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diff --git a/41691-0.txt b/41691-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4ac9cf7 --- /dev/null +++ b/41691-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2228 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41691 *** + +[Illustration: A Charleston Ground-nut Woman.] + + + + + DARKEY WAYS IN DIXIE + + BY MARGARET A. RICHARD + + THE Abbey Press PUBLISHERS + + 114 FIFTH AVENUE + London NEW YORK Montreal + + + + +Copyright, 1901. + +by THE Abbey Press + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + PAGE + + Mammy's Baby Chile 5 + + Playin' Craps 7 + + The Washerwoman's Song 9 + + A Seller ob Ole Clo'es 11 + + A Well-Cleaner's Revery 13 + + Song of the Huckster 15 + + By-en-By 18 + + In Season ob Mistletoe 21 + + Christmas Gif' 24 + + Snow in the South 26 + + Aunty's Affliction 28 + + The Difference 30 + + Blackberry Time 32 + + Dat Jew's-Harp 33 + + Wid his Feet 35 + + The Broken Banjo 37 + + When Dey Sing 39 + + At de Meetin' 41 + + A Philosopher 46 + + Des de Same 49 + + So de Sunshine Stay 50 + + Daddy Long Legs 51 + + His Capacity Filled 52 + + Ike's Temptation 54 + + Whar de Watermilyun Grow 57 + + What his Education Done 59 + + Booker T. Washington 62 + + Crazy Joe's Ambition 65 + + Grinnin' Jake 67 + + Elmiry Vaccinated 69 + + Simple Simon 72 + + An Obstacle Overcome 73 + + Two of a Kind 75 + + Quarantined 77 + + A Puzzling Clause 79 + + 'Fo'e de Wah 80 + + Groun'-Hog Day 85 + + Excusable 87 + + Jeff's Fun'ral Sermon 88 + + Uncle Bob to his Dog 90 + + A Prophecy 92 + + 'Possum en Pertatoes 93 + + Cotton's Comin' In 96 + + Dat Yaller Gal 97 + + Ter Walk wid his Gal 101 + + Cunjud 103 + + Uncle Ben's Superstition 104 + + Wid de Witches 106 + + A Restless Spirit 108 + + Pardoned 111 + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. + + + PAGE + + A Charleston Ground-Nut Woman Frontispiece + + "I rub en I rub" 10 + + "Vegtibles" 16 + + "En he drive a ox so slow" 18 + + The Boot-Black 32 + + The Wood-Sawyer 46 + + Grinnin' Jake 68 + + "How de News git roun dem posts" 74 + + "On de Chain Gang" 110 + + + + +DARKEY WAYS IN DIXIE. + + +Mammy's Baby Chile. + + Hush, now hush, do' cry no mo' + Kaze yo' daddy had ter go + In de massa's fiel' ter hoe, + Mammy's baby chile. + + He gwine come back, dat you'll see, + Kaze he b'long ter you en me, + En he'll jog you on his knee, + Mammy's baby chile. + + Hush, den hush, do' cry no mo'! + Set dar quiet on de flo' + While I wash de clo'es, you know, + Mammy's baby chile. + + When de cotton season come, + Me en you won' stay at home, + Kaze yo' mammy gwine pick some, + Mammy's baby chile. + + You kin set in de sunshine + On de cotton, sof' en fine, + Lis'nin' ter de moanin' pine, + Mammy's baby chile. + + When we done, at en' ob day, + En come home (heah what I say!) + Daddy'll ride you all de way, + Mammy's baby chile. + + Hush, den hush, do' cry no mo' + Kaze yo' daddy had ter go + In de massa's fiel' ter hoe, + Mammy's baby chile. + + +Playin' Craps. + + What you git dat nickel change + Up in coppers fo', + What de preacher gib ter you + Las' night 'fo'e he go? + Bet you soon be wid dem chaps + Roun' de corner playin' craps. + + What you say? You done bin dar? + Is you, nigger, sho? + Den de Black Maria git you + Sho's de pleeceman know + 'Bout dem dirty little chaps + Roun' de corner playin' craps. + + What you gwine make up ter tell + Preacher Jones, Eli, + When he as' you 'bout dat nickel-- + When, en how, en why? + Dat you los' it ter dem chaps + Roun' de corner playin' craps? + + Neber los' it? Well, I say! + Why you talk so slow? + Bring dat money out ter sight, + So I sho kin know + If you 'scape dem cunnin' chaps + Roun' de corner playin' craps. + + Thirteen ob dem! Thirteen coppers, + Sho ez I'm erlive! + Han' dem ebry one to me-- + Scusin ob des five;-- + En you stay 'way frum them chaps + Roun' de corner playin' craps! + + +The Washerwoman's Song. + + Oh, I rub en I rub + All day in de tub! + I went fo' dese clo'es 'fo'e de clock strike eight, + En I rubbin' on dem in de evenin' late. + I rub en I rub + All day in de tub. + + Oh, I rub en I rub + All day in de tub! + I soap all de pieces in places erbout, + En I scrub till I git all de dinginess out. + I rub en I rub + All day in de tub. + + Oh, I rub en I rub + All day in de tub! + Sho ez de good Missus pay me fo' dese + + I gwine treat you chillun ter crackers en cheese. + Ain't you glad I kin rub + All day in de tub? + +[Illustration: "I rub en I rub!"] + + +A Seller Ob Ole Clo'es. + + Dese am pretty clo'es, fo' true, + En I'll sell 'em quick fo' you, + Dat I will! + Dey does look des lak you, Miss, + En I feel dat I could kiss + Ebry frill. + + Dis heah flower on dis hat-- + Lan'! My heart do cry fo' dat-- + It so sweet! + I would sholy lak ter go + Wid it on my head, des so, + Down de street. + + "Buy it, den, yo'se'f," you say? + Now, you know dat I cain't pay + Fo' dat hat! + Sellin' clo'es ain't made me rich, + But my head do sholy itch + To weah dat. + + If dem niggers come en pay + Allers fo' de clo'es dey say + Dey gwine git, + I would hab de change ter buy + Somethin' when my heart do cry + So fo' it. + + Ten cents on de dollar, Miss, + Won' buy soon a hat lak dis, + Dat am sho; + En dis nigger hab ter eat-- + Hab ter buy some bread en meat, + Ez you know. + + Well, good-day! Dese pretty clo'es, + Wid dey laces en dey bows, + Soon be gone; + Kaze dem gals, when dey heah tell + Dat I got yo' clo'es ter sell, + Sho gwine run. + + +The Well-Cleaner's Revery. + + Me en Tom bin cleanin' wells + Long time, sho; + En we'll clean 'em till God tells + Us ter go + Up dar whar de shinin' stream, + Pu' en sweet, + Flow frue heaven, lak a dream, + At our feet. + + En I min' me how us two, + Ez time pass, + Work togedder good, fo' true, + Fus' en las'; + One stay up en one go down, + En bofe know + Dey mus' fill dey place, I boun', + High or low. + + When Tom turn de win'lass roun', + En I go + Fur down underneath de groun', + Dark en low, + I trus' allers dat he gwine + Draw me out + Ter de place whar de sun shine + All erbout. + + En I b'lieve dat if a man + Fall in sin, + We mus' lif' him, if we kin, + Up ag'in; + Kaze he need de he'pin' han', + Dat am sho, + If all safe he rise en stan' + Any mo'. + + God done take dis simple way + Ter show me + Dat while in de worl' we stay + We must be + 'Pendent on each other, sho, + Till we rise + Frum de dang'rous deeps below + Ter de skies. + + +Song Of the Huckster. + + I don' ride erlong de street + Wid my mouth shet tight, + Kaze I know I got ter sing, + Lak a singer right, + If I make dis pile ob goods + Dwindle frum