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-The Project Gutenberg eBook of Plantation Echoes, by Elliott Blaine

-Henderson

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and

-most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms

-of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you

-will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before

-using this eBook.

-

-Title: Plantation Echoes

-       A Collection of Original Negro Dialect Poems

-

-Author: Elliott Blaine Henderson

-

-Release Date: December 22, 2021 [eBook #66997]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: UTF-8

-

-Produced by: Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

-             at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images

-             generously made available by The Internet Archive/American

-             Libraries.)

-

-*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLANTATION ECHOES ***

-Transcriber’s Note: Henderson’s writing captures African American

-dialect of his time, but the poems contain slang words and racial

-stereotypes that the modern reader is likely to find offensive.

-

-

-

-

-

-                            Plantation Echoes

-

-                       A COLLECTION _of_ ORIGINAL

-                           NEGRO DIALECT POEMS

-

-                                  _By_

-                        ELLIOTT BLAINE HENDERSON

-

-                             [Illustration]

-

-                             COLUMBUS, OHIO

-                           PRESS OF F. J. HEER

-                                  1904

-

-                  Entered According to Act of Congress

-                            in the year 1904

-

-                           BY E. B. HENDERSON

-

-               In the office of the Librarian of Congress

-                             at Washington.

-

-

-

-

-Dedication

-

-

-    THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY

-    DEDICATED TO

-

-    MESSERS.

-

-      HOWARD BURBA

-      L. WALTER HARRISON

-      PROF. L. M. LAYTON

-      T. J. McCORMICK

-      OSMAN C. HOOPER

-

-    Literary Editor of the Columbus Dispatch,

-    Columbus, Ohio.

-

-

-

-

-INTRODUCTION

-

-

-The music of the American negro, the fresh and spontaneous expression

-of a good and care-free heart, has long been one of the most pleasing

-features of American life. It is human nature in its first vocal

-garb—original and unique, often humorous and always true to the

-sentiment of the singer. If there ever was an illustration of the close

-relationship between language and thought, it is this.

-

-What is true of the melodies of the negro as developed in the simple

-existence on the plantation is also true of that other form of singing,

-verse-making. Among the negroes there have sprung up a number of

-exponents of the wisdom, wit and humor of the race. They have caught the

-spirit of others—the humble philosophers of their kind—and they have

-employed the dialect to reproduce the thought in all its quaintness and

-originality. One of the most notable of these exponents or interpreters

-is an Ohio negro, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, who has taken high rank among

-the poets of the day. Another is Elliott Blaine Henderson, also a son of

-Ohio, whose first volume of verse is herewith presented.

-

-In much that Mr. Henderson here presents, there is the rush of expression

-and the jingle of words that are so characteristic of the negro. There is

-also humor and there is sentiment, and always that other quality which

-makes verse in these days readable—good cheer.

-

-He who correctly interprets the spirit of his race serves a good cause,

-and it is believed that Mr. Henderson will be found to have succeeded in

-his undertaking to make his people better and more widely understood.

-

-                                          E. G. BURKHAM,

-                       _Editor of the Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio_.

-

-

-

-

-CONTENTS

-

-

-    When the Moon Hangs Low                      9

-

-    Seems Dey’s No Place                        10

-

-    Good Bye, Honey, Good Bye                   12

-

-    Whut We Gwine To Do                         14

-

-    Kaze I kno’ I Kain’t Stop                   16

-

-    Dahky Whut Yo’ Doin?                        18

-

-    When De Fiah Am Kindlin’ Hot                20

-

-    Lammentation                                22

-

-    When De Summah’s Dun Cum                    23

-

-    The Coon’s Serenade                         24

-

-    Blissful Anticipations                      25

-

-    Pawson Johnson At Dinner                    27

-

-    Go ’Way, Mah Honey                          28

-

-    Brer Possum Declines                        30

-

-    I Hain’t Foolin’ Honey                      31

-

-    Sleep—                                      33

-

-    A Profuse Encomium                          34

-

-    Peepin’ Th’ew De Husk                       35

-

-    Axin’ Coon Cum Obeah                        38

-

-    Hustle—                                     38

-

-    Go Sleep                                    40

-

-    Kase De Sun Am Sinkin’                      41

-

-    Soft Falls The Night                        43

-

-    Git On Board, Chillun                       44

-

-    Uncle Ned An’ De Mockin’ Bird               46

-

-    Po’ Li’l’ Rastus                            48

-

-    Sambo’s Rain Philosophy                     50

-

-    Jes’ Keep Er Lookin’ Up                     51

-

-    Wished I’d Rode Mah Hoss                    53

-

-    Eggs! Eggs!! Eggs!!!                        54

-

-    It Am De Possum Time                        55

-

-    Stick To Your Race                          57

-

-    Memorial Day                                58

-

-    Trussy’s Visit                              60

-

-    Is Yo’ Lonesum, Honey?                      64

-

-    Larn To He’p Yo’se’f                        64

-

-    Courtin’ O’ De Phone                        66

-

-    Lonesum Valley Christmas Tree               68

-

-    Yes, Wees Got Er Flag                       72

-

-    Hi, Mistah Dahky                            75

-

-    Dey’s Er Col’ Wave Breshin’ Nigh            77

-

-    Force Of Words                              79

-

-    I Tol’ Yo’ So                               80

-

-    The Passing Of Night                        82

-

-    A Tale O’ Woe                               83

-

-    Lullaby                                     84

-

-    The Exstacy of Uncle Joe                    85

-

-    Keep Er Goin’                               87

-

-    Climin’ Up De Hill                          88

-

-    Sistah Ruffle                               90

-

-    The Gallant Blacks of San Juan Hill         93

-

-

-

-

-WHEN THE MOON HANGS LOW.

-

-

-    A straying chicken

-      Lost from home

-    Bewildered, finds

-      Itself a-roam.

-    And innocently

-      Stalks the ground,

-    Not dreaming

-      That a coon’s around.

-

-    As evening’s shadows

-      Gently fall,

-    The chicken, lonesome,

-      Gives a call.

-    A coon steals out

-      Soft in the night,

-    To catch him

-      For his appetite.

-

-    The night is still!

-      The moon is low!

-    Not e’en a zephyr

-      Seems to blow.

-    The coon with sack

-      Clutched in his hand,

-    Moves silently

-      Across the land.

-

-    The chicken gives

-      Another squawk!

-    The coon has got her

-      Like a hawk.

-    The moon now breaks

-      Forth into light,

-    The coon and chicken’s

-      Out of sight.

-

-

-

-

-SEEMS DEY’S NO PLACE.

-

-

-    Well er coon kin go to kollege

-    Git his head chucked full o’ knowledge,

-    Till he knows ez much ez Solomon de wise.

-    He kin study an’ summize,

-    Count de stars up in de skies,

-    Seems dey’s no place

-    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.

-

-    Tawk erbout yo’ eddeekayshun

-    Gittin’ in de cullahd nayshun,

-    Gittin’ “lighten” in de head an’ sich ez dat,

-    Yo’ kin larn sah, till yo’ hat

-    On yo’ head woan’ fit exzac’,

-    Seems dey’s no place

-    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.

-

-    Eddeekayshun am all right

-    Ef er coon kin git er sight

-    ’Stead o’ makin’ bread an’ buttah by de hoe,

-    He kood entah any do’

-    Whah he’s qualified to go.

-    Seems dey’s no place

-    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.

-

-    He doan’ allus want to hoe,

-    He wood like er little sho,

-    Fo’ to git er little sweetness out o’ life;

-    He has had er worl’ o’ strife,

-    Allus struck by trouble’s knife.

-    Seems dey’s no place

-    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.

-

-    All de coons kin cut dey pranks

-    Fo’ to git into de banks,

-    Wid de white fo’ks fo’ to handle wid dey cash

-    Dat wood sorter spile de hash,

-    Make er fraycus an’ er clash.

-    Seems dey’s no place

-    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.

-

-    All de coons kin go to Yale,

-    Larn Greek, Latin, by de bale,

-    Larn to numbah all de hyahs up in dey head;

-    Dey may read dis thing wid dread,

-    Nufin’ else kin dey be said.

-    Seems dey’s no place

-    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.

-

-    Ez I saunter ’roun’ de town,

-    An’ I skim mah eyes eroun’,

-    Whah de white fo’ks am in business ebbry where,

-    Yo’ kain’t find er coon in dare

-    Wid de white fo’ks sellin’ ware.

-    Seems dey’s no place

-    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.

-

-

-

-

-GOOD BYE, HONEY—GOOD BYE.

-

-

-    Gwine to leeb dis dear ol’ place,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    Time’s er flyin’, I mus’ make has’e,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    Hate to go, but I kain’t say no,

-    It gives mah hea’t er pang o’ woe,

-    Yo’ all’s mah fren’, not one’s mah foe,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-

-    Sistah Jane, an’ uncle Joe?

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    I hope we’ll see us all sum mo’,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    We’s gittin’ ol’, we’s gittin’ gray,

-    Ah days am dun’ fo’ makin’ hay,

-    Ah steps cum slo’ we’s wastin’ ’way,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-

-    We’s had good times on dis ol’ place,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    We’s frollic’d in de possum chase,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    We’s picked de cotton, hoed de co’n,

-    We’s picked de berries spite o’ thorns,

-    We’s wocked at night, we’s wocked at morn,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-

-    Hain’t dat Miss Linndy, obeah dah?

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    Sho’ it am; well, I declah!

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    Cum an’ shake de ol’ man’s han’,

-    Gwine to leeb ol’ massa’s lan’

-    ’Deed, Miss Linndy, yo’ look gran’,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-

-    Rastus? little Rastus, chile,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    Look ee dah, jes’ see him smile,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    Jes’ ez natshul ez his paw,

-    De bes’ chile dat I ebbah saw,

-    Got de mannahs ub his maw,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-

-    Whah is Massa, is he ’roun’?

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    ’Pears’ I koch his footstep soun’,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    I ’fess it’s hard to leeb him now,

-    To say good bye, I doan’ kno’ how,

-    I’ll shake his han’, jes’ make er bow,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-

-    Mockin’ bird up in de tree?

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    Yo’s sung er manny day to me.

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-    Er manny day dis hea’t o’ mine

-    Yo’s cheered it wid yo’ song divine,

-    An’ made de sunlight brighter shine,

-      Good bye, honey; good bye!

-

-

-

-

-WHAT WE GWINE TO DO?

-

-

-    Well, de way de thing am lookin’

-      To ol’ Hezzeekyah Yoon,

-    Dis kentry’s gittin’ wussah

-      Fo’ de po’ and he’pless coon.

-

-    Dey lynch him on de lef’,

-      An’ dey lynch him on de right,

-    Dey cum an’ git er niggah

-      In de day an’ in de night.

-

-    Whut we gwine to do?

-      Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?

-    Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah

-      Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?

-

-    Oh de niggah’s got er moighty

-      Tuff an’ thorny road to tread—

-    Dey’s bullets, clubs an’ razzahs

-      Allus flyin’ at his head.

-    It’s er mer’kul all de niggahs

-      Haben’ suffer’d dat same fate.

-    De string up to de lamp-pos’

-      An’ de string up to de gate.

-    When de signul’s gibbun

-      Fo’ to rally ’roun’ de flag,

-    Nebbah fo’ er minute

-      Am er niggah seed to lagg.

-

-    De niggah hain’t rebelyus

-      Though he doan’ git all things jus’;

-    He’s loyal to his kentry,

-      Nebbah habs betrayed his trus’.

-    He allus takes de bitters

-      ’Zactly lak he does de sweet,

-    He goes right on light hea’ted,

-      Wid er tew step to his feet.

-

-    Whut we gwine to do?

-      Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?

-    Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah

-      Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?

