a fife An d his a s ar far-ofi s Blow, you bugle , pl y, you , e r he gun ,
s o a es . R of ca and a Rattle, drum , f r de r t life oll nnon the tre d Oi s of Let the hags wave freely so, the legion the Dead !
As the marching legions go, a an d s Shout, hurrah and l ugh je t, i a its s This s memory t be t YESTERDAY AND TO c t (Did you noti e a your quip, MORROW ’ That old comrade s quivering lip ?) as'raltnA Y Y I held your hand ,
R r ss i c eve ently I pre ed ti Ah , I see them as they ome, A h d its e Stumbling with the rumbling g ntle yieldingness rom s ess i drum ; F my oul I bl ed t. B l t ht m d t e i B t -da i u to y I S t alone, E cn mz fitb zoz d be Sad and repining ; Was that one with cane upraised Must our gold forever know Who stood by an d gaz ed and Flames for the refining? gaz ed , m Trembling, solemn , lips co s a Ye terd y I walked with you, pressed , Could a day be sweeter ? Longing to be with the rest. Life w as all a lyric song Set to tmksy meter i D d he d ream of old alarms, “ ' ' As he stood , presented arms Ah to-day l llke d‘r h and ca Did he think of eld mp aic m arins aroznd h Pl e y z , And the unremitting “m 9 Let me feel the same dear joy uar Mile on mile the lonely g d As n firs o whe t I f und you. When he kept his midnight ward ?
r a s and scars Did he d e m of wound c r Let me on e etrace my steps, In that bitter w ar of wars ? From thes e roads unpleasant,
m r tr m In my me o y e bling hands, Yesterday the iron seared
n a and can and all - a White ed be rd e And to d y means sorrow . As a for ca aus if w iting the ll P e, my soul, arise, arise, Onc a a : ar s s ns o w r e g in To m , my o , L ok he e gleams the morrow .
[2 57] I pondered a little about the sea A nd then I decided to follo' H is wanderin g journey to field camm
Up hill , down dale or hollow
e c a ou I dogg d the rolli king, g y , y blade In every species of weather ;
Till , leading me straight to t home of a maid
H e left us there together.
s s And then I saw ir, oh , weet u
prise, The taper it set a-burning The love-light brimming my lady
eyes, And my heart with the fire
yearning.
THE CHASE
T H E CO M P LET E POE M S O F
' ' ' y pipe be nea th a tree A h my min fu gi ts de m ' ' ' me d rs reen an st d e g ill , Draps de i ez h o hloei m la sh ' ' ' nd then a en tle ill ie e n o g h , A o fl s straight to m n p j y ' o rt hz rds f ull 0 fr u t , i , i n] ' a ide ress to b o c r p o t In 3 m a lightn in flash.
Den hit seems I see a vision
he thin es n t g j t do e up Of a du mb loo g a go ' ' ow n Oi de childc rn tumblin mm o: ' ' t to be too n i h n g to tow ; By my rough ol cab in do . ' to ha ve the me ls a n s i s s l ght , ' ' ' c d re ams 0 lo n s till n i ts g gh , Talk about y o go geon s mansiom ' ' i he friends y o u use d to kn ow A n y o big how grea t m ’ ke t t less lo n a o g g gran , ' o ld c ro n ies sa me old s , folk , Des b ri ng up dc fines palace ' o ld ide m ol o c r sa e d k s. , j e Dar y ou know in all de lan . ’ ’ ' But dey s somep n dea rt h ho me, ' ' ’ ' s n ic e a - ittin ack g b , Somep n taihah to my eyes ' y o re pulse is row in slac I n d at i l o g k , cab n , eg y u bring me ' re b r ea th be ins to w he z e g e To y o ma nsion in de skies. PA U L LAU R E N C E D U N B A R