de sight: + + "Tomatoes en okra + Passin' right by! + Beans en pertatoes-- + De prices ain't high! + Apples en peaches, + De fines' ter-day! + Oh, come out en buy + 'Fo'e dey all git away-- + Come out en buy!" + + All de white men down de street + Wantin' me, fo' sho, + Des to drive en sell fo' dem, + Kaze dey say dey know + I git rid ob all my truck, + Singin' ez I go: + + "Tomatoes en okra + Passin' right by! + Beans en pertatoes-- + De prices ain't high! + Apples en peaches, + De fines' ter-day! + Oh, come out en buy + 'Fo'e dey all git away-- + Come out en buy!" + + Once de preacher what hol' fo'th + Fo' de Methodis', + Say: "Oh, man, I b'l'eve dat you + Done yo' callin' miss! + Why'n't you use dat voice ter preach + 'Stead ob shoutin' dis: + + "'Tomatoes en okra + Passin' right by! + Beans en pertatoes-- + De prices ain't high! + Apples en peaches, + De fines' ter-day! + Oh, come out en buy + 'Fo'e dey all git away-- + Come out en buy!'" + + En I laugh en tell him dat + Dis town full ter-day + Ob fine men, des lak hisse'f, + What kin preach en pray; + But dey ain't but one dat go + Singin' 'long dis way: + + "Tomatoes en okra + Passin' right by! + Beans en pertatoes-- + De prices ain't high! + Apples en peaches, + De fines' ter-day! + Oh, come out en buy + 'Fo'e dey all git away-- + Come out en buy!" + +[Illustration: "Vegtibles."] + + +By en By. + + Uncle Reuben, ole en good, + Come ter town wid nice fat wood + Frum de san' hills fur away-- + 'Mos' eleben miles, dey say. + En he drive a ox so slow, + En a cart dat wobble so, + Dat it look lak dey gwine fall, + En ole Uncle gwine lose all, + By en by, by en by. + + Uncle got dat wood dervide, + En in hones' bundles tied, + En he holler 'cross de fence: + "Three big bunches fo' ten cents! + Buy some, Missus, please, frum me, + Kaze I need de change, you see; + En I mus' go down de street + Ter git me some meal en meat, + By en by, by en by. + +[Illustration: "En he drive a ox so slow."] + + Missus say she don' want none; + What he brought befo' ain't gone; + En ole Uncle pass on by, + Still wid courage in his eye; + En he doan' lose heart dat day, + But wid smilin' face he say: + "I ain't bin all 'roun' de town-- + I gwine sell it, I am boun', + By en by, by en by." + + En he sell it all, fo' true, + Ez he said dat he would do! + When at las' he go down street, + He buy mo' dan meal en meat, + Kaze he lak terbacco, too, + Well ez any nigger do; + En he say: "I'll 'joy it, sho, + Ez erlong de road I go, + By en by, by en by." + + When he 'bout ter leave de town + Ez de sun am gwine down, + Us black niggers laugh en say: + "Bet you won't git home ter-day + Wid dat ox, so ole en slow, + En dat cart dat wobble so!" + En he bow his head en say: + "I gwine git dar, anyway, + By en by, by en by." + + Uncle Reuben's gittin' ole-- + He's pas' sixty, I'se bin tole; + En his han' sho shake ter-day + In a weak en trimblin' way; + En his ole legs wobbled too, + Lak de wheels ob his cart do, + Ez he say: "De en' soon come, + Kaze de Lawd gwine call me home, + By en by, by en by." + + +In Season Ob Mistletoe. + + Dat Sambo ain't got good sense; + Work agin hisse'f for sho; + 'Tain't no parable I'm tellin', + 'Tis de truf, en dat am so. + He wus 'ployed by Missus Johnsing + Ter run erran's en bring wood;-- + Ter do anything, in fac', + Roun' de place a nigger could; + En Sambo, he done right well + Till de boys begin ter sell + Bunches ob de mistletoe. + + 'Twus de Chris'mas time ercomin', + En it tingled in his blood, + Till he couldn't stick ter sawin' + En ter choppin' ob de wood; + En he couldn't heah de Missus + When she say: "Be smart, Sambo!" + Kaze de soun' ob dem boys callin' + In de street wus all he know; + En a nigger stop en say: + "We is lucky, sho, ter-day; + We des sells de mistletoe!" + + Sambo didn't stop ter say: + "'Scuse me, Missus, I mus' go!" + Do his po' ole mammy teach him + Better manners, dat you know. + He des leave dat yard en clim' + Up de neares' ole oak tree, + Whar de mistletoe wus growin' + Fresh en green ez it could be; + En he jine dem boys dat cry: + "Mistletoe er passin' by! + Don' you want some mistletoe?" + + En he sell it mighty good-- + He des scoop de nickles in! + Seem de Lawd wus blessin' him + In his foolishness en sin. + Dar de Missus wus er needin' + Him ter chop en bring in wood, + En he orter gone en done it-- + Kaze she sho bin mighty good, + But he strut erlong de street, + Hol'rin' out: "It's hard to beat + Dis fine bunch ob mistletoe!" + + But de jedgment come at las', + Ez it boun' ter come, fo' sho, + When a nigger work agin + His ownse'f, lak dat Sambo. + When de holidays wus pas' + Missus say dat she don' need + Him to work no mo' fo' her, + Kaze she got some one instead. + En dat boy got sense ter know + White folks don' buy mistletoe + When de season am done pas'! + + +Chris'mas Gif'! + + I go tip-toe down de alley + Ter de Missus' kitchen do', + Kaze I know she got some Chris'mas + Somewhar fo' dis darkey, sho; + She don' spec' me roun' dat way, + En I s'prise her when I say: + "Chris'mas gif'!" + + Den she turn roun', des er laughin', + En she say: "De same ter you! + Is you got a present fo' me? + Kaze I want one--I sho do!" + "You's des foolin'," den I say; + "'Sides I hollered fus dis day: + 'Chris'mas gif'!'" + + Den she git a big bandanna-- + One wid po'ka dots ob red, + En she say: "Ez you done ketch me, + You kin hab dis fo' yo' head." + So I sho am glad dis day + Dat I wus de fus ter say: + "Chris'mas gif'!" + + +Snow in the South. + + Dis mornin' when I went ter po' + Water out my cabin do', + I wus sho surprised ter see, + While de darkness all roun' me, + Snow wus des er fallin' down + Till it civered all de groun'. + + Bin des 'bout two yeahs or mo' + Sence I seed a flake ob snow; + En I call to Mandy: "Say! + Heah's a sight, fo' sho, ter-day! + Yestiday was lak de spring; + Look what des one night done bring." + + En she come en poke her head + Out from under dat ole shed; + En she say: "When you go down + Ter de Massa's in de town, + You mus' civer up yo' back + Wid a nice warm crocus sack." + + En she say: "Yo' shoes am ole; + Sho dey days am neahly tole." + En she wrap 'em, fo'th en back, + Wid dem bits ob crocus sack, + Till you hardly see my feet + When I walk erlong de street. + + Massa p'int ter dem en say: + "Wouldn't dress up dat erway! + Why'n't you git some rubber shoes? + You could buy 'em if you choose." + But I won't! Kaze don't I know + Soon de sun gwine drink dat snow? + + +Aunty's Affliction. + + How is I dis mornin', Miss? + Po'ly, dat am true! + In de night-time I don' sleep + Lak I orter do, + Kaze I got de miz'ry bad + In me, up en down, + En some day, fo' sho, it gwine + Fetch me ter de groun'. + + Oh, I's full ob trouble, Miss!