-

-

-

-

-KAZE I KNO’ I KAIN’T STOP.

-

-

-    Summah breezes blowin’,

-      An’ de sun am roas’in’ hot!

-    Jes’ right am de meadows

-      Fo’ to take ’em fo’ er cot!

-    Grasses sof’ an’ downy,

-      Am jes’ like er feddah bed!

-    Hain’t er spot dat am mo’ ’vitin’

-      Fo’ er niggah lay his head!

-

-    Ah tell yo’ whut’s de mattah,

-      Sah, de feebah’s mountain high.

-    When ah ’fleck ub ah kun’dishyun

-      Makes dis niggah sot an’ cry.

-    To hyeah de fo’ks er tawkin’

-      How de niggah’s got to fare,

-    Dey mob, dey burn an’ lynch him,

-      An’ dey skin him lak er hare.

-

-    It’s true dey’s lots er niggahs

-      Dat am wurfluss to de co’,

-    De debbul wooden’ hab ’em

-      Even inside ub his do’.

-    But de Lawd in heaven knows

-      Dat all de niggahs hain’t dat way,

-    Dey’s lots dat’s good an’ hones’

-      An’ dey nebbah goes estray.

-

-    De niggah hain’t to blame—

-      To cum hyeah he diden’ kyeah.

-    De white fo’ks, why dey made him,

-      Why dey fotch’d him obeah hyeah.

-    An’ now to knock his head off

-      Kaze he’s tryin’ to git erlong,

-    Accawdin’ to my Bible,

-      Why de whole thing ub it’s wrong.

-

-    De niggah loves dis kentry—

-      Ebbry time he’ll put up fight.

-    Fo’ it wheddah it am

-      In de wrong ah in de right.

-

-    But er niggah, kain’t stop!

-    Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!

-    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’

-    Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!

-

-    White man take it easy,

-      Am er livin’ lak er king!

-    Free ez am de buzzahd,

-      Doesn’t hab to do er thing!

-    Niggah’d lak to togg up

-      In his Sunday meetin’ dress,

-    An’ jes’ lak de white man,

-      Sot, an’ lay back, take his res’.

-

-    But er niggah, kain’t stop!

-    Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!

-    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’

-    Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!

-

-    Sumtimes git to ’fleckin’

-      Scratch dis head whah it doan’ itch!

-    Axin’ why de Lawd, sah,

-      Diden’ make dis niggah rich!

-    But dey hain’t no use to kick,

-      But jes’ keep er josslin’ ’long.

-    Now an’ den I keeps er whis’lin’

-      An’ er hummin’ at mah song.

-

-    Kaze I kno’ I kain’t stop!

-    Mus’ keep hoein’ out de crop!

-    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’

-    Till Ise’s ready, mos’ to drop!

-

-    Now an’ den I sortah

-      Git er ticklin’ in mah heel!

-    Fo’ to go to dancin’

-      At de ol’ Verginny reel!

-    Soople ez a skeedah!

-      Dance de jig fum night till morn,

-    Nebbah stop er minute, bruddah,

-      Fo’ an’ ache er fo’ er co’n!

-

-    But er niggah, kain’t stop!

-    Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!

-    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’

-    Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!

-

-

-

-

-DAHKY, WHUT YO’ DUN?

-

-

-    Oh, but how er dollah

-      Is er moighty fren’,

-    In de dead o’ wintah,

-      Ef yo’ idle den.

-    Winds dey may be howlin’,

-      Whizzin’ th’ew de trees!

-    Needen’ worry, dahky,

-      Yo’ hain’ gwine to freez!

-

-    Summah is er flyin’,

-      Breezes gittin’ cool!

-    Beddah be er layin’

-      In yo’ wintah fuel!

-    Leaves begin to fallin’,

-      Harvestin’ is dun,

-    Birds am now er troopin’

-      Soufward wid de sun.

-

-    Hoein’ time is obeah,

-      Dahky take yo’ res’!

-    Th’ow off wockin’ hahness,

-      Don yo’ Sunday bes’!

-    Fiddles an’ de banjos—

-      Git ’em all in tune,

-    ’Nipulate de ditties

-      Gibbs de soul er boon!

-

-    In de spring an’ summah,

-      Dahky whut yo’ dun?

-    Ridin’ on de skershuns,

-      Habin’ lots o’ fun?

-    Dancin’ wid de ladies,

-      Spen’in’ all yo’ got?

-    Thinkin’ kaze it’s summah,

-      ’Twill be allus hot?

-

-    Yo’ de kine cum

-      Knockin’ on de cabin do’,

-    Fo’ to get er sistance,

-      Tell ’er tale o’ wo’.

-    Den’s de time to sho’ yo’

-      We’s no easy thing,

-    ’Videin’ fo’ yo’ stummucks

-      Wid ah hoe earnin’.

-

-    Whut yo’ needs er lesson

-      In de ’speerence school.

-    Git de realizayshun

-      Whah yo’ bin er fool.

-    Den yo’ll git de idea,

-      Dollah is yo’ fren’,

-    Larn to be mo’ kyahful

-      How yo’ money spen’.

-

-

-

-

-WHEN DE FIAH AM KINDLIN’ HOT.

-

-

-    When de sno’ it am er fallin,’

-      Winds er whizzin’ down de lanes,

-    An’ de fros’ it am er freezin’

-      Fo’ yo’ eyes erpun de panes,

-    Whut am beddah den er neslin’

-      ’Roun’ er fiah dat’s roas’in’ hot?

-    Fo’ er pickahninny dahky

-      Hain’t er mo’ enchantin’ spot.

-

-    When de breezes am er moanin’

-      An’ de sun am sinkin’ lo’,

-    An’ de gloomy clouds an’ shaddahs

-      Geddah ’roun’ erbout yo’ do’;

-    When yo’ hyeah de co’n er poppin’,

-      See de cidah all er foam,

-    In yo’ soul de joy an’ gladness

-      Seems eroun’ erbout to roam.

-

-    An’ yo’ granny am er hummin’,

-      Cat er purrin’ on de rug,

-    An’ yo’ git er sniff de burbun

-      Dat am steamin’ fum de jug—

-    Umph! de berry ’maggahnayshun

-      Makes er puson think it’s real.

-    It am glory! Hesh yo’ mouf, sah,

-      Doan’ yo’ ax me how yo’ feel.

-

-    All yo’ troubles an’ yo’ burdens

-      Seems to take de swif’es flight!

-    ’Pears yo’ berry soul am lif’ed

-      To de blissful mountain heights!

-    Whah de lan’s erflo’ wid honey,

-      Streets an’ alleys paved wid gol’,

-    An’ de simphonnies o’ heaben’s

-      Got er sweetnes’ kaint be tol’.

-

-    Yo’ kin sing de song o’ Moses,

-      Shout yo’se’f clah to de sky!

-    Pickahninny’s den in cloveah,

-      No time den to weep an’ sigh.

-    Let de sno’ keep on er fallin’,

-      Let de breezes whizz an’ moan,

-    Longs er pickahninny’s neslin’

-      ’Roun’ er hot fiah ub his own.

-

-

-

-

-LAMENTATION.

-

-

-    When de rent cums due

-      An’ yo’ haben got er dollah,

-    An’ yo’ hab to hunt

-      Fo’ er nuddah place to wollah,

-    De wintah’s dun cum,

-      An’ de coal pile’s sinkin’,

-    Dey’s nufin’ in de cupboard

-      An’ yo’ stummuck am er tinkin’,

-

-    How yo’ head wool geddahs!

-      How yo’ hunt an’ scratch!

-    Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah

-      Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!

-

-    When yo’ sot an’ ’fleck,

-      Seems befo’ yo’ keeps er bobbin’

-    De possum an’ de coon,

-      An’ de peach an’ apple cobblin’.

-    Yo’ dream bout summah,

-      Wid de joocy wattah millun,

-    Dat yo’ sotin’ in de middle

-      An’ yo’ stummuck jes’ er fillin’,

-

-    How yo’ mouf does wattah!

-      How yo’ stummuck jes’ jump!

-    An’ yo’ eyes am all er twinkle

-      An’ yo’ hump! hump! hump!

-

-    When de night cums on

-      An’ dey hain’t er nuf de kibbah,

-    While yo’ bunk an’ snooz

-      Fo’ to keep yo’ fum de shibbah,

-    De coal’s dun sinkin’

-      Till it am no mo’,

-    De weddah am at zero,

-      De worl am kibbahd in de sno’,

-

-    How yo’ head wool geddahs!

-      How yo’ hunt an’ scratch

-    Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah

-      Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!

-

-

-

-

-WHEN DE SUMMAH’S DUN CUM.

-

-

-    When de wintah’s dun gone

-      An’ de summah’s dun cum,

-    An’ de birds begin dey wahble

-      An’ de bees begin dey hum,

-    An’ de hills, de fields, de meadows

-      Wid de verdure all am green,

-    An’ de heaben’s panorama

-      Am er mos’ enchantin’ scene,

-

-    Den er niggah kin sing!

-      Den er niggah kin hum!

-    Kaze de wintah’s dun gone,

-      An’ de summah’s dun cum!

-

-    When de vines am climin’,

-      Spreadin’ beauty on de run,

-    An’ de cullahs o’ de lan’scape

-      An’ de sky dey blen’ ez one,

-    An’ de flowahs ez dey’s buddin’

-      An’ er blossom’ an’ er bloom,

-    An’ de breezes fan dey petals

-      Koch dey sweetes’ smellin’ ’fume,

-

-    How yo’ soul inspahs!

-      How yo’ hea’t does tickle!

-    Den er niggah am happy

-      Ef he haben’ got er nickel!

-

-    When de craps am wavin’

-      An’ de tassel’s on de co’n,

-    An’ de apples am er drapin’

-      An’ de sweepahtayters born,

-    An’ de cabbage am er headin’,

-      Swellin’ lak dey got de mumps,

-    An’ de passnups am er peepin’

-      Winkin’ at yo’ hine de stumps,

-

-    How er niggah kin whis’le!

-      How his soul does ’joice!

-    ’Kaze it’s time fo’ de millun

-      An’ it’s time fo’ de squash!

-

-

-

-

-THE COON’S SERENADE.

-

-

-    In de lonesum ub de night

-    When de moon’s er shinin’ bright,

-    Coon er sotin’ on er stump

-    Picks de banjo, plinkertee plump!

-    Sof’ly floats de mournful ’frain

-    ’Cross de dewy, grassy main—

-    Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!

-    Picks de coon erpun de stump!

-

-    Ebbry win’ an’ ebbry breeze,

-    Ebbry twig erpun de trees,

-    Echoes wid de plinkertee plump!

-    Ub de coon erpun de stump!

-    Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!

-    Picks de coon erpun de stump!

-

-    Ez de night glides slo’ly on,

-    An’ de moon slips down fo’ dawn,

-    An’ de veil draps fum de skies,

-    An’ de worl’ opens its eyes,

-    Dies erway de plinkertee plump!

-    Ub de coon erpun de stump!

-    Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!

-    Stops de coon erpun de stump

-

-

-

-

-BLISSFUL ANTICIPATIONS.

-

-

-    Jes’ gimme summah all de time,

-      An’ lemme take it easy.

-    Jes’ lay back in de cloveah beds

-      An’ dream whah it am breezy.

-    I doan kyeah fo’ no robe ner crown

-    Ez long ez I kin wollah ’roun’

-    An’ nebbah hab to hoe de grown’.

-      Ha! ha! yo’ thinks Ise lazy!

-    I’d spawk an’ court Miss Lissy Jane—

-      Umph! but I’d cut er spluttah!

-    I’d tell her dis, I’d tell her dat,

-      Fus’ one thing den er nuddah.