’ ’ ’ s s I m s i Joyou time I tell you people ure t s unmutherlike, darin ’ ’ ’ ’ l n Roun dat same o cabin do . a wrong ’ To let a gy m] hear tell the sass an ’ But at ti mes my t oughts gtts sad the song d h a, Oi every young telly that happens ’ Ez I rlccolec de folks, along, ’ ’ ’ ’ A h frolickin an a i dey t lk n o chone l ’ n Wid dey laughi an dey jokes. ’ , ’ ’ ’ A n hit bu “me W en I membahs A n Murphy, the things that s ’ ’ Dat ll yab see ’ ’ I ne no mo be n sed of his doin , ’ Dem ah faces gethered smilin O chone l , , , ’ ’ R003 dat 0 01 ca . P bin do Tis a cud that no dacent folks ’ wants to be chewin , O c ! DESPAIR hone If he came to my door wid his ' an Lnr me close the eyes of my soul c e on a twirl,
Fur thr a That 1 may not see to y to m ke love to you ,
What stands between thee and me . Biddy, my girl, ’ Ah, wouldn t I send him away Let me shut the ears of my heart wid a whirl , a ma a Th t I y not he r o chone l
A voice th at drow ns yours, my
dear . They say the gossoon is indecen
and dirty, Let me cut the cords of my life, O chone l
Oi my desolate being, is re m In spite of h d ss so. Since cursed is my hearing and see 0 chone l
ing. Let him dress up ez foine oz a
king or a queen , CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER Let him put on more wrinkles t a ev w as se n CASES h n er e , ’ ’ You ll be su re he s no match tot ’ ’ ’ TIM Murphy s on walkin wid g my little colleen , ’ a ill M ggie O Ne , O chone l O chone l
’ ’ he n m an If I w as r muther, I d frow Faith the two is com back i ’ on s ch foolin , their walk is all over, 0 chone l O chone ! [2 6 1 ] T H E C O M PLETE PO E M S O F
’ as a s a fur m a u s a e Tw pretty hort w lk to Now y bo t t g t h r anchor, a a v a k ss t ke wid lo er, E ger now to i the spray, ’ O chone l While the little waves are ca llin
a s sa Why, I believe th t Tim Mur Drow y ilor come away , ’ ’ ’ a s w a s a ar phy s kumin thi y , There h bor for the happy, ’ s at ste in its s e is s s Ah, Biddy je t look him pp And he n ju t in ight, ’ so a But set sai et g y , I won t l to g there, ' os I d niver belaye what the g Till the wind gets right.
sipers say , ’ a s rec 0 chone l Th t my trouble, too, I kon , ’ ’ n w aitin all I ve bee too lon g, ’ ’ ’ ’ H e s turned in the gate an he s Tho the days were always ’ is a - a erin Still the wind lways w rong. coming a c p , ’ O chone l A n when Gabriel blow s his trum ’ an pet, Go, Biddy, go quick put on a d In the ay o m the night, clane apern , ’ s w aitin O chone l I will till be found , ’ ll s Be quick as y e kin fur he s right at Ti the wind get right. the dure ; ' ih as fur Come , m ter Tim, ye re A SUMMER NIGH T ’m welcome I shure. ’ ’ ’ We we re talkin o y e jest a minute SUM M A H is de lovin time ’ o a o bef re. Do keer wh t y u say . ’ h is a a an 0 cho e i Night llus pe rt prime , a Bettah dan de d y . ’ da Do de y is sw eet ah good , ’ IN -s n ne TILL TH E W D GETS Bi rds a i gin fi , ’ - s llin RIGHT Pines a me in de wood ,
s But de night i mine . ’ On the breeze is blow in balmy ’ “ n az i is erin A n the sun is i a h e ; R vah w h p howdy do, ’ ’ There s a cloud j est givin coolness Ez it pass y ou by ’ - n at To the laz iest of d ays. Moon a looki dow n you , ’ i n l There a re crowds upon the lake Wink n o de s y . ’ ’ ’ s a-croakin i om side, Frog de pon , ’ s i ass de fill But the fish refu e to bite, Sing n b y , ’ ’ ’ ’ So I ll w ait an d go a- fishin A n y ou listen w ay beyon ’ ’ 1 man . When the wind gets right. 0 whippo will