-- + Full ez I kin be. + Ain't you got some liniment + You kin gib ter me? + I is 'bleeged ter git some he'p + Somewhar, dat am sho, + Else dis miz'ry in de j'ints + Soon gwine lay me low. + + Oh, I thank you, thank you, Miss! + God will bless you, sho. + All de goodness ob yo' heart + He mus' sholey know; + En he'll pay you when at las' + He done lay me down;-- + When dis pain en miz'ry done + Fetch me ter de groun'. + + +The Difference. + + If de white man am a sinner + He go walkin', walkin' free, + But de nigger lan', fo' sho, + In de penitentiary. + + Now dat Simeon steal some cotton + (Cunjud by de evil one) + En dey sen' him ter de prison + Fo' de wrong dat he am done. + + Fo' three yeahs he done bin workin' + In de penitentiary, + En he got ter stay dar longer + Frum de chillun en frum me. + + Dat rich farmer git de cotton-- + Ebry poun' ob it--ag'in, + But dey keep dat Simeon lock up + Lak he done an awful sin. + + If de white man am a sinner + He go walkin', walkin' free, + But de nigger sho gwine lan' + In de penitentiary. + + +Blackberry Time. + + Missus, please write me a letter back home, + En tell 'em I say dat I want 'em ter come + At blackberry time in June. + + My little ole cabin won't hol' any mo', + But nobody freeze in de yard, dat am sho, + At blackberry time in June. + + Tell 'em I lonesome. I sholy will die + If dey don' come to he'p me eat blackberry pie + At blackberry time in June. + + Dis nigger am po', but dar's plenty to eat + When de fruit ebrywhar hangin' juicy en sweet + At blackberry time in June. + + So, Missus, please write me a letter back home, + En tell 'em I say dat I want 'em ter come + At blackberry time in June. + + +[Illustration: THE BOOT-BLACK. + + "No, sah ree! + You do'n' ketch me + Shinin' yo' shoes fo' de ha'f ob a dime; + Dis nigger belong + Ter de union strong, + En he charge you de full price ebry time."] + + +Dat Jew's Harp. + + I does try ter fetch up Jim + So de white folks respec' him; + But in spite ob all I say + He des set out dar all day + On de back do' step, en play + Dat jew's harp. + + De fus job he git ter do, + I wus glad, it sho am true; + But he come home, sleek en sly, + Wid de sunshine in his eye, + Soon's he git enough ter buy + Dat jew's harp. + + "You black nigger, you!" I say, + "Whar yo' senses gone ter-day? + Don't you know when niggers eat + Dey mus' 'arn dey bread en meat?" + But he des play, sof' en sweet, + Dat jew's harp. + + When I tell ole Missus once + Jim wus des a lazy dunce, + She say: "Hush! Don' talk dat way; + He's a ginious, I dare say, + En de muses bid him play + Dat jew's harp." + + Pshaw! De ginious en de muses! + What's de use ob dem ixcuses? + If I hab ter flog dat Jim + Wid a great big hick'ry lim', + Bet he'll frow away frum him + Dat jew's harp! + + +Wid His Feet. + + When I git down my banjo + Des to pick a tune or so, + Tobin 'gin ter pat de flo' + Wid his feet. + + He don't neber heah me play + In de night-time or de day, + But he sho gwine ac' dat way + Wid his feet. + + En he pat, now fas', now slow;-- + Easy now, den loud, he go, + Keepin' time ter my banjo + Wid his feet. + + En who ever heah dat coon + Allers say, en dat right soon: + "He kin play a purty tune + Wid his feet." + + He kin make mo' music, sho, + Dan I kin wid my banjo + When he pat de cabin flo' + Wid his feet. + + +De Broken Banjo. + + In dis little ole log cabin + Whar de gray moss hang in sight; + Whar de screech-owl make me trimble + In de middle ob de night; + Dar at ebenin' you gwine fin' me, + If you look fo' me at all, + Wid my Fido settin' by me, + En my banjo on de wall. + + Once, when de long day wus finish, + 'Fo'e ter res' me I done go, + I would set out on de do' step + Pickin' sof' my ole banjo, + Singin' "Dixie," "Swanee Riber," + "Annie Laurie," en dem all;-- + But my banjo am done broken, + En am hangin' on de wall. + + So I set heah dreamin', dreamin', + Ob de time dat use ter be + 'Fo'e my Dinah went to heaben-- + Dinah she wus lovin' me! + En if she had neber lef' me + I would neber weep at all, + En I would not miss de music + Ob de banjo on de wall. + + +When They Sing. + + When dem darkies sing togedder + 'Fo'e de houses in de street, + People passin' stop en lis'n + Ez dey say: "Now, ain't dat sweet? + All dem niggers got good voices, + En dey sho kin keep good time; + I would ruther heah dem singin' + Dan de bells ob Michael chime." + + When dem darkies sing togedder + Wid de jew's harp en banjo; + Wid dem tamb'rine bells a-ringin' + En dem bottles dat dey blow, + Oh, it sho do seem lak music + Ob de holy angel ban', + En I feel lak shoutin': "Glory! + Take me ter de Canaan lan'." + + When dem darkies sing togedder, + Dey kin make you laugh or cry; + Oh, dey kin, fo' joy or sorrow, + Bring de tear-drop ter yo' eye! + Dey kin make you stan' dar quiet, + Lis'nin' ter de singin' sweet, + Or kin hab you dancin', dancin', + Long ez you kin lif' yo' feet. + + When dem darkies sing togedder, + White folks frow some shinin' dimes + Out de winder. My, en den + Don't dey hab some happy times? + Den de people what wus lis'nin' + Say dey mus' be gwine home; + Say dey sorry dat de singin' + Stop mos' soon ez dey had come. + + +At De Meetin'. + + Oh, now, Missus, wus I 'sleep? + I is sorry, sho! + I des set down heah ter res' + Wid my head down, so. + En I meant to pray fo' grace + Des a little bit, + Kaze I got a sinnin' soul, + En I 'knowledge it. + + Yes, I knows you pays me well + Fo' de work I do, + En I orter stick ter it + So dat I please you. + But I couldn't he'p it, Miss, + If I shet my eyes; + God done made dem wid dese hinges, + En He sho am wise. + + Why'n't I sleep at night, you as'? + Missus, you don't know + How dem voices call en call, + Till I hab ter go. + En when once I git in church, + Dar I sho gwine stay + Till de stars am gittin' pale + 'Fo'e de light ob day. + + Dar's a meetin' gwine on + Wid de Baptis' now, + En do I ain't jine dat church, + I kin go, I 'low; + Dey don't shet de do' on me + 'Cept when dey commune, + En it won't be time fo' dat, + So dey say, right soon. + + My, dey hab a whoopin' time + Roun' dar eb'ry night, + En dat preacher sho kin put + Down de law des right; + En he preach de holy word + Till dem niggers shout,-- + Till dey leab dey seats at las', + Dancin' all erbout. + + Anthea Allen got religion + Roun' dar las' night, sho, + En she clap her han's en waltz + Up en down de flo', + Singin' "Glory! Hallelujah! + I is on de way! + Angels peepin' down frum heaven + Beckon me ter-day." + + Den she fall down