-    We’d ramble whah de wild flow’rs bloom

-    Dat fill de air wid sweet scent ’fume

-    Whah dey’s no clouds an’ dey’s no gloom!

-      We’d sot de worl’ to fiuttah!

-

-    I’d git mah banjo fum de wall

-      An’ now an’ den go plinkin’!

-    I’d make de dahky’s heels jes’ itch

-      To dance ez fas’ es winkin’!

-    I’d make her sing, I’d make her moan,

-    I’d sen’ er tone to Gabriel’s throne,

-    I’d play dem tricks befo’ unknown,

-      I’d sot de fo’ks to thinkin’!

-

-    I kno’ yo’ thinks dis dahky slo’

-      An’ tawkin’ jes’ fo’ blowin’!

-    An’ buildin’ castles in de air,

-      An’ debbilment er sowin’.

-    It’s jes, prezaxly lak I say,

-    Jes’ shows Ise ol’ an’ shows Ise gray.

-    Befo’ de Lawd! it’s almos’ day!

-      To bed! de chicken’s crowin’!

-

-

-

-

-PAWSON JOHNSON AT DINNER.

-

-

-    He’p you’se’f, mah bruddah,

-      Jes’ make yo’se’f at home!

-    ’Kaze yo’ am no stranger

-      To Siss Wiggle Sloam.

-    Go ’head on dat chicken,

-      ’Kase it tissen skace!

-    “Doan’ yo’ worry, sistah,

-      I is in no has’e!

-

-    “Lan’ sakes, Sistah Wiggle,

-      You’ treat me lak er king!

-    Ha! ha! ’skooze me, sistah,

-      One mo’ chicken wing!

-    Tote me few dem waffles,

-      Chittlins good an’ hot!

-    Ebbah thing ise eatin’

-      Trabbles to de spot!

-

-    Lawd Gawd! Sistah Wiggle,

-      I jes’ seed dat possum!

-    Hiden’ an’ er grinin’

-      ’Hine dat sunflow’r blossom!

-      ’Fo’ I’d let dat possum

-    Git out o’ mah sight,

-      Th’ow erside mah Gospel,

-    To de las’ I’d fight!

-

-    Bruddah, kain’t yo’ sortah

-      Gibb er little toas’?

-    ’Deed I kain’t, Gawd knows it,

-      Whah dey’s possum roas’!

-    Feed de lambs, mah Sistah,

-      Whut de good book say!

-    Yo’s fulfillin’ Scripshah

-      Treatin’ me dis way!”

-

-

-

-

-GO ’WAY, MAH HONEY.

-

-

-    Gitin’ sortah ’ristercratic

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    Sistah Jane, de ol’ roommatic!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    Th’ow’d erway her dress o’ mattin’!

-    Wearin’ silk an’ wearin’ satin’!

-    Right in style, de lates’ patte’n!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-

-    Wearin’ hoops, an’ got er bustle!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    When she passed, Lawd, how dey rustle!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    Umph! she stepped lak Queen o’ Sheeba.

-    Clah out dressed ol’ Sistah Feeba,

-    Hel’ her trail lak dat Miss Neeba!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-

-    High heel shoes, she’s wearin’, too!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    Look to me dey’s numbah two!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    Paten’ leddah wid er buckle!

-    Hot stuff, reglah honey suckle!

-    When she pass’d, oh how fo’ks chuckle!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-

-    Doan’ yo’ kno’ she had on powdah!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    White fo’ks kooden’ looked mo’ loudah!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    Had her hyah smoothed down wid tallow!

-    Bangs in front was short and shallow!

-    Gibb her face er p’culiar pallow!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-

-    Umph! she tried to tawk so proppah!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    Spoke dem wurds dat was er whoppah!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    See her primp her mouf and tickle!

-    Made her look so pow’ful fickle!

-    Bet she diden’ hab er nickel!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-

-    Scan’lous ’bout sum cullahd people!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    Mattahs not how ol’ an’ feeble!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-    Git on sum new bibb an’ tuckah!

-    Dey’ll out step sah! ol’ Dan Tuckah!

-    Doan’ kyah ef dey’s er co’n shuckah!

-      Go ’way, mah honey!

-

-

-

-

-BRER POSSUM DECLINES.

-

-

-    Way in de tree

-      Sots ol’ Bruddah Possum!

-    Hey, dah; I see yo’

-      Bruddah Possum, hine de blossom!

-    Yo’ needn’ ac’ so timid,

-      Ner yo’ needen’ ac’ so shy,

-    Dey’s beddah, closeah frenship

-      Fo’ er possum, closeah nigh!

-

-    Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,

-      Yo’ ac’in’ moighty ’trary;

-    Saunter down er minute!

-      Now, yo’ needen’ hab no worry,

-    Ner pusnul tooberayshuns.

-      An’ de sich, de lak er dat!

-    Cum down, yo’ needen’ boddah

-      What de bawkin’ dogs er at!

-

-    Look hyeah, Bruddah Possum,

-      Bleeb yo’ feelin’ kine o’ skeery!

-    Gittin’ tiad er coaxin’,

-      Makes me feel er little dreary!

-    Doan’ lak so much beggin’,

-      Ner I doan’ lak so much pleadin’,

-    ’Speshly to mah mine,

-      When dey’s not er bit o’ needin’.

-

-    Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,

-      Yo’ jes’ lak ol’ Bruddah Satan!

-    Think de odds er gin yo’,

-      An’ yo’ keep er fellah waitin’.

-    Well, it doesn’t mattah,

-      Ef yo’ ’sist on me er climein’,

-    Hol’ yo’ bref er minute!

-      ’Kase hyeah cums up

-    Bruddah Highmen!

-

-

-

-

-I HAIN’T FOOLIN’ HONEY.

-

-

-    Seed yo’ wid yo’ gal las’ night!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-    Had yo’ arms eroun’ her tight!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-    Umph! whut made yo’ squeeze her so?

-    Jes’ bekaze yo’ am her beau?

-    I’d bin her I’d let yo’ go!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-

-    Seed yo’ try to steal er kiss!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-    An’ she slapp’d yo’ wid her fis’!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-    Po’ gal kooden’ hardly speak!

-    Shocked to def wid all yo’ cheek!

-    Go way, Gumbo, yo’s er sneak!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-

-    Yallah, too, hain’t she Gumbo?

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-    Reason dat yo’ love her so!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-    Ef she had de wooly hyah,

-    Face ez black ez ol’ pine tah!

-    Court her? bet yo’ wooden’, dah!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-

-    Gwine to marry her, Gumbo?

-      Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!

-    What dat? say yo’ doesn’t kno’?

-      Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!

-    Ax’d her fo’ her hea’t an’ han’?

-    Bet yo’ habben’ got de san’!

-    ’Fess up, Gumbo, umph! mah lan’!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-

-    Bet she hain’t stuck on yo’ ’tall!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-    Does she kiss yo’ when yo’ call?

-      Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!

-    Lan’ sakes, Gumbo, yo’ woan’ do!

-    Go ’way; no, I woan’ kiss yo’!

-    Git yo’ big foots off mah shoe!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-

-    I doan’ kiss no rusty coon!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-    Who, yo’ be mah chaperoon?

-      Hain’t you foolin’, honey?

-    Pick mah comp’ny, whut I do!

-    Lawd sakes, knows I doan’ want yo’!

-    Good day, home Ise long go due!

-      I hain’t foolin’, honey!

-

-

-

-

-SLEEP.

-

-

-          Sleep!

-    Cums de solemn night,

-    An’ de day’s tuck flight!

-    Not er bird ner coon

-    Am er whis-lin’ choon.

-          Sleep!

-

-          Sleep!

-    Slo’ de hours slip ’long

-    To de brooklet’s song,

-    In de sof deep hush

-    Cums de star’s sweet blush.

-          Sleep!

-

-          Sleep!

-    In er lonesum tone

-    Ez he creep erlone,

-    Cums de cricket call

-    Fum de vine clad wall.

-          Sleep!

-

-          Sleep!

-    Up de hillside steep

-    Now de moon take creep!

-    Th’ew de cab’n loft, gleam

-    On er coon in dream.

-          Sleep!

-

-

-

-

-A PROFUSE ENCOMIUM.

-

-

-    Lookin’ nice to-night, Miss Liza,

-      Yo’s out dressed ’em all to-night.

-    Wid dat ah so frusterkaytun

-      Yo’ so dazzlin’ in de light!

-    Please doan’ ’strew mah wurds fo flattah

-      Spoken incandessenly,

-    But! wid mutuallistic frankness

-      ’Cep ’em fabbrykayshenly.

-

-    “Thank you, Mistah Johnsin’,

-      Do yo’ think I look so fine?

-    ’Deed sah, Mistah Johnsin’,

-      Yo’ so asterroshus kine.

-    Woan’ yo’ sot beside me

-      An’ conversykate er while,

-    Please doan’ hab no skooples

-      Kaze Ize togged up in dis style.”

-

-    “Yo’s suppassed yo’se’f, Miss Liza,

-      Quiv-vah-kay-shah-ently gran’,

-    An’ yo’ grace dis runkshus ’kayshun

-      Lak one fum de glory lan’.

-    Ef yo’ hab no interjeckshuns

-    Kaze sech ’joicin’ frollerkayshun

-      Gibbs fellerisher-tish-shus glee.”

-

-    “’Skyoose me, Mistah Johnsin’,

-      I doan’ kyah to mingel late,

-    I wood raddah be specktay-shus

-      Sotin’ hyeah wid Mistah Gate.

-    Not dat I doan’ d’ sah yo’ tenshun

-      An’ doan’ preeshee-ate yo’ ’’ques’,

-    I prefer tran-quil-ler-kayshun

-      Sotin’ lookin’ at de res’.”

-

-    “’Cep’ mah ’pology, Miss Liza,

-      Fo’ mah troo-ser-tay-shus ’ques’.

-    I jes ax’d yo’ fo’ politeness,

-      Tho’t yo’d lak to jine de res’.”

-    “’Tain’t er bit o’ trooshun,

-      Mistah Johnsin’, not at tall!

-    I may grant yo’ axin’

-      When we ’ten’ sum uddah ball.”

-

-

-

-

-PEEPIN’ TH’EW DE HUSK.

-

-

-    Dahky, doan’ worry,

-      Kaze de wintah’s dun gone!

-    Craps am all er sproutin’

-      Soon we’ll hab de sugah co’n!

-    Den we’ll roas’ an’ stew it

-      An’ we’ll fry it in de pan,

-    Th’ow de buttah on it

-      Nufin’ fineah in de lan’!

-

-    Hain’t er gwine to worry,

-      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!

-    Kaze de sugah co’n

-      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!

-

-    See de wattah milluns

-      How dey’s cumin’ on de vine!

-    Lawd er mussy, chillun,

-      Puts yo’ teef erpun de grine!

-    Mussen’ think er bout ’em,

-      Gits mah stummuck all er jump!

-    Hea’t er fas’ah beatin’

-      An’ er thumpin’! thump! thump!

-

-    Hain’t er gwine to worry,

-      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!

-    Kaze de sugah co’n

-      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!

-

-    When de wattah milluns

-      Git kervellopd on de vine,

-    Winkin’, peepin’ at yo’,

-      How er dahky’s eyes shine!

-    An’ yo’ buss’ ’em open

-      An’ yo’ see de blushin’ red,

-    Haben’ got er minute

-      Fo’ de bressins to be said!

-

-    Hain’t er gwine to worry,

-      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!

-    Kaze de sugah co’n

-      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!

-

-    Sun ’er creepin’ higher,

-      Am ’er gittin’ pow’ful hot!

-    Hoein’ an’ er weedin’

-      Am er dahky’s tufes’ lot!