T H E CO M P LETE POE M S O F
' ’ te and tran uil d a s calm q y , WHEN A FELLER S ITCH IN
w n s reen a e mi l a of g r ne , TO BE SPAN KE D (1 t rea sures o f the vine ; ' W EN us t l rs s o ar u d or o en lan ts no e le t mp o n , g tt p I k w , ’ ' a n s 0 o s l i o m ki lot n i e , the best w i d be rr es gr w , “ ’ a a sa s Gr mm y . There s certain the greens a n d grasses times come to little boys out, ’ t e a s n de osso W en h y need hi gle or the the el rs bl m out. so t s e of a a - f id pl nk ; am grow n w ea the r w ise “ ’ ' She say s we re a -itchin for a e lo re o f w in ds a nd skies . " ri h o d s g t g o pan k . e son g w hose so ft refrain ' “ A h she sa s en ou o n y , Now th y gh f summe r ra i . w a it w he e e w ood s a r o , r th e c ol , ' ' It s a-comin soon or l ate y ou know the shady pool , ' ’ ' " W en a e le s itchin fer a s a . hrou hou the a z a f l r p nk t g t l y d y ,
bea uties d row se o r la ? p y ’ ’ ’ a elle s 0 sc o W en f r out ho l , y ou y ou hn d in rest or pe ace ow kn how he feels, 5 e rma nen release ? p t ' ' G ramma says w e wriggle roun 0 c it rim a n d a y , g gr y , PA U L LAU R E N C E DUN B A R
’ s B s s rea , A h she says, Now the you y the ide of the t m
As as s. wait, long the river run ’ - a It s a comtn soon or l te , ’ ’ ’ d W en a i eller s itehin to be It seems all so pleasant an c spanked . heery No thought of the morrow is ’ ’ Ei ou fin a s is e y the d y g ttin theirs, awful hot in school And their faces are bright ’ ' OU w a s mi ace A h Y kno wim n pl With the sun of delight, ’ i c and c where t s ni e ool , And they d ream of no night
a eat-fish Er you know hole brim brood i ng ca res . ’ ’ fish min full 0 , ’ - IIOOI Whose a goin (0 Set around SC Tilt women w w garlanded and s ? wi h um , ’ ’ ur a Tain t 00 use to hide yo b it, The men have rings on their ’ It s a-c s a omin , oon or l te , hands, ’ ' ’ a ieller s itchin W en to be And they sing in their glee,
spanked . For they think they are free
a not r ac r ’ ’ They th t know the t e he Ol folks know most ever thing ous sa s. ’ nd ss bout the world , I gue , s she Gramma does, we wi h knowed a u es ur Ah , but this be vent r ome jo s a ss the little le , m ’ ’ v. alw us 0 ud But I kind think it be hift Forever those sands are as , as well ’ Ei they wouldn t alw us have to $211 ; “9 an i d “ c is a u and , And the urrent fe rf l We ki ds WlSh at they d thes swift. wait, ’ - l — a I t s a com u soon or l te, c v r ’ ’ ’ For on e in the ri er of uin , W en a ieller s itchin to be dar What boots it, to do or to e, spanked . For down we must go fl w In the turbulent o , THE RIVER OF RUIN To the des olate sea of Despd
ALONG by the river of ruin
They dally the thoughtless ones, They dance an d they dream T H E C O M PLE TE P O E M S O F
’ TO H ER She writes me dat she loves me an
she s love me true , presence like a ben ison to ' She wonders ci I ll te ll huh dat
I loves huh, too ; os my s ick soul to d reamful ’ ’ ' A n my heaht s so full 0 music dat ' I do kn ow wh at to do t some old Arabian m Oh , y ; oh , my .