in a trance, + Right dar on de flo', + En dem darkies po' de camphor + Onto her, fo' sho; + But she don't wake up at all-- + Lak de dead she lay, + En we lef' her lyin' dar + When we come away. + + Dey sho take a big collection + At dat church las' night, + En dat money on de table + Sho wus shinin' bright. + En de preacher in de pulpit + Stan' up straight en say: + "Dem dat am not got a cent-- + Dey kin go away!" + + En he say: "Come up en bring + Money ter de Lawd! + Dat He love de chee'ful giver, + He say in His word; + What you gib ter Him ter-night + Am not frowed away, + Kaze de bread cas' on de sea + Gwine come back some day." + + En dem niggers make a noise + Passin' up en down, + Some wid coppers, some wid nickels, + Some wid dimes, I'm boun'; + En dey make de music ring, + While de preacher say: + "Oh, I lak ter see de money + Comin' up dat way!" + + I sot up till mos' dis mornin' + At dat church las' night; + Dat how come my eyes don't feel + Wide awake en bright; + But I sorry dat I let em + Shet deysel's up tight + When I workin' heah fo' you-- + Kaze _you_ treat me right! + + +A Philosopher. + + Mos' ob niggers sho believe + Dat de preacher know + All dat's fit ter study 'bout + In dis worl' below; + Think he am so smart dat he + Look beyon' de sky, + Whar he read what am gwine be + In de by en by. + + I's a 'ception ter dat rule, + Ez you sho will fin', + En I come ter my conclusions + Out ob my own min': + Preachers ain't no mo' conspired + Dan is you en me; + Dat, if you des crack yo' eyes, + You am sho gwine see. + +[Illustration: THE WOOD-SAWYER. + + "Oh, I work hard, sho, + When de col' win' blow, + Sawin' en splittin' de white folks' wood! + But I do'n' complain + Ob de col' en de rain, + Kaze de Lawd gwine sen' what He know am good."] + + Eb'ry man what see a tex' + In de trees en stones, + Ain't bin called ter preach en raise + Life in dead, dry bones. + Dat ole rooster scratchin' dar + Am a sarmont, sho, + But des kaze I read him right, + I ain't called, you know. + + If you don't read it, you ain't + Got de seein' eyes, + En yo' heart cain't see dem things + What would make you wise. + Sho's de Bible done say dat + Dem what works kin eat, + Dat's a noble sarmont dar-- + One dat cain't be beat. + + When dat rooster scratch fo' worms + In de lowly groun', + He's a sayin' we mus' work + Fo' our bread, I'm boun'; + En when he fin' food, en call + Till dat hen do run, + He sho mean dat man mus' work + Fo' de weakly one. + + He don't shet his knowledge up + In a selfish min'; + When he see de mornin' break + He tell all mankin'. + Do ter me all dis en mo', + Dat same rooster teach, + He don't say dat I's conspired + By de Lawd ter preach. + + +Des De Same. + + My ole shanty am a fallin', + En de rain am leakin' frue, + En de rheumatiz done grip me + Till I don't know what ter do; + But I thank God fo' dis frame, + En I happy, des de same. + + I cain't go en jine de singin', + Lak I did in ole-time days, + At de Calvary Baptis' Church, + Whar dey sing glad songs ob praise; + But my heart ain't sick en lame, + En it singin', des de same. + + Mandy say de safe am empty-- + We ain't got no food ter-day! + Say she do' know whar we git it, + 'Thout an angel come dis way; + But I trus' in Jesus' name, + En my soul feas', des de same. + + +So De Sunshine Stay. + + If de rooster crow, dey say, + 'Fo'e de clock strike ten, + Atter he done gone ter roos' + In de chicken pen, + Den de weather sho gwine change + 'Fo'e dat time nex' day, + En I don't care if it do-- + So de sunshine stay. + + How de rooster know if win' + Am gwine res' or blow, + Or if clouds gwine hol' de rain, + Or gwine let it po', + I cain't tell, do I live heah + Forty yeahs terday; + But I know my heart am glad + If de sunshine stay. + + +Daddy Long Legs. + + "Ole Daddy Long Legs, + Why am you so tall? + You look lak yo' head + Gwine soon touch de wall; + En it take many stitches + Ter sew up dem breeches." + + Ole Daddy Long Legs + Make answer ter me: + "De fines' fruit grow + In de top ob de tree, + En I's made tall ez dis + So's de bes' I won't miss." + + +His Capacity Filled. + + Oh, I had a happy time-- + Happy time las' night! + Staid inside dat meetin' house + Till it mos' daylight. + En I sho did sing en holler + Till de people know + Dat dis nigger got religion-- + Couldn't hol' no mo'. + + When I leave dat meetin' house-- + Leave at ha'f pas' two, + I wuz gittin' hungry ez + Shoutin' niggers do; + En des den I heah a rooster + Gib a mighty crow; + "Don't he think he big?" I say, + "I gwine fetch him low!" + + Oh, I fetch him low! En I + Tote him home wid me, + En wid dumplin's I done cook him + Quick ez dat kin be. + Wid religion en dat chicken + I am full up, sho, + But I reckon when night come + I kin hol' some mo'! + + +Ike's Temptation. + + Ebry day dat come, I pass + Whar de watermilyun grow + In de Massa's milyun patch, + En dey is a sight, fo' sho. + Dey des peeps frum out de leaves, + Playin' hide en seek wid me; + En dey beg me come en ta'se 'em, + Des ter see how good dey be; + But I sho does pass 'em by-- + Same's I don't know whar dey lie. + + I's a member ob de church, + En you'll neber see me steal; + I kin sho han' out de cash + Fo' my bacon en corn-meal. + Dey will keep me des ez fat + Ez I eber want ter be, + En de luxuries ob life-- + Heah dem milyuns callin' me! + Don't dey know dat I done say + I ain't gwine take dem away? + + One ob dem--he sho am big-- + Prettiest thing I eber seen-- + All arrayed, mo' bright dan lilies, + In dem shades ob shinnin' green. + He done creep frum out dem leaves + Till he close ter dis low fence, + En he beckon me ter take him-- + Think dat I ain't got good sense! + But dat coat ob him do shine, + En I wish dat he wus mine. + + Wonder if he look ez nice + On de inside ez de out? + Wonder if he's lak dem Christians + What do nothin' else but shout? + Guess dat I could mighty soon + Bu's' him on a rock, en see, + If I had him on dis side + Ob de ole rail-fence wid me. + Dat I'll do! If he's deceivin', + Nothin' else ain't wuth believin'! + + He am mellow ter de co'; + Sho de heart ob him am right; + Since I gone en bu's' him open, + I mus' git him out ob sight. + I would sin agin my conshuns + If I let him go ter was'e + When so many mouths is thirstin' + Fo' de juice dey loves ter tas'e;-- + Juice dat cheers de nigger's soul + Mo' dan all dat's bought wid gol'. + + It wus good, dat watermilyun, + But I sho am gittin' sick; + Go en git de doctor, honey-- + Go en git him mighty quick! + 'Twus a dirty trick, fo' cartin, + What de Massa gone en done, + Puttin' strychnine in dat milyun + So's ter ketch de guilty one;-- + But