-    To de hoe er stickin’

-      Till yo’ back jes’ ache an’ ache,

-    Sun er pohin’ on yo’

-      Makes er dahky nahly bake!

-

-    Hain’t er gwine to worry,

-      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!

-    Kaze de sugah co’n

-      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!

-

-    Mo’ yo’ keeps er hoein’

-      Fas’ah seems to gro’ de grass!

-    Dahky gits to thinkin’

-      Hoein’ time will ebbah las’!

-    Weedin’ an’ er hoein’

-      Ef er dahky was to stop,

-    Sho’ ez am de gospel

-      Wooden’ git er bit o’ crop!

-

-    Hain’t er gwine to worry,

-      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!

-    Kaze de sugah co’n

-      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!

-

-

-

-

-AXIN’, COON? CUM OBEAH.

-

-

-    Meadows lak er feddah bed,

-    Sproutin’ cloveah white an’ red,

-    Sof’ ez pillahs to de tread,

-      Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!

-

-    Milluns loafin’ in de grass,

-    Flirtin’ when er coon cum pass,

-    When er look he dat way cas’,

-      Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!

-

-    Cabbage loafin’ ’roun’ de stump,

-    Lookin’ sassy fat an’ plump,

-    Swellin’ up all in er bump,

-      Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!

-

-    Coon er wockin’ at de co’n,

-    Doh dat’s all fo’ what he’s born,

-    Wockin, night and’ wockin’ morn,

-      Hain’t got time cum obeah!

-

-

-

-

-HUSTLE.

-

-

-    Doan’ lag an’ fool

-    Erlong de way—

-        Hus’el!

-    Doan’ ’spec’ to do

-    All in er day—

-        Hus’el!

-    Things will cum

-    Out by an’ by,

-    Musen’ stop

-    To stew an’ sigh.

-    Den’s when success

-    May be nigh—

-        Hus’el!

-

-    Take no time

-    Fo’ lookin’ back—

-        Hus’el!

-    T’ see whose cumin’

-    On de track—

-        Hus’el!

-    Ebbry time

-    Yo’s losin’ groun’,

-    Time yo’ take

-    Fo’ gawkin ’roun’.

-    Ef yo’ ’spec’

-    To git er crown—

-        Hus’el!

-

-    Ef yo’ ’spec’

-    Er good co’n crop—

-        Hus’el!

-    Nebah git it

-    Ef yo’ stop—

-        Hus’el!

-    Ef yo’ ’spec’

-    De corn to gro’

-    Full co’n stawks

-    In ebbry ro’,

-    Doan’ be skaid

-    To use de hoe—

-        Hus’el!

-

-    Take no time

-    To argufy—

-        Hus’el!

-    T’ make sum fellah

-    Out er lie—

-        Hus’el!

-    Ha’f de time

-    Yo’s losin’ win’,

-    Same time doin’

-    Er little sin.

-    Aftah all

-    Yo’ nuffin in—

-        Hus’el!

-

-

-

-

-GO SLEEP.

-

-

-    Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!

-            Go sleep!

-    De boogahman koch yo’

-    Ef yo’ peep!

-            Go sleep!

-    He prowlin’ ’roun’

-      Sof’ ez er cat—

-    He kno’ whah

-      Li’l’ pickahninny’s at—

-            Go sleep!

-

-    Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!

-            Go sleep!

-    Still ez er mouse

-    When creepin’ keep—

-            Go sleep!

-    De boogahman

-      Am moighty peert!

-    He sly ol’ fox

-      Dat’s on de ’lert!

-            Go sleep!

-

-    Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!

-            Go sleep!

-    I hyeah de boogahman

-    Creep, creep creep!

-            Go sleep!

-    He kotch er hol’

-      An’ shake de do’—

-    An’ ope his mouf

-      An’ said wo’, wo’!

-            Go sleep!

-

-

-

-

-KAZE DE SUN AM SINKIN’.

-

-

-    Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,

-      Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,

-    Gone er sleepin’ an’ er doze—

-      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!

-    All de day er lookin’ gran’

-    An’ er ’fumein’ up de lan’,

-    Baskin’ now in slumbah’s stran’—

-      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!

-

-    Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,

-    Petals closed an’ shrinkin’

-    Peepahs shet an’ fas’ ersleep,

-      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!

-    Crystal brooklet glidin’ ’long

-    Chants to dem er cradle song,

-    Res’ an’ slumbah, weary throng—

-      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!

-

-    Droopy, droopy am de flow’rs,

-      Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,

-    Lull’d ersleep in fairy realm,

-      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!

-    All dey tinsels tints an’ hue

-    Dat attracts de bees an’ woo,

-    Closed dey now am all to view—

-      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!

-

-    Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,

-      Petals closed an’ shrinkin’!

-    Soon will wake wid birds an’ bees,

-      When de sun’s dun sinkin’!

-    When de sunlight mounts to view,

-    At de tech o’ mornin’s dew

-    Once mo’ will dey ope to view—

-      Kaze de sun’s dun sinkin’!

-

-

-

-

-SOFT FALLS THE NIGHT.

-

-This Poem is dedicated to MISS ANNA HALL SMITH.

-

-

-    Soft falls the night—

-      And chases ’way

-    The slowly dying

-      Summer day.

-    The sun from his

-      Ethereal height,

-    Is curtained by

-      The shades of night.

-

-    Soft falls the night—

-      The birds that tune

-    Their song with nature

-      In commune

-    Now hush their lays

-      Seek silent rest,

-    Within their downy

-      Leafy nests.

-

-    Soft falls the night—

-      Sweet peace divine

-    In each heart comes

-      To be enshrined,

-    While angels pause

-      On earth to show’r

-    The blessings of

-      The sovereign pow’r.

-

-    Soft falls the night—

-      A peaceful sleep

-    O’er earthly mortals

-      Doth now creep.

-    They rest now from

-      Their day’s pursuit—

-    The world is still,

-      The world is mute.

-

-    Soft falls the night—

-      The verdure green

-    Now glistens with

-      A dewy sheen.

-    The flowers droop,

-      Their petals close,

-    They dream away

-      In sweet repose.

-

-    Soft fades the night—

-      Lo! breaks the dawn,

-    And nature ’wakens

-      With the morn,

-    Exultingly

-      Sends up her lays,

-    Her symphonies,

-      To God in praise.

-

-

-

-

-GIT ON BOARD, CHILLUN.

-

-

-    De Gospel train am er scootin’ down de rail!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    Fas’ah den er ship wid er ruddah an’ er sail!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    De Lawd in heaben am de steam an’ de pow’r!

-    He run dat train forty millun miles an’ hour!

-    Jes’ es stroke ub de throttle

-    Sends her clah to heaben’s tow’r!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-

-    No sinnah tribe kin ebbah ride on dat train!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    De debil ner his imps ef day’s cut loose fum dey chain!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    None but de lams ub de good Lawd’s fol’

-    Kin ride dat train to de streets o’ gol’,

-    Wid de ’liggun lak an’ ocean obeahflowin’ in yo’ soul!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-

-    She’s jes’ lak lightnin’ an’ de quibbah o’ de eye!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    Ez she’s puffin’ an’ er steamin’ in er trabblin’ to de sky!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    She’s limited, too, an’ she goes clah th’ew!

-    She’s got no time fo’ to fool wid yo’!

-    Yo’ mus’ git on board, when de time cums, doo!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-

-    Dat train hain’t skeddul fo’ de secun’ time.

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    Fo’ to cum an’ fotch yo’ to de heabenly clime!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    She goes straight on an’ she doan’ tarn back!

-    When she once git start why she hain’t gwine to slack!

-    Till she runs in heab’n on de right side track!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-

-    De debil ner his imps kaint wreck dat ol’ train!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    Ez she’s dashin’ an’ er steamin’ o’er de mountains an’ de plain!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-    She sticks to de rail lak de hyah on yo’ back!

-    An’ she nebbah was known fo’ to jump fum de track!

-    Kaze de Lawd’s at de throttle an’ he sho’ got de knac’!

-      Git on board, chillun!

-

-

-

-

-UNCLE NED AN’ DE MOCKIN’ BIRD.

-

-

-    Bruddah Mocking Bird,

-    Yo’s moighty lazy.

-    Yo’ doan’ do nufin’

-      But sing dat song,

-      Till de daylight’s gone

-      An’ de night cum ’long.

-    Er coon has got to hoe an’ hoe,

-    Till de sinkin’ sun

-      Tells de day to go.

-

-    Lawd, but yo’ sing

-      So pow’ful sweet!

-    Perched up dah,

-      In yo’ leafy seat.

-    Is yo’ lonesum?

-    Does yo’ hea’t feel sad?

-    ’Pears to me

-      Dat yo’ soul feels glad.

-

-    Ez Ise wockin’ hard,

-      Sweet ez de cloveah

-    Yo’ song

-      Floats obeah,

-    Way in de co’nfield

-      Whah de medlark sings,

-    Up in de bough

-      Ub de tree it clings.

-

-    Yo’ nebah wock

-      But yo’ bread is sho’,

-    Out in de yahd;

-      ’Fo’ ebbry do’,

-    Sum kine han’

-      Th’ows de little crum!

-    Kaze dey kno’ fo’ sho’

-      Dat yo’ boun’ to cum.

-

-    De good Samaritan

-      Part dey play.

-      Let yo’ go ’way?

-    Hungry? No!

-      Dey nebah wood,

-    Kase de Lawd wood say

-      Dat dey wasn’t good.

-

-    I kinedah lak

-      To hyeah yo’ sing,

-    Ef yo’ is too lazy

-      To flop yo’ wing,

-    Sing on,

-      Fill de worl’ wid song.

-    I mus’ be gittin’

-      Mah wock er long.

-

-

-

-

-PO’ LI’L’ RASTUS.

-

-

-    Little Rastus feelin’ blue—

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Out o’ sorts an’ gloomy, too!

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Broke his little hobby hoss.

-    Makes de little fellah cross.

-    Doan’ cry, honey, ’tain’ much loss.

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-

-    He jes’ wo’ out, rompin’ ’roun’,

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Git up, honey, fum de groun’.

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Look ee dah, dun spiled yo’ dress,

-    An’ it am yo’ Sunday bes’,

-    Now hain’t yo’ er poody mess!

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-

-    Whut dat stickin’ on yo’ han’?

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Yo’ bin in de ’lasses can.

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Whut dat whut de Bible say

-    ’Bout de chile dat steal dat ’way?

-    He’ll go whah de bad man stay!

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-

-    Dat ol’ bad man am er sight.

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Cum er sneakin’ ’roun’ at night.

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Cum an’ koch yo’ when yo’ sleep,

-    Den he take er great big leap!

-    Down er hol’ dat’s way down deep!

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-

-    Cum hyeah, little wooly head.

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Gwine to tuck yo’ way to bed.

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-    Look ee dah, de day dun gone!

-    Shaddahs streamin’ th’ew de co’n,

-    Sleep until de sunlight dawn!

-      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!

-

-

-

-

-SAMBO’S RAIN PHILOSOPHY.

-

-

-    Whut’s de use o’ raisin’

-      ’Bout de weddah, cain?

-    Kase dey’s wid de sunshine

-      Mixed in clouds an’ rain;

-    Jes’ ez well be lafin’,

-      ’Joicin’ in yo’ soul.

-    Frettin’ an’ er stewin’

-      Makes yo’ gray an’ ol’.

-

-    Mussen’ ’spec’ to allus

-      Git things jes’ yo’ way.

-    Keep yo’ eye kock’d open

-      On er beddah day.

-    Learn to ’cep’ de weddah

-      Ez de Lawd control,

-    In time will be shinin’

-      Sunshine bright an’ gold.

-

-    Lawd am boun’ to sen’ de

-      Changes now an’ den,

-    Kaze He knows whut’s beddah

-      Fo’ yo’ in de en’.