’ m hour an d m eart s ’ y i y h I got a man to read it an he md l h i . g t it fine ; m Oh , y ; oh , my . d ering fo rth b en ea th the D ey am no use den ying da t her ssion a tc moon . love is mine ; Io e-s trun z ither a n d m v g y m Oh , y ; oh , my . oul in tune , ’ ' ’ ’ But hy eah s de t ing d at s puttin e o n i w th j y , the hau t ng of me in s c a a u h wful plight . he ain p ’ ’ I t mh of huh at momin an I like a flame thrills eam of i dr huh at night ; hrou h me now a ga n . g ’ ’ But how s I gwine to co u t huh ’ ’ t w e sit w here sw eet the w en I do know how to
' a mo tner s mad d en ed
To the c alm un an sw e rin g a
i a L za M y .
’ What s become oi Liza M What has darkened all the
a Liza M y , Liz a M
Ask the waters dark and flee
sm If they know the smiling ,
a Liz a Ll y.
Call her, call her as you will ,
On the meadow, on the hill ,
a Liza M ay , Liza M )
Through the brush or beaten tx
o a Echo only gives y u b ck ,
Liza M ay .
sw Ah, but you were loving
On your little toddling feet ,
v a Liza M a , Liza M ] d and all has
Len s a er , h tt ed ,
’ a summer s
’ heart 0
my a lter
ms
0 h)’
(led Sk y . met w ho know s , , a l I u s c a t ter fl ow ers and jew e
r n a ou d .
Blushing the stream of petal b
flow s, Softly the white strings tr
down and shine. c Oh l speak to me, my love, I
a rose. o u e Sing me a song, f r I wo ld p
were mine.
RAIN -SONGS
TH E rain streams down like ha ' strings from the sky
-c The wind, that world ha rpist sitteth by ; And ever as he sings his low
frain , H e plays upon the harp-strir o f the rain .
\Vhy I could charm the icy $0\ o f death With such a sight as this I stan
an d see.
’ I hea r no sound of labor s din o
stir, I feel no weight of w orldl'
ca res or fears,
s s of s thi Sweet ong of bird , wing
soothing whirr, These sounds alone mail m3
listening ears.
Unwhipt of conscience here I
stand alone, The breezes humbly kiss my gar ’ ment s hem ; I am a king the whole world is
my throne, The blue grey sky my royal
diadem . PA U L LAU R E N CE DU N B A R
Beneath some friendly blade of When Winter comes with frigid
grass blast,
' The lazy beetle cowers ; Or when the blithesome Spring The cofiers of the air are filled is past ’ With offerings from the dow And Summer s here with sun
s ers. hine hot, has Or in sere Autumn , thou ’ ’ And slowly buzzing o er my hea d still the pow r ’ s a s fli ht ; a . A w llow wing her g To charm alike , wh te er the hour I hear the wea ry plowman sing As falls the restful mght Kiss me, Miami , with thy dewy lips ; ’ Throbs fast my heart e en as PFRIM M ER TO thine own b reast beats.
' My soul doth rise as rise thy (Lines on reading Driftwood .
waves, DRI FTWOOD a re and g the d here As each on each the da rk shore there lava ac of Along the be h time ; And breaks in ripples and re Now an d then a chip of truth treats. ’ a s and s of ; Mid bo rd bough rhyme There is a poem in thine every o a da da Driftwo d g thered y by y , phase ; C R SS an d oak The YP the , Thou still has sung through all Tw ngs that i n some ~ fon n er ti me thy days.
From sturdy home trees broke . Did this wood come flos ting thick w as ” Tell me, Miami , how it with All along down Injin Crik ? thee Or did kind tides bring it thee ’ When years ago Tecumseh in Ft om the past s receding sea his prime s a ? Down the tre m of memory ’ H is birch boat o er thy waters
sent, And pitched upon thy banks his TO THE M IAM I tent.
- a u s con a ic m , Ki ss me, Mi mi , tho mo t In th t long gone, poet ti e d flow in stant one ! Did some bronz e bar thy g i I love thee more for that thou stream s t by ’ And d n th fi e eu u l i changest not. z y m n [2 77] ? said O r didst thou tell to fish ant and bird The raptured scenes that occurred ?
But, O dear stream , what volt thou couldst tell To all who know thy langt
as I do, Of life and love and jealous ha But now to tattle were too late Thou who hast ever been
true. Tell not to every passing id here All those sw eet tales that reach
thine ear.