I ain't a rogue, he know-- + I's a Christian, dat am sho! + + +Whar De Watermilyun Grow. + + I wus fetch up fur away + Frum dis city whar I stay, + In de lan' ob shinin' day + Whar de watermilyun grow. + + Oh, my boss heah treat me gran'! + But I sad, you understan', + Longing fo' de Dixie lan' + Whar de watermilyun grow. + + Fiel's ob cotton beckon me, + En de sweet magnolia tree, + En my heart des cry ter be + Whar de watermilyun grow. + + Oh, de South am des de place + Fo' de thirsty cullud race! + En I long ter turn my face + Whar de watermilyun grow. + + If dey try to 'tice you 'way, + Don't you lis'n what dey say, + Kaze de nigger bo'n ter stay + Whar de watermilyun grow. + + +What His Education Done. + + What dat you say? Sen' Zeke ter school + Des kaze he ain't bin bo'n a fool? + Now you talkin'! You ain't heerd + 'Bout George Washington T. Beard? + He wus smart, his ma tell me, + En he l'arn his A, B, C, + 'Thout no' difficult at all-- + Nat'ral ez de ripe fruit fall. + + En dat smartness grow on him + Fas' ez leaves grow on de lim', + Till at las' de people say: + "He mus' sholy go away + Ter de college in de town!" + 'Twus a great one, I am boun', + Whar dey teach dat young man mo' + Dan de mos' ob niggers know. + + When he reach ter gradiation, + My! Dey make a great 'miration; + En dey say: "Spite ob his race, + En dat shinin', coal-black face, + He gwine make de people's eyes + Open wide wid dey surprise; + Dat wus sho a good essay, + What he read fo' us ter-day." + + En dey say dem people chee'ed + Dat George Washington T. Beard; + Say he look en ac' ez gran' + Ez de fines' in de lan; + Bowin' dis en den dat way + Wid a smile dat seem ter say: + "I is ready now ter do + Somethin' dat will 'stonish you." + + Den what nex'? He des come home-- + Wait dar fo' de chance ter come + Ter git some big job, fo' true, + Lak falutin' white folks do;-- + Think he am too smart, you know, + Ter use axe or spade or hoe; + Or ter do work, han' ter han', + Wid de ignorant cullud man. + + Dar he set en dar he wait, + Railin' 'gin de nigger's fate, + Sayin' dat de worl' am hard, + When we all know dat de Lawd + Make it easier, fo' sho', + When de man use what he know; + When he don't des set en wait, + Railin' allers 'gin his fate. + + Ez you say, dat Zeke ob mine + Got a min' dat sho could shine, + En dem han's ob his kin do + Mos' ez much ez mine, fo' true. + He won't neber lack fo' bread + Wid dem han's en wid dat head; + En I don't sen' him ter school + Whar he l'arn ter be a fool. + + +Booker T. Washington. + + People tell de news las' week + Dat a cullud man gwine speak + At de college hall; + Say he try ter lif' his race + Ter a high en shinin' place + On dis 'restial ball. + + En dey say dat cullud man + Doin' work dat sho am gran' + In dis worl' below; + Say he gib his life, fo' true, + So de nigger be en do + Better dan befo'. + + He done 'stablish a fine school, + Whar, dey say, he 'force dis rule: + Train de man all roun'; + Let de han's dey duty know; + Let de min' wake up en grow; + Let de heart be soun'. + + Dat great school am situate + Down in Alabamy state, + In dis Dixie lan'; + En folks north en eas' en wes', + When dey heah it do its bes', + Len' a he'pin' han'. + + Mr. Washington come down + Las' week ter dis very town, + Ez I spec' you know; + En when I went ter dat hall + Des ter heah him speak, en all, + I wus 'sprised, fo' sho; + + 'Sprised ter see dat cullud man + On de platform, dress up gran', + Wid de bes' white men; + En if he don't speak dat day + Words ez good ez dey kin say-- + Den my name ain't Ben! + + Oh, I wish dat I could tell + What he say! It make me swell + All up fat wid pride; + En I say: "I sho gwine shake + His right han' fo' dem words' sake, + When we git outside." + + When he finish en set down, + I go outside en walk roun' + Till his face I see; + Den I say, sho ez I bo'n: + "Howdy, Mr. Washington! + Won't you speak ter me?" + + En he shake my han' de way + Dat men do when dey hearts say: + "Glad ter see yo' face!" + En I tell him; "'Fo'e you go + I mus' say, you make me, sho, + Proud ob de black race." + + +Crazy Joe's Ambition. + + Crazy Joe, he make me laugh + When he talk dat way + 'Bout de mansion on de hill + Whar de gov'nor stay; + When he vow dat he + Sho ez life gwine be + Walkin' on dem flo's some day. + + He ain't wise on politics, + En we tell him so, + En we say: "Nobody vote + Fo' you, Crazy Joe!" + But he say dat he + Sometime sho gwine be + Walkin' on dat mansion flo'. + + His vote he'p de white man git + Ter dat place, he say, + En he waitin' fo' de state + Ter do right, en pay + Him wid dis job soon: + Washin' de spittoon + What dey use dar ebry day! + + +Grinnin' Jake. + + Neber seen a feller grin + Lak dat nigger do; + When you as' him anything + He des look at you;-- + Neber answer what you say-- + Grin en grin dat stupid way. + + When somebody what don't know + As' him what he name, + He hang down dat head ob his + Ez do' he ashame; + En he show dem teeth ob white + Lak dey speak fo' him all right. + + "Is de cat done got yo' tongue?" + Mammy as' him once, + "Or is you des bo'n to be + A dum', stupid dunce?" + But he hang dat head en grin, + Silly ez he allers bin. + + I mos' b'lieve dat when he git + Up ter heaven's gate, + If de angels as' him why + He stan' dar en wait, + He won't say: "Please let me in," + But des grin en grin en grin! + +[Illustration: Grinnin' Jake.] + + +Elmiry Vaccinated. + + When de vaccinater come, + My Elmiry run frum home + Fas' ez she could go; + Run away ter Missus' house, + Whar she slip in lak a mouse, + So de Miss won't know. + + En she scramble hin' de head + Ob de Missus' high pos' bed, + Des ter hide erwhile; + En de Missus come en go + Frue dat room, but she don't know + 'Bout dat silly chile. + + By en by, when she come frue, + She heah somethin' breave, she do, + Lak somebody 'sleep; + En her heart stan' still dat day, + En she am too sca'ed, she say, + Des to take a peep. + + So she run out-do's en call; + "Sen' de pleeceman (heah me all!) + Right now ter my house; + Dar's a robber 'hin' my bed, + Waitin' till de day be dead, + Quiet ez a mouse." + + En de news dem people spread + 'Bout de robber 'hin' de bed, + Waitin' till day done; + En de pleeceman sho did race, + So he reach dat hidin' place, + 'Fo'e de robber run. + + But when he git dar en see + Dat chile sleepin' quiet, he + Des frow back his head, + En he laugh en laugh en say: + "Come in, Missus, right away! + Who dis 'hin' yo' bed?" + + Dey take hol' ob her en shake + Dat Elmiry till she wake + 'Nough ter rub her eyes; + When she open dem en see + Who dat man am--goodness me!