-    Fus’ He sends de sunshine,

-      Nex’ He sends de rain,

-    To gibb life an’ viggah

-      To de gol’en grain.

-

-    It’s de rainy weddah,

-      Buds de flowahs out,

-    Makes de wattahmilluns

-      An’ de ’tayters sprout;

-    It’s de rainy weddah

-      Makes de fahmahs shout;

-    Drives erway de famine,

-      Drives erway de drout.

-

-

-

-

-JES’ KEEP ER LOOKIN’ UP.

-

-

-    Ef yo’ fren’s dey all fo’sake yo’,

-      Think yo’ gwine flat to de wall,

-    Salt an’ peppah nebbah’ll save yo’

-      Fum an ebbah las’in’ fall.

-

-    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,

-      You’ll keep allus lookin’ up,

-    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels

-      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!

-    Ef yo’ habben’ got er dollah,

-      An’ no place to lay yo’ head,

-    An’ de meadows an’ de co’n fields

-      Only places fo’ yo’ bed;

-

-    Ef de fo’ks am cuttin’ capeahs

-      ’Fo’ yo’ puttin’ on dey airs,

-    Wid dey silks an’ wid dey satins,

-      An’ all uddah kine o’ wares.

-

-    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,

-      Yo’ll keep allus lookin up,

-    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels

-      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!

-    Dey may tramp erpun yo’ feelin’s,

-      Dey may kick yo’ on de co’n,

-    An’ may tarn dey nose up at yo’

-      Ez dey pass yo’ in dey scorn;

-

-    Smiles dey nebbah may hab fo’ yo’,

-      Bes’ yo’ll git will be er frown,

-    An’ sum wurds mos’ harshly spoken,

-      Kaze dey think dat yo’ is down.

-

-    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,

-      Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,

-    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels

-      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!

-    Ef fo’ bread yo’ ax er bruddah,

-      An’ instead yo’ git er stone,

-    An’ yo’ ax fo’ consullayshun,

-      An’ yo’ bahly git er groan,

-

-    An’ sum knock yo’ off yo’ shins,

-      An’ think yo’ nebah gwine to rise,

-    Swah to God dey nebbah dun it,

-      Meekly tell all kine o’ lies;

-    Let ’em go on hykerflootin’,

-      Ebbry dog sho’ habs his day;

-    Dey am uddah months, mah bruddah,

-      Jes’ es pleasant, ez am May.

-

-    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,

-      Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,

-    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels

-      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!

-

-

-

-

-WISHED I’D RODE MAH HOSS.

-

-

-    Rode on dat ah ’lectric kyah!

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-    No musstake it raised mah hyah!

-      Oddah bin er long!

-    Nebbah seed sech runnin’ son!

-      Swo’ we’s flyin’ to de sun!

-    Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun!

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-

-    Gee! dat thing did split de ah!

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-    Nuffin’ wid it kin compah!

-      Oddah bin er long!

-    Ebbry thing wuz blurred in sight!

-      Dus’ flew higher den er kite!

-    Kooden’ tell de lef’ fum right!

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-

-    When she struck eroun’ de kyerve,

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-    It unstrung mah ebbry nerve!

-      Oh, but I did squirm!

-    Oh, she kyahd us down de line!

-      No hobo kood stuck behine!

-    Ef he had he’d gone stone bline!

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-

-    Now an’ den she sortah reel!

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-    Stirred me up fum head to heel!

-      Lawd but I did quake!

-    Tawk erbout er pow’ful prah!

-      I sho’ made one den an’ dah!

-    Strain was mo’ den I kood bah!

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-

-    Once I hyeahd er moighty crack!

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-    Tho’t she’s gwine to leeb de track,

-      Oddah seed me, Chile!

-    I felt mos’ prekareyus, son!

-      I hain’t tawkin’ jes’ fo’ fun!

-    Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun,

-      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!

-

-

-

-

-EGGS! EGGS!! EGGS!!!

-

-

-    When I ’fleck o’ Eastah cum,

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-    Gits mah whol’ soul all er hum.

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-    When de chickens flopp dey wings,

-    Roostah cro’, de pullets sings,

-    Gib me ’bove all uddah things—

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-

-    When de little chicks er creep,

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-    Run kerfrolic peep! peep! peep!!

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-    Appetite gits sort impressed,

-    Wood go good, roas’ chicken breas’,

-    Still goes beddah, nebahless.

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-

-    When eroun’ de ol’ fiah place

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-    Eggs look yo’ squah in de face,

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-    Git ’em fryin’ in de pan,

-    Soun’ lak music o’ de ban’,

-    Chillun? Whee! But hain’t dey gran’.

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-

-    Eat ’em poach ’er eat ’em bile,

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-    Make yo’ hit yo’ granny, chile.

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-    When yo’ eat ’em scramble, son,

-    Feel dat yo’ kood lif er ton,

-    Er brack bar yo’ kood out run.

-      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!

-

-

-

-

-IT AM DE POSSUM TIME.

-

-

-    Weddah gittin’ chilly,

-      Fros’ er fallin’ on de vine!

-    Leaves er tarnin’ yallah,

-      Now de possum time is fine!

-

-    Hickahnuts er fallin’,

-      Wid er thud, thud, thudd!

-    Poppin’ an’ er crackin’

-      An’ er bus’in out de bud!

-

-    It am de possum time!

-    Yes, it am de possum time!

-    It am de time er niggah

-    Fo’ de coon to go to clime!

-

-    Crickets all er hollah

-      Tell er niggah it’s de fall!

-    Ripenin’ am de ’simmons

-      Fo’ de great an’ fo’ de small!

-    Niggah jes’ er waitin’

-      Fo’ de fallin’ o’ de sno’,

-    Fo’ to chase de rabbit

-      Ez he’s wingin’ on de go!

-

-    It am de possum time!

-    Yes, it am de possum time!

-    It am de time er niggah

-    Fo’ de coon to go to clime!

-

-    When de sun’s dun sinkin’

-      Cums de shinin’ o’ de moon,

-    Niggah’ll take de wahpaf

-      Fo’ to go to tree de coon!

-    Wid de dogs er bahkin’

-      All er chasein’, all er romp!

-    Sniffin’ at de grasses

-      An’ er scratchin’ at de stump!

-

-    It am de possum time!

-    Yes, it am de possum time!

-    It am de time er niggah

-    Fo’ de coon to go to clime!

-

-

-

-

-STICK TO YOUR RACE!

-

-

-    Umph! how some cullahd fo’ks wan’ to be white.

-    Bekaze dey am brack dey doan’ nebah seem right.

-    Dey’s shame ub dey cullah; dey’s shame ub dey race;

-    Dat’s why dey wood lak to be white in de face.

-

-    Bekaze dey kain’t bleech out, O, how dey deplore,

-    Fo’ to be cullahd to dem’s sech er bore.

-    To think de Lawd sent dem all into dis lan’

-    Wif hyah dat am kinky an’ faces dat’s tan.

-

-    Fus’ to de lef an’ den nex’ to de right,

-    Dey look to see if dey am sumfin’ in sight

-    To make dem bleech white, gib dem cheeks ub de rose

-    An’ sumfin’ to gib dem a high Roman noze.

-

-    Dey’s kickin’ an fussin’ an’ raisin turmoil

-    Bekaze dey kain’t git hol’ de right kine ub oil

-    To take way de kinky effect dey kaint bah,

-    An’ make it jes’ lak de white folk’s auburn hyah.

-

-    Dey use mutton sooit an’ tallow, an’ lard,

-    Oh Lward er Mussy! but don’t dey try hard!

-    To make it look wabey an’ glossy an’ slick.

-    Den paht in de middle dey am right to de quick.

-    Ef dey hain’t no hope, why dey go git a wig.

-    It mus’ be made fum white fok’s hyah, too, by jig.

-    Umph; who; Miss Sukie? why she wooden’ dah

-    To wah a wig made fum a coon’s nappy hyah.

-

-    Whut’s de use er kickin’

-    Bekaze o’ sech rot?

-    Bekaze yo’ kain’t bleech,

-    An’ turn white on de spot!

-

-    Ef yo’ hyah’s kinky,

-    Yo’s brack ez de tar,

-    Thank de good Lawd

-    Dat yo’s jes’ lak yo’ are.

-

-

-

-

-MEMORIAL DAY.

-

-

-    To sound of muffled drums to-day,

-      With slow and solemn tread;

-    The soldiers march with banners draped

-      Where dwell heroic dead.

-

-    The blue, the gray of this fair realm

-      Assemble o’er this land,

-    Recount the deeds of valiant men

-      As one vast mourning band.

-

-    The rich, the poor, the high, the low,

-      Observe this sacred day.

-    For all alike in days gone by

-      Have laid some friend away.

-    For death the mighty reaper comes

-      To rich as well as poor.

-    Unwelcome guest though he may be,

-      He comes to every door.

-

-    To deck the graves of dear loved ones

-      Beneath luxuriant bow’rs,

-    Countless willing loving hands

-      Pluck nature’s tender flow’rs.

-    The tokens of a reverent love

-      For friends of that blest vale,

-    A love the ravages of time

-      Can never change nor pale.

-

-    This day recalls much of the past—

-      The nation’s bloody wars,

-    The sacrifice of noble lives—

-      To make dominant the stripes and stars.

-    In philosophic narrative,

-      In eulogy and praise,

-    In honor of heroic dead

-      The speaker’s voice doth raise.

-

-    And for the country’s honor fought

-      The black man once a slave.

-    Encouched within the history’s folds

-      The statement, “he was brave!”

-    Within the marching ranks to-day

-      Are remnants of the freed

-    Who fought and bled upon the field

-      When ’twas the country’s need.

-

-

-

-

-TRUSSY’S VISIT.

-

-

-    Bress mah life! why, dis hain’t Trussey?

-      Go ’way Chile! whut dat yo’ say?

-    Yo’ hain’t fiddlin’ Peedah’s sonny—

-      Who’d er tho’t it, any way!

-

-    Ax me ef I knowed yo’ daddy—

-      Knowed each uddah yeahs ergo.

-    Me an’ him hab bof togeddah,

-      Hoed er many ’taytah ro’.

-

-    Res’ yo’ duddin’s! take de sofa,

-      Make yo’se’f jes’ lak yo’ home.

-    ’Cep’ mos’ free mah hooskerpalty,

-      Plenty time eroun’ to roam.

-

-    See, hyeah, Dina, am dem chittlins

-      An’ dem hog feet th’ew er bile?

-    Who yo’ think we got fo’ dinnah?

-      Ol’ fren’ Fiddlin’ Peedah’s chile!

-

-    Well, sah, I hain’t seed yo’ daddy

-      Since dat fight at Possum Trot.

-    Dog mah socks, we bof togeddah,

-      Whoop’d de debbil on de spot!

-

-    Still er libbin’ down in Guinea?

-      Why, dat’s my ol’ rompin’ groun’.

-    Hain’t er spot, ner nook, ner crebbice

-      Dat I doan’ know ’bout dat town.

-

-    Ready, Dinah? Bress de Lawd! umph!

-      Mah ol’ lady am er sight.

-    Kin she cook? Whut? Doan’ yo’ staht me!

-      She kin sho’ put things up right!

-

-    Walk out, Trussy; go pertaykin’

-      Ub de bes’ de ol’ man’s got!

-    Kose tain’t much, but prob’ly sumfin’s

-      Dah will kinedah tech de spot!

-

-    Go ’head, say de bressins, Trussy,

-      Fo’ de Lawd sakes cut ’em short.

-    Lemme pos’ yo’ fo’ yo’ staht in,

-      Doan’ yo’ preach an’ try to e’ort—

-

-    “Make us thankful, Heab’nly Faddah,

-      Fo’ dis hyeah pussipyus spread;

-    Hyeah deez few mos’ feeble ’spreshyuns

-      Dat yo’ umble sahvunt shed.