But, silent stream , speak out a tell me this I say that men and things a still the same ;
blow . Think I wan t to stand a m. ’ ’ n Out here i this b ilin sun , While y ou st0p to think abou ’ ’ ’ Lift them feet 0 your n an
’ It a mt no use ; I m plumb
taggled . ’ Come an put this team aw ’ I won t plow another furrer ; ’ - It s too mortal hot to day . ’ ’ a I ain t weak , nor I in t lazy, ’ ’ But I ll stand this half day s l( T omI let the devil make me ’ Lose my patience an git cro:
IN SUMMER TIME
WHEN summer time has com an d all
The world is in the magic thr: Oi perfumed airs that lull ea:
$6 0 30 PA U L LAU R E N C E DU N B A R
fit o es an d . Feel only f r r t rhyme We erring children , born of sin, Joy springs all radiant in my Might not now be rejoicing s breast ; thu .
Though pauper poor, than king rs a us s No deed of ou h th brought more ble t, grace ; The tide beats in my soul so strong When thou were ni gh our sight That happiness breaks forth in w as n dull , so g , We hid in trembling from thy And rin gs aloud the welkin blue
face , With all the songs I ever knew . B ut thou , O God , wert merci 0 time of rapture ! time of song !
ful. How sw iftly glide thy d ays along
the rs Adown the current of yea , ’ Thy mighty hand o er all the land Above the rocks of grief an d tea rs ! a s ’ H th till been open to bestow Tis wealth enough of joy for me Those blessings which our wants In summer time to simply be. demand
a From he ven , whence all bless
N o A THA NKSGIVI G POEM ings fl w .
TH E sun a s its h th hed kindly u as a c e Tho h t, with ever w t hful ey ,
light, Lo e us h ’ ok d down on wit holy O ur harvesting is gladly o er care, Our fields have felt no killing And from thy storehouse in the
blight, sky Our bins are filled with goodly Hast scattered plenty every ' Storce where.
From pestilence, fire, flood , and Then lift we up our songs of sword praise We have been spared by thy de
To thee, O Father, good an d cree , kind ; And now with humble hearts, 0 w e c sec a a s o To thee on r te our d y L rd , Be thine the temple of each We come to pay our thanks to
mind . thee.
We feel that had our merits been With incense sweet our thanks asu s The me re of thy gifts to u , ascend [ 2 8 1 ] N UTT ING SONG
T H E November sun invites mi And although the chill wind sm
me , I will wander to the w oodlan t Where the laden trees await ; And with loud an d joyful singi
I will set the forest ringing,
f e n n As i I w re ki g of Autum , And Dame Nature were u
mate,
While the squirrel in his gambol
Fearless round about me ambles, As if he were bent on show ing ' In my kingdom he d a share ; While my warm blood leaps am as d hes, And my ey e with freedom flashes As my soul drinks deep an d deepe:
Of the magic in the air.
’ r There s a n 'P Q Q O u o o
i s ik he k H s mind w a l e t s y , As pure an d free ; H is hea rt w as broad and opt
e As the s a . H is soul shone purely throng
face, And Love made him her dw e
place.
Not less the scholar than
friend , Not less a friend than man
The manly life did shorter en ~
n Because so broad it ra .
Weep not for him , unh appy M v H is merits found a grander
- s Some other w here. God w i sees The place that needs his qualit
not or for w Weep f him , hen De lowers ’ ’ f ' m k - O er VO l l f ll c o PAU L LAU R E N C E DUN B A R
r c c sc s O God ! could all be alte ed , Oh , ir um ribe me not by rule s a s a n s The pain, the grief , the trife, Th t erve to le d the mi d of A nd wert thou as thou shouldst fools ! ’ be But give me pow r to work my
M y true and loyal wife ! will , A nd at my deeds the world shall a s are But all my te r idle, thrill. ’ And all my wishes vain . My words shall rouse the slumb r r v What once you we e to me, lo e, ing zest ’ You may not be again . That hardly stirs in manhood s breast ; I a as ! s For , l like other , s And as the sun feeds lesser light ,
a ss a s aim. H ve mi ed my de re t s As planets have their satellite , c ! I asked for love. Oh . mo kery So round about me will I bind Fate comes to me with fame ! The men who priz e a master mind !