-- + She am sho surprise'. + + "Please, Mister Pleeceman," den she say, + "I'll be vaccernate' dis day + If you let me go!" + But he say dat des a tale, + En he take her ter de jail + 'Fo'e her mammy know. + + Take her ter be vaccernate, + En she grunt now, soon en late, + Wid dat arm dat's so'. + 'Tain't no use ter run frum home + When de vaccernater come;-- + He gwine git you, sho. + + +"Simple Simon." + + Des cartin ez dey is a way + Ter miss doin what am right, + Dat boy gwine allers fin' it out + What work fo' Mistah White. + + Las' yeah dey had him drive 'em all + Out ter de ole school groun', + Whar all de white folks congregate + Frum miles en miles er-roun'. + + En Mistah White, when dey git dar, + Say: "Simon, now you min', + En put dis ice we got heah, in + De cooles' place you fin'." + + En when dey all go in ter heah + De chillun speak en sing, + Dat boy--he go en drap dat ice + Right in de bubblin' spring! + + +An Obstacle Overcome. + + Dat Tom, he allers want ter know + All 'bout de things he see; + I neber could remember ha'f + Ob what he done as' me. + + He see dem posts down by de road, + Wid wires stretch ercrost, + En ast me why dem wires wus + Hung dar from post ter post. + + I tell him den, de bes' I kin, + Dat dey wus made to sen' + De news ercrost, so men kin heah + Frum dey fur absent frien'. + + He stan' en gaze en gaze on dem + In his onquirin' way; + Den: "How de news git roun dem posts?" + Dat stupid nigger say. + + He sho ain't got de sense ter know + (De good fo' nothin' scamp!) + Dat des ter meet dat obstickle + We got de postage stamp. + +[Illustration: "How de News git roun' dem posts?"] + + +Two of a kind. + + Sime say he don't know what ter do wid dat mule + Dat he done gone en bought (he wus sholy a fool!) + At de sale in de town; + He say it so stubborn dat when he say "gee," + It allers gwine "haw," ez sho ez kin be, + En I's glad, I am boun'. + + He say when he want it ter stan' it gwine walk;-- + When he want it ter go, it am sholy gwine balk, + Lak a dunce all de time. + He say dey ain't neber bin bo'n sich a fool, + But I know, I sho do, dat pesky ole mule + Ain't ez stubborn ez Sime. + + He neber gwine do what I tell him am right, + Do he know I wus bo'n wid a caul on my sight, + En kin see what am bes'; + I tol' him ter stay frum dat sale in de town, + But somethin' des draw him ez blood do de houn', + Till he foller de res'. + + I sho knew dat day what dat man wus erbout + When I seen him a-takin' de las' money out + Ob de cup on de she'f; + En I glad he done spent ebry cent on dat mule, + En's got ter work now wid dat pesky ole fool, + Kaze he's stubborn hisse'f. + + +Quarantined. + + Who am sca'ed ob small-pox? Pshaw! + Not dis nigger, sho. + Las' yeah dar wus lots ob it + Down in Spilman's row; + En de pleeceman walk erbout, + Keepin' some in en some out. + + En I ask: "What dey gwine do + Fo' 'nough food to eat?" + En Sime answer: "Ez fo' dat, + Small-pox cain't be beat; + Kaze when it done shet yo' gate, + Den de town gwine fill yo' plate." + + He say dem dat's quarantined + Down in Spilman's row, + Gittin' better things ter eat + Dan we am, fo' sho; + Say he see 'em take some food + Back dar dat wus mighty good. + + Den I min' me ob my frien's, + How dey lonesome be, + En I say: "I cain't fo'get 'em-- + Dey am deah ter me!" + En dey voices call en call, + Till I heah dem ober all. + + 'T last I say dat I mus' go + If I am dey frien';-- + While de guard walk up _dat_ way, + I slip in _dis_ en';-- + En in Spilman's row I stay + Till de small-pox pass erway. + + I don't ketch it--no, suhree! + Neber git de chance; + Zeke wus down dar wid his fiddle, + En I jine de dance;-- + En de city furnish food + Dat, fo' sho, tas'e mighty good. + + +A Puzzling Clause. + + Oh, de preacher done fine + When I marry Em'line, + But what did he mean, I wonder, + When he stan dar en' say: + "I done jine you ter-day; + Let nobody put you ter thunder!" + + +Fo'e de Wah. + + I ain't neber work, not me! + Fo' de white trash. Kaze, you see, + I wus fetch up mighty gran' + By de bes' folks in de lan';-- + En dey teach me how ter do + Work fo' ladies rich ez you, + 'Fo'e de wah. + + "Who fetch me up?" Now, Missus, sho + I done tol' you dat befo'! + Why a Miss wid heart ez true + Ez wus eber knowed by you; + En a face dat shine ez bright + Ez dem days so full ob light, + 'Fo'e de wah. + + When I sick in dem ole days, + Missus don't des go her ways, + Leabin' me ter cry en groan + In dat cabin all alone; + Wid her han's she wait on me + Till I well ez I kin be, + 'Fo'e de wah. + + When de fus' sweet baby come, + Blessin' my deah Missus' home, + 'Twarn't nobody else but me + Dressed it nice ez it could be + In a dress ob spotless white, + (Shinin' lak de robes ob light!) + 'Fo'e de wah. + + En when angels, by en by, + Call dat darlin' ter de sky, + 'Twus me robe it in its bes', + Ez I say: "Now, sleep en res'." + Den de house wus sad erwhile + Kaze we lose our only chile,-- + 'Fo'e de wah. + + God won't hab dem arms ob Miss + Empty ob de mammy's bliss, + En he fill em up wid joy-- + Now a gal, en den a boy; + En deysel's dem chillun twine + Roun' dis happy heart ob mine, + 'Fo'e de wah. + + When dat jolly nigger, Ned, + Take de notion in his head + Dat he want ter marry me, + Missus say: "Well, we will see;" + En she buy him fo' her slave + (He bin long time in his grave!) + 'Fo'e de wah. + + Buy him fo' her slave, you see, + So dat he kin live wid me + In de hut whar de sweet vine + Ob de yellow jes'mine twine; + Whar de mockin'-bird all day + Sing kaze we wus glad en gay, + 'Fo'e de wah. + + Den dem Yankees come, you know, + En dey beat de South, fo' sho; + Missus tell us: "You is free! + You don't b'long no mo' ter me." + But us niggers up en say: + "We gwine stay right whar we stay + 'Fo'e de wah!" + + En we stay. We didn't go + Ter de North lak some I know. + Dey sho thought dat dey gwine be + Rich up dar ez dey wus free; + But dey soon come back agin + Ter de lan' whar dey had bin + 'Fo'e de wah. + + Missus die.