-

-    “Gibb us wid ah daily bread, sah!

-      Chicken, an’ all sech ez dat!

-    Th’ow in now an’ den er possum,

-      Coon wid plenty lean an’ fat!

-

-    “Po’ dy bressins on dis family—

-      Put mo’ chickens on dey roos’;

-    Things git skace, dey needs er he’pin’,

-      Len’ er ban’, gibb ’em er boos’.”

-

-    Jump in, Trussy; git to business!

-      Ebbry fellah fo’ himse’f.

-    Whut’s hyeah fo’ us on dis table’s

-      Nuf to take er possum’s bref.

-

-    Ha! ha! Trussy, dem ol’ hog feet

-      Sots dis ol’ soul all er chune!

-    Ha! ha! Dina? look at Trussy

-      Kock dat lef’ eye at dat coon!

-

-    Yo’ hain’t full kin to yo’ daddy

-      Ef yo’ doesn’t lak de coon;

-    Possum, chicken, sweepahtaytahs.

-      An’ de sumpshus musherroon.

-

-    Tell us ’bout ol’ Tootsy Tadpole.

-      Slipshod Beebe, Feeby Scott!

-    Susan Rhinehole. Sukie Slowup,

-      Husky Botts, de res’ de lot.

-

-    Does I ’membah Slimmy Twostep?

-      Who? dat dah ol’ onry cuss?

-    Usetah hug de stove when happy,

-      In church raised all kine o’ fuss?

-

-    Gibb him mo’ coon dumplin’s, Dina!

-      Sakes! he’s jes’ fell into eat.

-    Tote him few dem frizzlin’ passnups,

-      Lecktrifies yo’ to yo’ feet!

-

-    Whah’s ol’ Susan Peecock, Trussy?

-      Is de debbil got her yet?

-    Sakes o’ lie! she’s got mo’ husban’s

-      Den yo’s fingers got, I’ll bet!

-

-    Cum on wid dem pig tails, Dina!

-      Doan’ be primpin’ in de glass!

-    Mussen’ make de ol’ man wait so,

-      Yo’ look poody nuf to pass.

-

-    Bress de Lawd! whee! glory! glory!

-      No joke, dem am sizzlin’ hot!

-    Lissen at de res’ dem fellahs

-      Prayin’ an’ singin’ in de pot!

-

-    Go ’way, Fido! see hyeah, Dina!

-      Kick dat debbil out de do’!

-    Ebbry time he sniffs dem chittlins

-      He’s er hangin’ ’roun’ hyeah, sho’.

-

-    See hyeah, chile! yo’ hain’t th’ew eatin’,

-      Rake mo’ dumplin’s on yo’ plate!

-    Go dem flapp jacks, sum dat grabey,

-      Eat ’long in de mopein’ gait.

-

-    Pass de ol’ man few dem biskits;

-      B’lieve I’ll take sum poke chops, too!

-    Little mo’ dat drap down coffee,

-      Nuddah dose dat bullyun stew.

-

-    Go on in de pollah, Trussy,

-      Ef yo’ got ernuf to eat.

-    I’ll be th’ew in jes’ er minute,

-      Den we’ll go an’ thrash sum wheat.

-

-

-

-

-IS YO’ LONESUM, HONEY?

-

-

-    Ez de twilight fall,

-    An’ de koo-koo call,

-    An’ yo’ doan’ hyeah ’tall

-    Dis hyeah coon’s foot fall,

-        Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?

-

-    Ez de moon creep high,

-    In de starlit sky,

-    An’ yo’ sot an’ sigh,

-    Kaze I doan’ cum nigh,

-        Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?

-

-    Ez de night creep on,

-    Till de sun brings dawn,

-    Ez yo’ wake an’ yawn

-    In de cool ob de morn,

-        Still, yo’ lonesum, honey?

-

-

-

-

-LARN TO HE’P YO’SE’F.

-

-

-    Bruddah Dahky, ef yo’d win,

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Mussen’ stop fo’ knocks on shin,

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Stop yo’ whinin’, try an’ try,

-    Take no time to weep an’ sigh.

-    Dah’s whahin’ yo’ success lie.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-

-    Yo’ mus’ fus’ prove yo’s er man.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Try’n to ’skewt sum noble plan,

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Oh, de white fo’ks knows yo’s brave,

-    Fo’ dis freedom lan’ to save,

-    Dat yo’ fit on lan’ an’ wave.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-

-    All de white fo’ks hain’t yo’ foe.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Dey will gibb yo’ plenty, sho’.

-        Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.

-    All er long dey’s bin mos’ kine,

-    He’p’d yo’ ’long er many line,

-    Is to all dis yo’ stone bline?

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-

-    Dah’s Abe Linkum, Phillips, too,

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Bet yo’ life dey fit fo’ yo’.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Thousands mo’ dat I kood name,

-    ’Mong dem, men o’ nashnul fame,

-    Fo’ yo’ dahky dun de same.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-

-    Sum de white fo’ks moighty mean,

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Likewise sum de brack fo’ks seem

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Ebbry race got p’culiar way,

-    Guess it all goes in de play;

-    Live in hopes dey’ll change sum day.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-

-    Yo’ kin shout an’ yo’ kin sing.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Think yo’s ’neef de mahstah’s wing.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    But yo’ll nebah git er crown

-    Ef yo’ sot an’ fool eroun’,

-    Dis am Gospul true an’ soun’.

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-

-    Dahky, stop dat little song—

-        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    Gimme Jesus, take worl’ ’long,

-      Larn to he’p yo’se’f.

-    T ry to grip sum o’ dis lan’,

-    Den yo’ll feel mo’ lak er man;

-    Yo’ am boun’ to git sum san’,

-        Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.

-

-

-

-

-COURTIN’ O’ DE PHONE.

-

-

-    Jingahling! jingahling!

-      When er sotin’ lone,

-    Yo’ kin call yo’ honey—

-      Go to courtin’ o’ de phone.

-    Drives erway de shaddahs,

-      Makes yo’ quit yo’ fret an’ stew,

-    Fills yo’ soul wid sunshine,

-      Opens up yo’ hea’t ernew.

-

-    Jingahling! jingahling!

-      Dis yo’, Liza Jane?

-    “Yes, dis am yo’ honey,”

-      Cums de sweet an’ sof’en ’frain.

-    Den yo’ go to pohin’

-      In her ear de words o’ love:

-    Tickles her to def,

-      An’ makes her think she am er dove.

-

-    Jingahling! jingahling!

-      When yo’ hyeah her say:

-    “Honey, when yo’ gone it’s

-      Allus night an’ nebbah day,”

-    ’Pears dat while dey’s fallin’

-      In yo’ ear, dat lovin’ tone,

-    Yo’ kin see yo’ honey

-      Standin’ dah befo’ de phone.

-

-    Jingahling! jingahling!

-      Sweetah grows de tone.

-    Makes er niggah neerly

-      Ram his head clah th’ew de phone.

-    Kaze dem sugah wurds

-      Dey sho’ly make yo’ hea’t inspah—

-    ’Lecktrifies yo’ spirit,

-      Sots yo’ whol’ soul all er fiah!

-

-    Jingahling! jingahling!

-      When de day is dun,

-    You no mo’ kin see de

-      Blazin’, dazzlin’, sinkin’ sun,

-    How yo’ lub to ’membah

-      ’Bout yo’ courtin’ o’ de phone,

-    Ez yo’ muse an’ pondah

-      In yo’ cabin all er lone!

-

-

-

-

-LONESUM VALLEY CHRISTMUS TREE.

-

-

-    Bes’ ub all de Chrismus ’tainmunts

-      Dat I axshly ebbah seed,

-    Was de one at Lonesum Valley

-      At de church ub Pawsun Weed.

-

-    All de ol’ fo’ks an’ de chillun

-      Dress purraded out dat night,

-    To de graid big Chrismus ’tainmun’

-      Fo’ to git dey Chrismus mite.

-

-    When dey’s geddahd in dat chapel,

-      Bruddah.—? Dey was thick ez hops,

-    When de chillun seed de candy,

-      Smack’d dey moufs an’ lick’d dey chops.

-

-    Dey was He, He, an’ er lafin’

-      An’ er clappin’ o’ dey han’s,

-    An’ dey jaws jes’ kep’ er crackin’,

-      Lak de chittlins in de pans.

-

-    An’ de ol’ fo’ks tell yo’ honey,

-      Sah I bleeb dey was de wuss.

-    Dey’s so ankshus fo’ dey ’freshmun’s

-      Dey’s mos’ reddy fo’ to bus’.

-

-    Preechah Weed wid dat dah swallow

-      Tail an’ ves’ ub his cut low,

-    Jes’ had all de flouncin’ sistahs

-      Leggin’ fo’ to be his boh.

-

-    Bruddah Hookey he puzzided;

-      Felt so big he thowt he’s king;

-    Tuck er ball bat, rapp’d fo’ ordah,

-      Said, let’s cleah ah th’oats an’ sing.

-

-    Well, he tuck his pussnel meedah,

-      Gib de linin’ ub de hymn,

-    An’ dey sing’d de “Weepin’ Moses”

-      An’ dey sing’d it too, by Jim!

-

-    At de klooshun ub dat ditty,

-      Deekun Jaspah put up prah,

-    Th’ow’d his haid clah to de ceilin’

-      Dough he seed de Gates er jah.

-

-    Dis hain’t true, I’ll eat de ’possum,

-      Sech er prah yo’ nebbah hyea’d;

-    Scratch’d his haid an’ weep’d an’ hollahd

-      Tell his eyes lak blud was red.

-

-    Oh, he’s moanin’ and er tonein’

-      An’ er kotchen’ ub his bref—

-    Spit erpun his han’s an’ rubb’d em—

-      Pound de bench fum right to lef’.

-

-    Las’ he ’klooded an’ de sistahs

-      Staht to sing plantashun coon.

-    Bruddah Hookey diden’ lak it;

-      Tol’ ’em dey was mos’ too soon.

-

-    But de mos’ fun ub de evenin’

-      Was when gibbin’ presen’s out.

-    Yo’d er crack’d yo’ sides er lafin’

-      Tell yo’d got er hol’ de gout.

-

-    On de tree dey was er chicken;

-      Wasn’t laybeld wid er name.

-    When de dahkies hyeahd erbout it

-      Ebbry one put up er claim.

-

-    Bruddah Gyahdnah spied de chicken

-      Floppin’ ’neef de Chrismus tree;

-    Made er home run wid er hollah;

-      “Dat dah chicken am fo’ me!”

-

-    Well, sah, when he hollah’d chicken

-      ’Twas de same ez holl’rin fiah,

-    Fo’ dat chicken was er stampeed

-      In de church an’ in de quah.

-

-    Sum de sistahs dat had room’ticks

-      An’ de aches fo’ yeahs an’ yeahs,

-    Fo’ dat chicken was er scramblin’

-      An’ a fallin’ obeah cheers.

-

-    Preechah Weed he got so ’cited

-      Dat he run clah out his coat,

-    Fell ergin de stobe kerwollup!

-      Butt his haid an’ swo’ by note.

-

-    But he jump’d up in er jiffy,

-      Feelin’ lak he was befo’,

-    Gibb er ban’ spring fo’ dat chicken,

-      But by Jinks he’s mos’ too slo’.

-

-    ’Dough he hit he’s haid er stunnah,

-      Diden’ eben make er dent,

-    Kaze, he’s so much lak de debbil,

-      Haid was hard ez adament.