He a s a A CAREER lived ilent life lone, And laid him down when it w as R AK s an d B E me my bound , let done me fly And at his head w as placed a k To regions vast oi boundless s y ; stone I s a Nor , like piteou D phne, be On which w as carved a n ame nu - ! Root bound . Ah, no I would known ! be free As yon same bird that in its hight Outstrips the range of mortal ON THE RIVER sight ;
nee as u a s r a s a F the mo nt in t e m th t TH E sun is low, s gu h The waters flow , r s s and F om bubbling pring , down My boa t is dancing to and fro. ar us w d r h The eve is still , ’ Across the serrate mountain s Yet from the hill s ide, The killdeer echoes loud and shrill. ’ m ir The rocks o erw hel ed , the
s defi a s as bank ed , The p ddle pl h , as a s as An d like the p sions in the soul , The w velet d h , e the u flash Swell into torrents as they roll . We s e s mmer lightning ; [ 2 85] T H E CO M P LETE POE M S O F
o d is an d la t err n w a n then , But it right , I
a nd fen So scatter I all thought of her.
for the feet of men ,
Poor withered rose, so like my he ir t r b d heart , ’ has stirred , Th at w ilts at so rrow s cr uel da rt. ' ' cd b ullfrog s croak is Who ha th not felt the winter s blight i h h g , When every hope seemed w arm s h ig , and bright ? h stream goes sobbin g Who doth not know love unre
turn ed , ' E en w hen the hea rt mos t wildly burned ?
its las t efi ul en t ra ; g y w Poor ithered rose , the la n d dead ow s sta nd ' so n th a s ' Too o y be uty n g that the ey e s at hand . fled .
not ; The sun would be too s hine, And all the line Oi hours from dawn would blot ; And Night would haunt
skies, A n unlaid ghost with sta
— s d ark ringed eye .
o i u Oh , l ve , f thou wert not my l An d I perchance not thint what then ? Could gift of men Or a f vor of the God above, Plant aught in this bare hea Or teach this tongue the six ’ er s soulful art ?
’Ti Ah , no l s love, an d love alt That spurs my so ul so surely c Turns night to el em ". PA U L LAU R E N C E DU N B A R
Calm thou the tempest in my All that w as eagle has turned
n breast, i to dove . Who loves in silence loves the The path from the meadow that
s a be t , le ds to the ba rs
a a Is But bide thy time, she will w ke, more to me now than the path
a o No night so d rk but morn will f the stars.
break . a How sh ll I woo thee to win thee,
a so s But though my he rt trongly mine own ,
e r a y arn , Thou who a t f ir and as far as
he My lady loves me not in turn , t moon ? ’ How may I win the blest reply H ad I the strength of the torrent s
a s a sa s . That my void he rt h ll ti fy wild tone , H ad I the sweetness of warblers b reedeth Love love, be thou but in June ;
true, The strength an d the sweetness
And soon thy love shall love thee, n might charm a d persuade,
too , But neither have I my petition to If Fate hath meant ou heart for ai y d .
heart, ’ s a ma ou s a There n ught y keep y How h ll I woo thee to win thee,
twain apart. mine own ? How shall I traverse the dis tance between HOW SHALL I WOO THEE My humble cot and your glorious throne ?
H ow shall I woo thee to win thee, How shall a clown gain the ear mine own ? of a queen ? Say in what tongue shall I tell Oh teach me the tongue that shall s of my love . plea e thee the best, I who w as fearless so timid have For till I have won thee my heart n ma gmw s y not rest.
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STA N FO RD umvens n v LIBRA RIES H REEN IBRA RY c ec u . G L
TA N F RD F - 4 S O , CA LI O RN IA 9 4 3 05 6 00 (4 1 5 )
A ll b o o ks ma y b e re c a lle d a fte r 7 d a y s
DATE DUE