--Please 'scuse dese teahs; + I mus' cry, spite ob de yeahs, + When I min' me ob dat day + Dat dey laid her deep away + By de willow bendin' low,-- + One she planted long ago + 'Fo'e de wah. + + Den dey scatter, all de res', + Some ter eas', en some to wes'; + One done jine de Miss on high + In de mansions ob de sky; + Dem dat's libin' write ter me + Ob de times dat used ter be + 'Fo'e de wah. + + En dey sen's some change erlong, + Calling it "but des a song;" + But it free dis nigger, sho, + Frum a lot ob care en woe; + En it make me dream dat I + Libin in dem days gone by + 'Fo'e de wah. + + I is gittin weak en ole, + En I know dat soon my soul + Sho gwine heah de angels come, + Singin', singin', "Home, sweet home!" + En up dar my eyes gwine see + All de white folks deah to me + 'Fo'e de wah. + + +Ground Hog Day. + + What de use ter go agin + What de groun' hog say, + Little bud, dat done unfol' + 'Fo'e Spring come dis way? + 'Tis a shame fo' dat sunshine + Ter be foolin' you, + When mo' fros' am prophesied + By de prophet true: + + If de sun am shinin' bright, + He turn right away + Back into dat cozy bed, + Whar till spring he stay. + But if clouds am in de sky, + Den he know, fo' sho, + Dat de winter am done pass + Ter return no mo'. + + Yestiday, when he creep out + Frum his winter den, + He des turn his se'f erbout, + En went in agin. + He ain't easy ter deceive + By warm sun en breeze, + Kaze he got a way ter know + If dey'll be a freeze. + + Wish de sunshine wouldn't 'vite + Flowers ter unfol', + When de prophet prophesy + Dar gwine be mo' col'; + Wish de little buds could know + What de groun' hog say, + En would stay shet, close en tight, + Till Spring come ter stay. + + +Excusable. + + Why you go en fight dat boy? + Don't you know he white? + Bet de pleeceman come en git you + 'Fo'e you sleep dis night! + Don't you heah yo' mammy say, + Why you knock him down dat way? + + "Called you nigger?" Did he, sho? + Den you done des right! + Eb'ry time de po' white buckra + Call you dat, you fight! + If you am one, I am sho + 'Taint dey place ter tell you so! + + +Jeff's Funeral Sermon. + + Git my mou'nin' dress, Susanah, + Out de bottom draw';-- + It bin waitin' long time wid + Dis black hat ob straw, + Fo' de preacher ter come by + En preach Jeff up ter de sky. + + Jeff done pass away befo' us + Des six months ter-day; + But it don't seem long ez dat + (How time pass away!) + Since dey laid dat po' boy down + In de churchyard's holy groun'. + + Yestiday when I ast Missus + Let me go ter-day + Ter Jeff's fun'ral, she so s'prised + Till she up en say: + "Sakes! dey bury him, you know, + Las' yeah, long en long ago!" + + En I tell her dat de people + Libin fur frum home, + Couldn't heah dat he wus gone, + En dey want ter come; + So we wait till news wus spread + Ebrywhar dat he wus dead. + + En we 'vite so many people + Frum de country roun', + Dat dar'll be a sight ob niggers + At dat church, I'm boun'; + So we better be gwine on, + Kaze we set wid dem dat mou'n. + + +Uncle Bob to his Dog. + + Uncle Bob say ter his dog, Leo: + "You tangle yo'se'f in my heart-strings, sho, + But de day gwine come when you got ter go, + Kaze I ain't got a dollar + Ter buy you a collar, + En de dog-ketcher ketch you, sho." + + Uncle Bob say: "I dervide my bread, + En I kiver you up in my nice, straw bed, + But I sca'ed dat my dog gwine soon be dead, + Kaze I ain't got a dollar + Ter buy you a collar, + En de dog-ketcher ketch you, sho." + + Uncle Bob say: "Oh, de stolen am sweet, + En dat why you clim' frue de fence ter de street, + Do I already tol' you de en' you gwine meet! + Kaze I ain't got a dollar + Ter buy you a collar, + En de dog-ketcher ketch you, sho." + + +A Prophecy. + + Sho ez dat dar sun on high + Shine on me ter-day, + Dar gwine be a riber-rise, + Lis'n what I say! + 'Fo'e de summer am done pas' + Dat dar Congaree + Am gwine over-flow dem banks, + Rushin' ter de sea. + + I does closely watch de signs, + En de wasp, fo' true, + Biuldin' higher up dis yeah + Dan she mos'ly do. + By dat nes', so safe en high, + She done say ter me; + "Dar gwine be a rise dis yeah + Ob de Congaree." + + +Possum en Pertaters. + + De pe'simmons in de pastur' am a-fallin', fallin' down, + En de sweet pertaters waitin' ter be dug frum out de groun'; + Dat dey good de possum know, + En he fatten on 'em, sho! + En I tas'e his juice ter-morrer, else I neber tas'e it mo'. + + Bring de light-wood torch, Horiah, en don't creep so slow erlong; + Lif' yo' lazy feet up faster, so dey keep time ter dis song: + "Mr. Possum, hear me say, + 'Tain't no use ter run away, + Kaze I sho gwine ketch en bleed you 'fo'e de breakin' ob de day! + + Dem two dogs already trace him ter de big pe'simmon tree, + En I see dem eyes ob his'n shinin' down lak stars at me. + He for sho am perch up high, + But I git him, by en by, + En dat feas' I hab to-morrer beat de fines' chicken pie. + + I done grab him by de neck, en I comin' down agin, + En de weight ob him do tell me he am fur frum bein' thin; + En he droop hisse'f en play + Dat he dead en pass away, + Do he know dat if I loose him he gwine mighty soon be gay. + + He am sho a fine one, en I proud ter take him home, + En de mammy en de chillun wake ter see him when he come; + En I singe his tender hide + Till it look lak it done fried, + Den I try ter go ter sleep, but my eyes stay open wide. + + Oh, my eyes stay open wide, till de breakin' ob de day, + When de long, long night oh waitin' am at las' done pass away; + En I go outside en scratch + Sweet pertaters frum de patch, + Kaze wid juices ob de possum dey ain't nothin' else ter match. + + When we bake dat critter brown, wid pertaters stuff inside, + Den we say: "Oh, hasten, nigger, ez de bridegroom ter de bride!" + Come en dine wid us ter-day, + En we know dat you gwine stay + Till de las ob dat good possum am done hid frum sight away. + + +Cotton's Comin' In. + + Bet de goldenrod's a-bloomin' + 'Long de country roads; + Bet de hick'ry nuts am fallin' + By de loads en loads. + Bet pe'simmons am mos' ripe-- + Makes a feller grin! + What's de sign? Why, man alive, + Cotton's comin' in! + + Bet ole Pete am busy now + Bilin' sorghum down; + Bet dey'll hab a pullin' soon-- + 'Vite me frum de town; + Bet de apple's dryin' on + Chiny plates en tin, + Bet all dis, en mo', des kaze + Cotton's comin' in. + + Bet de rice am hangin' now + Head down in de sun; + Bet ole Massa's habin' times + Wid his rod en gun; + Wish I'd staid dar in de woods-- + Town's chuck full ob sin, + En I sho git homesick when + Cotton's comin' in. + + Bet de pinders spread out on + De ole shed ter dry; + Bet de possum know de way + Ter de tree-top high. + Soon dem darkies put away + 'Taters in de bin;-- + Lan'! I's gwine back when Pete + Brings his cotton in! + + +Dat Yaller Gal. + + I bin watchin' you, big Jim, + En I s'prised, fo' sho; + You is done fo'git mos' all + Dat you eber know. + Dar you wus, at de cake-walk, + Makin' eyes at Sue, + When you orter know dat gal + Ain't gwine look at you. + + Yo' hair curl on top yo' head + Lak sheep's wool, fo' sho, + En yo' skin am des ez black + Ez de blackes' crow. + Ebry time you pass dat gal + She stick up her nose, + En draw back, des lak she sca'ed + You gwine touch her clo'es. + + Think she am too