-

-    All de time de res’ was skufflin’

-      An’ er kickin’ right an’ lef’,

-    Got so bunkshus an’ bumbastic

-      Dey kood hahdly ’tain deyse’f.

-

-    Loudah! Loudah! Got de janglin’

-      Mo’ an’ mo’ dey ring’d dey bluf’,

-    Wuss de grabbin’ fo’ de chicken

-      Den’s when dey got at it ruf.

-

-    Sum done pullin’ out dey razzahs

-      An’ er kyahvin’ fo’ de koh.

-    All de sistahs got to axin’

-      Lawd sake leeb us out de doh!

-

-    Fin’ly Bruddah Moses wid er

-      Kinedah p’culiar kine er trick,

-    Kotch’d de poultry, made er bee-line,

-      Cut er reg’lah dubble quick.

-

-    Den sum swo’ day had bin kunjud,

-      Uddahs ’clahd dey’d bin hoo-dood,

-    Lef’ de ch’ch er swahin’ vengeance

-      In de wusses’ kine er mood.

-

-

-

-

-YES, WEES GOT ER FLAG.

-

-

-    Ise hyeahd while in mah ramblin’s

-      Dat ah mos’ subnoxshus choon,

-    Dat ebry bressed nayshun’s

-      Got er flag excep’ de coon.

-    I hyeah de white fo’ks sing it,

-      An’ I hyeah de niggahs, too—

-    De way de niggahs sing it

-      Seems dey ’cep’ de thing fo’ true.

-

-        Yes wees got er flag!

-          It’s de red! de white! de blue!

-        It’s de only one to which

-          De niggahs should be true!

-

-    It sut’ly am mos’ ’gustin’

-      Way de niggahs sing de thing.

-    Dey clap dey ban’s an’ hollah

-      Sot de kentry all er ring.

-    I doesn’t blame de white fo’ks

-      Ha’f ez much I do de coon

-    Fo’ singin’ an’ er whis’lin’

-      Sech er “singyooaytin’” chune.

-

-        Yes wees got er flag!

-          It’s de red! de white! de blue!

-        It’s de only one to which

-          De niggahs should be true!

-

-    De little pickahninnies

-      Why dey sing dat meetah, too!

-    Dey clap dey han’s an’ hollah,

-      ’Zackly lak de ol’ fo’ks do—

-    An’ when I hyeah dem sing it

-      Ez dey dance an’ joobah pat—

-    I feels lak walzin’ to ’em

-      An’ jes’ knock’n dem out dey hat.

-

-        Yes wees got er flag!

-          It’s de red! de white! de blue!

-        It’s de only one to which

-          De niggahs should be true!

-

-    De blood ub ah ol’ foddahs

-      Ah er cry in’ fum de groun’.

-    Lissun! chillun, lissun!

-      Doan’ yo’ hyeah de doleful soun’?

-    Ergin’ sech kine ub ’spreshuns

-      An’ er gin sech kine ub choons,

-    “Dat ebry race an’ nayshun’s

-      Got er flag excep’ de coon.”

-

-        Yes wees got er flag!

-          It’s de red! de white! de blue!

-        It’s de only one to which

-          De niggahs should be true!

-

-    Dey fo’git when Bruddah Linkkum

-      Gibb er call in sixty-one.

-    Fo’ fo’ks to jine de army

-      Ebry niggah grabb’d his gun!

-    He lef his little cabin

-      While de ole fo’ks stood in tears.

-    To fight fo’ dis hyeah kentry

-      Ez true faithful volunteers.

-

-        Yes wees got er flag!

-          It’s de red! de white! de blue!

-        It’s de only one to which

-          De niggahs should be true!

-

-    Doh de po’ ol’ niggah

-      Doesn’t allus git his rights.

-    Fo’ his loyal kindness

-      Lots er kicks an’ lots ub smites.

-    Yet ’twas ’neef dat banner

-      Ha’f er millun niggahs fought.

-    He’p’d to win de vict’rys

-      Dat dis mighty kentry wrought.

-

-        Yes wees got er flag!

-          It’s de red! de white! de blue!

-        It’s de only one to which

-          De niggahs should be true!

-

-    Let all ub de niggahs

-      Teach dey chillun all to love.

-    Dat ol’ starry banner

-      Dat am floatin’ up er ’bove.

-    Spite ub all ah trubble

-      Things dat makes ah progress lagg,

-    ’Membah dat Ol’ Glory

-      Am ah bannah, am ah flag!

-

-        Yes wees got er flag!

-          It’s de red! de white! de blue!

-        It’s de only one to which

-          De niggahs should be true!

-

-    Lissun! chillun, lissun!

-      When dis niggah’s in his grave,

-    Let dat dah ol’ banner

-      O’er dis niggah ebbah wave.

-    ’Kaze dat dah ol’ banner

-      Undah which ah foddahs fought,

-    Am de only banner

-      Fo’ to love dat I was taught.

-

-        Yes wees got er flag!

-          It’s de red! de white! de blue!

-        It’s de only one to which

-          De niggahs should be true!

-

-

-

-

-HI, MISTAH DAHKY.

-

-

-    Hi, mistah dahky!

-    De hoein’ time’s er cumin’—

-    Loafin’s nearly obeah

-    Fo’ er fiddlin’ an’ er drummin’,

-    Dancin’ wid de ladies

-    An’ er steppin’ lak er racer,

-    Drinkin’ Tom an’ Jerry

-    An’ sum burbon fo’ er bracer.

-

-    Hi, mistah dahky!

-    Bin er ’joicin’ all de wintah?

-    Spawkin’ wid de ladies

-    An’ er cuttin’ quite er splintah?

-    Dressed up lak er peacock

-    Hyah all pawted in de middle,

-    Shakein’ lak er wilier

-    Jes’ er prancin’ to de fiddle?

-

-    Hi, mistah dahky!

-    See de sun er gittin higher?

-    Pohin’ down de heatin’

-    Lak er Sodom an’ Gomire.

-    Showers am er fallin’

-    An’ de gawden craps er sproutin.

-    Hi, mistah dahky!

-    In yo’ soul is yo’ er doubtin’?

-

-    Hi, mistah dahky!

-    Mo’ den singin’ an’ er prayin’,

-    De Mastah am requirin’

-    In dis worrul while yo’s er stayin’,

-    Spendin’ all yo’ time

-    Shoutin’, knockin’ down de benches,

-    Beddah take mo’ time fo’

-    Hoein’, fixin’ up yo’ fences.

-

-    Hi, mistah dahky!

-    Am de meadows lookin’ temptin’?

-    Lak er bed er feddahs

-    Make yo’ dream lak Israel kemptin’?

-    Sympathizin’ wid yo’

-    But de fo’ks is dun er sowin’.

-    Hi, mistah dahky!

-    Now de nex’ thing am de hoein’.

-

-    Hi, mistah dahky!

-    In yo’ soul will yo’ be singin’

-    When yo’ see de millins

-    On de runnin’ vines er clingin’?

-    Sugah co’n er tasslin’

-    An’ de punkins tarnin’ yallah,

-    Seasonin’ an’ er sweetenin’

-    Gittin’ meely, gittin’ mellah.

-

-

-

-

-DEY’S ER COL’ WAVE BRESHIN’ NIGH.

-

-

-    Trees dey leaves er sheddin’,

-      An’ de grasses tarnin’ brown.

-    Summah days is obeah,

-      An’ de wintah’s cumin’ roun’

-    Lonely quail er callin’,

-      Wid er weary lonely sigh,

-    Sno’ will soon be fallin’,

-      Soon er fallin’ fum de sky.

-

-    Coolsum is de weddah,

-      Dey’s er col’ wave breshin’ nigh.

-    Look out fo’ de wintah,

-      Kaze it’s cumin’ by an’ by.

-    Lissun at de wailin’,

-      An’ jes’ lissun at de moan,

-    Lissun at de sighin’

-      Tell yo’ dat’s de wintah’s tone.

-

-    Craps dun quit er sproutin’,

-      Not er millun’s on de vine.

-    Haint er watah seedin’,

-      Not er portion ub er rhine.

-    Long time fo’ to wait

-      Until de wintah leaves dis clime,

-    Summah cums er totein’

-      ’Roun’ de sweet ol’ millun time.

-

-    Hain’t no use er kickin’

-      Kaze de Lawd is got control,

-    Makin’ ub de weddah

-      Eedah hot ah eedah col’.

-    Nebbah ax er pussun,

-      Nebbah no whah on de spot,

-    Wheddah dey would lak to

-      Hab de weddah col’ er hot.

-

-    So jes’ well keep joggin’

-      ’Long er happy sort er way,

-    Crackin’ jokes er whislin’

-      Till de wintah goes estray.

-    Weddah doesn’t suit yo’,

-      Jes’ well make yo’se’f content.

-    Larn to’cep’ de weddah

-      Any sort er way it’s sent.

-

-

-

-

-FORCE OF WORDS.

-

-

-    Chicken stew

-      Was all I said.

-    Made dat coon

-      Hop out o’ bed,

-    Butt his head

-      Ergin de wall

-    Kooden’ stan’

-      De thing at all.

-

-    Jes’ dat menshun,

-      Jes’ dat talk,

-    Made dat coon’s

-      Eyes white ez chawk.

-    Looked eroun’

-      An’ licked his chops

-    Ez doh he hyeahd

-      Dey wings flopp! flopp!

-

-    Well, dem wurds,

-      Dey struck dat coon

-    Lak er ’lectric

-      Shock in June!

-    Kooden’ sleep

-      No mo’ dat night,

-    Rolled an’ tossed

-      Until daylight.

-

-

-

-

-I TOL’ YO’ SO.

-

-

-    Playin’ out dah

-      Wid dat white trash’,

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-    Dat yo’ back

-      Wood git er lash;

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-    Pay no ’tenshun

-      Whut I say,

-    Allus got

-      Sum uddah way,

-    Wished yo’ haddah,

-      P’haps, sum day.

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-

-    Yo’ de wusses’

-      Chile in town,

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-    Foll’rin’ all

-      De white trash ’roun’

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-    Aftah Peedah,

-      John and Paul,

-    Fus’ thing fightin’

-      Wid ’em all;

-    Den de niggah’s

-      Fus’ to fall.

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-

-    Licked de ’lasses

-      Off yo’ bread,

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-    Den dey knocked

-      Yo’ in de head.

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-    Called yo’ niggah

-      Sich ez dat

-      Said yo’ hyah

-      Wuz lak er mat.

-    Umph! Dem white fo’ks

-      Made yo’ scat.

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-

-    Umph! Dey skaid

-      Yo’ mos’ to def.

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-    Look ee dah,

-      Yo’ out o’ bref.

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-    Run so fas’

-      Dun los’ yo’ hat,

-    Got no idea

-      Whah it’s at;

-    Gwine to whoop

-      Yo’ good fo’ dat.

-          I tol’ yo’ so.

-

-

-

-

-THE PASSING OF NIGHT.

-

-

-    De moon’s dun sneaked

-      Clah out er sight,

-    De stars dun quit

-      Dey peepin’;

-    De shaddahs dun gone

-      Stole erway,

-    De world’s dun quit

-      It’s sleepin’.

-

-    De hours dey’s slowly

-      Creeped erlong

-    Until de world’s in light

-      An’ song;

-    De sun smiles on

-      Creation’s throng—

-    Er cross de worl’

-      Goes sweeping.

-

-

-

-

-A TALE O’ WOE.

-

-

-    Manny am de battle

-      Dahky’s got to fight.

-    Ebbry tarn he’s makin’

-      Trouble’s dah in sight.

-    Ef he’s got de ’liggun

-      Puffec’ to de spot,

-    Hard to keep fum cussin’

-      Losin’ all he’s got.

-

-    White fo’ks got de money,

-      White fo’ks got de lan’,

-    Doan’ wan’ a po’ dahky

-      Hab er place to stan’.