good ter speak + Ter a coal-black man + What, ez ebrybody know, + Do de bes' he kin, + Kaze her skin ain't black lak yourn, + En her hair ain't wool, + She ac' lak she am de queen-- + Sick'nin' yaller fool! + + Ebry day she com' dat hair + Lak de white folks do; + Pin it back wid fine hair-pins, + Shinin lak bran' new; + En she go erlong de street + Holding her head high, + Lak she neber see her race + When dey pass her by. + + Us dat am de niggers right-- + Us don't ac' lak dat! + When we com' our hair we make + Heah en dar a plait; + En we wrap 'em good wid cord + So dey sho gwine stay + Right in place a week or mo' + Frum de com'in' day. + + En we don't pass cullud folks + Wid our head up high, + But we stop en speak wid dem + 'Fo'e we pass on by. + En we as' 'em: "How you do? + How's de folks at home?" + En we tell 'em whar we live, + Sayin' "You mus' come." + + I's bin watchin' you, big Jim, + En I's s'prised, fo' sho; + Ez I sed, you is fo'got + All you eber know. + If you's got good sense you'll quit + Makin' eyes at Sue, + Kaze dat stuck-up yaller gal + Ain't gwine look at you. + + +To Walk Wid His Gal. + + Dem gals stan' erbout, en giggle en grin; + Dey say: "His shoes shine' lak a bran' new pin!" + En de way dat dey treat him am sholy a sin, + When John go ter walk wid his gal. + + Dey laugh at his hat en dey laugh at his tie, + En dey say: "Will you 'low us ter see you go by?" + En sho wid sich nonsinse dat nigger dey try, + When John go ter walk wid his gal. + + "Oh, shet up!" I tell 'em, "en dat right away,-- + I know what's de matter, now heah what I say; + You's ebry one jealous, you sho is, ter-day, + Kaze John gone ter walk wid his gal!" + + +"Cunjud." + + Frow fish salt out on de grass + Ebrywhar dat man done pass, + En be quick; + Scatter it all roun' de do', + Else somebody heah, fo' sho, + Gwine be sick. + + He done cunjur' me, you know, + One time long en long ago, + 'Fo'e you bo'n; + En it ain't fo' good ter-day + Dat he stop by heah dat way, + Den pass on. + + Dat de way he done befo', + En wid fever laid me low + In de bed. + Go en spread de salt all roun' + 'Fo'e we bofe am lyin' down, + Sick or dead. + + +Uncle Ben's Superstition. + + Oh, please, Missus, don't as' dat! + Is you neber heah it sed + Him dat plants a holly tree + Sho gwine lie down, stiff en dead, + Soon's dat tree grow big en high + 'Nough ter shade him whar he lie? + + I ain't sca'ed ob death, not me! + I's bin baptized in de creek, + En in big experience meetin's + I does rise sometimes ter speak; + But I don't tempt Providence;-- + 'Tis a act ob wickedness. + + "How ter git it planted, den?" + Ain't got time, yo'se'f, you say? + Lis'n, mum, en I will tell you + What's, fo' true, de only way, + 'Th'out you hab somebody die + Soon's dat tree grow big en high: + + Put a seed somewhar out do's, + So de win' will blow it down + Des whar you would hab it planted, + On a nice, sof' bit ob groun'. + Dar it will take root en grow; + I is tried it, en I know. + + But ter put de seed in groun', + Or ter plant dar de young tree, + Am sho temptin' Providence-- + En it ain't bin done by me; + Dat am how I'm heah ter-day + Ter teach ole Missus de right way. + + +Wid de Witches. + + When I hab ter go ter bed, + I sho civer up my head, + Kaze I allers mighty sca'ed + Dat de witches come at night. + + Dey does come sometimes, you know, + En wid dem you got ter go, + Ridin' fas' or ridin' slow, + When dey come fo' you at night. + + I does try my bes' ter shriek, + But my voice git low en weak, + En I shake so I cain't speak + When de witches come at night. + + Oh, dey tote you up so high + Till you neahly touch de sky, + En you sca'ed mos' 'nough ter die + When you ride wid dem at night. + + "You des dream dat," Missus say, + But she don't fool me ter-day! + I done bin too fur away + Wid dem witches des las' night. + + +A Restless Spirit. + + "Don't b'I'eve in hants?" Well, dat des show + Dat you cartin neber know + 'Bout dat big house on de hill, + Whar a sperit walk at night + When de dark done quench de light, + En de worl' am calm en still. + + "Who lib dar?" Well, gracious me! + You won't as' dat when you see + Dat ghos' walkin' roun' de place; + Ghos' dat allers kneels en prays + Under dem magnolia trees, + Wid a sad en longin' face. + + Once, dey say, a sweet bride come + Frum her fur-off northern home, + Ter dis lan' ob flow'rs en song; + En she love de birds en bees + Hummin' 'roun' dem fragrant trees, + En wus happy all day long. + + Dar she go mos' ebry day + When de noon-sun shine dat way, + Waitin' fo' her man ter come; + En when evenin' light grow dim + Dar she go ter watch fo' him + Ter come back ter dat glad home. + + En dey walk dar, des dem two, + When de stars am peepin' frue + Leaves ob dem magnolia trees; + En dey bofe am glad ob heart + Des kaze dey don't walk apart, + En am kiss by dat same breeze. + + When one day dat man come home, + He don't see his young wife come + Out ter meet him on de lawn; + She took sick, de people say, + En her spirit pass away + 'Fo'e de little baby bo'n. + + Den her mammy write en say: + "Fetch en bury her, we pray, + By her sisters heah at home." + So she lie dar in de col', + Whar de win's am strong en bol', + Waitin' fo' de kingdom come. + + But her sperit walk at night, + When de dark done quench de light, + Under dem magnolia trees; + En she stop dar en kneel down + Wid her white dress floatin' roun' + In de gentle, sighin' breeze. + + Oh, my heart ache in my breas' + Fo' dat sperit cravin' res'! + En I know it would fin' ease + If dey bring dem bones some day + Ter de south, en let 'em lay + Under dem magnolia trees. + +[Illustration: "On de Chain Gang."] + + +Pardoned. + + Ike wus workin' on de chain gang + Ebry day till set ob sun, + Kaze he bin took up fo' somethin' + Dat he neber orter done. + + En he ketch de quick consumption + Workin' in de col' en rain, + En he say if dey des free him + He won't do so bad agin. + + Den his white frien's write a letter + Dat dey as' us all ter sign, + Sayin': "Ike am weak en sickly, + En he mus' be treated kin'." + + Sayin': "He cain't lib much longer, + En we hope you let him come + Back ter dem dat am his people, + So he pass away at home." + + En we des keep waiting', waitin', + Till a letter come at las', + Sayin' dat de gov'nor glad + He kin grant us what we as'. + + When we carry Ike dat message, + Ho don't heah us what we say, + Kaze de Lawd done come en call him, + En his soul done pass away. + + +THE END + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Darkey Ways in Dixie, by Margaret A. Richard + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41691 *** |