-    Ef dey miss er chicken

-      Ef dey miss er goose,

-    Fus’ thing grab er dahky

-      Fo’ de calerboose.

-

-    Long ez he’s er hoein’,

-      Diggin’ in de san’,

-    Bress yo’ soul, say, mistah,

-      He am jes’ de man.

-    Let him git de money

-      Cumin’ mos’ too fas’,

-    White fo’ks git to skeemin’,

-      Say it mussen’ las’.

-

-

-

-

-LULLABY.

-

-

-    Pickahninny, Pickahninny,

-      Close yo’ little eyes.

-    Evenin’ am er ’proachin’,

-      Tells yo’ sleep an’ quit yo’ cries,

-    Mammy’s gwine to keep

-      All o’ de boogahman erway—

-    Gyahd her little pickahninny

-      Till de cumin’ day.

-

-    Pickahninny, pickahninny,

-      Sleep an’ take yo’ res;

-    Sleep wid all de cumfort

-      Ub de birdies in dey nes’.

-    When de sun’s dun sinkin’,

-      In de eas’ begin to rise,

-    Mammy’s little pickahninny

-      Den kin ope’ its eyes.

-

-    Pickahninny, pickahninny,

-      Mammy’s little love,

-    May de gyahdin’ angels

-      Hubbah ’roun’ de fum erbove.

-    Wid dey sof’en sweeten whispahs

-      Keep de lull’d er sleep,

-    While de weary lonely hours

-      Slowly onward creep.

-

-    Pickahninny, pickahninny,

-      Keep er fas’ er sleep,

-    While de weary, lonely hours

-      Slowly onward creep.

-    Day will soon be breakin’,

-      Sun er creepin’ ’cross de skies,

-    Mammy’s little pickahninny

-      Den kin ope it’s eyes.

-

-

-

-

-THE ECSTASY OF UNCLE JOE.

-

-

-    Feel lak shoutin’ hallelooyah,

-      Habben’ got an’ ache ner pain.

-    Los’ dat kahnsahn roomertism,

-      No mo’ hobblin’ wid dat cane.

-

-    Things look lak de Eden Gawden,

-      Hardly bleeb dis am mah se’f.

-    Dis am bliss in ebbry ’ticklah,

-      Tickles mah ol’ soul to def.

-

-    Dat snake oil sho’ did de bizzness,

-      Geddah wid dem herbs an’ roots.

-    Bress de Lawd! umph! grayshus Mahstah!

-      Hardly stay in mah ol’ boots!

-

-    Go ’way, chillun, let yo’ daddy

-      Hab de place all to hisse’f.

-    Kaze de ol’ man’s jollyfyin’

-      An’ he’s drawin’ bran’ new bref.

-

-    Dis ol’ frame am no mo’ shaky,

-      Doh I is mos’ eighty-eight.

-    Dem ol’ jints am jes’ ez soople’s

-      When Ise in mah youthful state.

-

-    Feel lak lay’n erside mah ’liggun,

-      Once mo’ dance de buck an’ wing.

-    Is dah ’mong yo’ doubtin’ Thomas,

-      Think dat I kaint do dat thing?

-

-    Oh, I ustah cut it, chillun,

-      When ol’ fiddlin’ Peet was ’roun’.

-    Had all o’ de white an’ brac’ fo’ks

-      Beat, dat lived er bout de town.

-

-    An’ yo bet he was er fiddlah,

-      Make yo’ dance yo’se’f leg bowl.

-    Played de sweetes’ kine o’ ditties

-      Dat jes’ ’joiced yo’ berry soul.

-

-    Look hyeah, Rastus! drap dat fiddle,

-      Doan’ yo’ sot dat thing er chune.

-    Ef yo’ do, in spite mah ’liggun,

-      Make out me er dancin’ coon.

-

-    See, de debbil’s allus skeemin’

-      Fo’ to make de Chris’shuns sin.

-    Usein’ chillun in his bizzness,

-      Dat’s de way he takes to win.

-

-    Now, he put it in li’l Rastus

-      Fo’ to git dat fiddle down.

-    Tho’t I kooden’ r’sist tem’tayshun

-      Fo’ to dance at its ol’ soun’.

-

-    Not dis time, oh, no! Brer Satan,

-      Kin yo’ make out me er clown.

-    Git me dancin, lose mah ’liggun

-      On de las’ day lose mah crown.

-

-    Guess I beddah git de Bible,

-      Read de Mahstah’s bressed Wurd.

-    Leeb deez hyeah mischebus raskuls,

-      Kaze dey’s sum de debil’s herd.

-

-

-

-

-KEEP ER GOIN’.

-

-

-    Yo’ dat’s in de race o’ life,

-        Keep er goin’!

-    Nebah stop fo’ little strife,

-        Keep er goin’!

-    Sum one kick yo’ on de co’n,

-    Nuddah prick yo’ wid er thorn,

-    Toot loudah on yo’ horn,

-        Keep er goin’!

-

-    Ef yo’ sortah lose de track,

-        Keep er goin’!

-    Doan’ tarn fool an’ saunter back,

-        Keep er goin’!

-

-    Take no time to ax an’ ’quire,

-    Keep er headin’ fo’ de wire.

-    Push out in de mud an’ mire.

-        Keep er goin’!

-

-    Ef de road leads ’roun’ an’ ’roun’,

-        Keep er goin’!

-    Sumtimes up an’ sumtimes down,

-        Keep er goin’!

-    Ef yo’ fall an’ crack yo’ shin,

-    Git up, koch yo’ secun’ win’.

-    Spruce up, try de thing ergin.

-        Keep er goin’!

-

-

-

-

-CLIMIN’ UP DE HILL.

-

-

-    Fo’ to climb de hill o’ fame,

-      Bet it takes er lot o’ tussel.

-    It takes er lot er scratchin’

-      An’ it takes er lot er hus’le.

-    It’s now an’ den er slip,

-      An’ it’s now an’ den er stumble.

-    Ef yo’ ’spec’ to reach de summit

-      Yo’ mus’ keep on meek an’ humble.

-

-    Ez yo’ climin’ up de hill,

-      Yo’ will git er lot er clubbin’,

-    Yo’ll git er lot er knockin’,

-      An’ yo’ll git er lot er drubbin’!

-    Now an’ den yo’ll mope,

-      Den ergin yo’ll be er creepin’.

-    Yo’ll git so tiad an’ weary,

-      Wan’ to res’ an’ go to sleepin’.

-

-    Ez yo’ climin’ fo’ de prize,

-      Yo’ mus’ do er lot o’ scramble,

-    Yo’ll run into de briars,

-      An’ yo’ll strike er lot o’ bramble.

-    Yo’ll fine er lot o’ thorns

-      ’Stead er findin’ lots o’ roses.

-    Keep er headin’ fo’ de summit,

-      Dah is whah success reposes.

-

-    Yo’ mussen’ spec’ er crown

-      Fus’ widdout sum tribyoolayshun,

-    Kaze dat’s de rule o’ ordah

-      Fo’ de white an’ brackes’ nation.

-    Yo’ kno’ it’s sumtimes up,

-      Den ergin it’s in de valley,

-    Den ergin yo’ go er scootin’

-      Towards de goal yo’ go er sally.

-

-    Yo’ run on fo’ er spell,

-      Den ergin yo’ git to slippin’,

-    Yo’ now an’ den’ll reel,

-      Git to trippin’ an’ er tippin’,

-    But lak de ship o’ Zion,

-      When de waves it am er dashin’

-    Yo’ ride right th’ew de storm,

-      In de harbor cum er splashin’.

-

-

-

-

-SISTAH RUFFLE.

-

-

-    No use tawkin,’ sistah Ruffle

-    Am a gittin’ out de kinks;

-    Gittin’ up to date in fashun,

-    She out-dresses sistah Jinks;

-    Got a bran new dress o’ satin,

-    Wid a hot stuff ruffl’d skirt;

-    Way she’s lookin’ ebry dahky

-    At her grinn’d an’ tried to flirt.

-

-    An’ she’s gone an’ got a mobeel

-    Cumin’ down klah to her feet;

-    One dem silks trimm’d in white kawdin,’

-    It’s a stunnah, kain’t be beet;

-    An’ her hat, oh goodness grashus!

-    Lak a flowah bed o’ bloom;

-    An’ she fewmigate de breezes,

-    Wid de sweetes’ kine o’ ’fewme.

-

-    Oh, yo’ know ol’ sistah Ruffle,

-    Ustah wash erbout de town;

-    Had a husbahn dat was leg-bowl,

-    Jes’ as ugly as a clown;

-    Yes de ol’ gal we’ de goggles,

-    Hobblin’ ’roun’ wid roomotick,

-    Diden’ hab ’em on dat ’kayshun,

-    She was flouncin’ double quick.

-

-    Doan’ yo’ know, she am bawlhaided,

-    But dat dey she we’ er wig;

-    Dog mah cats ef yo’ kood tell it,

-    Ef yo’ could I’d dance’d a jig;

-    Twasn’t made fum hyah dat’s kinky,

-    But fum dat call’d awbun hyah;

-    Looks so poody slick, an’ wabey,

-    Kine yo’ see de white fo’ks wah.

-

-    Had it done an’ roll’d in ribbon,

-    On de pompydoro style;

-    Had deez great big whut yo’ call ’em?

-    Hyahpins yais yo’ right mah chile;

-    At de sides she lef’ it bushy

-    Fo’ to kibbah up her yeahs;

-    Kose she seed de white fo’ks do it

-    Fo’ de las’ free o’ fo’ yeahs.

-

-    Yais, she had on glasses, go ’way!

-    Dem dat habs de gol’en rim

-    An’ a chain wuz fas’en to ’em,

-    Cumin’ down beneef her chin;

-    An’ her bowkey, go’ way honey!

-    It wahs flowahs o’ all kine,

-    Oh, it look’d mos’ loud an’ spickyus,

-    Wish’d de lawd it had bin mine.

-

-    Oddah seed her when she pass’d us,

-    Thow’d her head clah to de cloud;

-    Switch’d her se’f an’ kooden’ see us,

-    Kaze she’s togg’d up mos’ to loud;

-    Now an’ den shed’ gib us, honey,

-    Whut yo’ call de cake wa’k gran’,

-    An’ her big feet cut no figgah;

-    Was’ she right? she beet de ban’.

-

-    When she’d pass sto’ windahs, honey,

-    She’d size up her se’f an’ smile;

-    Twis’ her-se’f an’ lif her trailah,

-    Cose she tho’wt she’s poody, chile;

-    Why, I know’d dat dah ol’ dahky

-    When she haden’ braid to eat;

-    When it cum to shoes an’ sockin’s,

-    Dey was stranjahs to her feet.

-

-    Now she needn’t be o’ spreadin’

-    On befo’ me any ahs,

-    Kaze de Lawd in heaben knows it,

-    Dat I ’bout her doesn’t kyahs;

-    She jes’ lately got a penshun,

-    An’ it’s sortah swell’d her haid,

-    It’s a wondah diden’ bus’ it,

-    An’ de dahky isn’t daid.

-

-    Doan’ yo’ ’membah when she usetah

-    Wah dat bumzeen yallah dress?

-    Whah she’s gwine to git de nex’ one,

-    Kep’ her allus on de guess;

-    Whut I say a ’bout sum dahkies,

-    Ef dey git a rag er to,

-    ’Speshly dems po’ as Jobe’s tukehy,

-    Dey’ll wa’k obah me an’ yo’.

-

-    I jes’ feed dem kine o’ dahkies,

-    Wid er big long hanel spoon;

-    Bet dey needen’ take dis sistah,

-    Fo’ er hankshef haided coon;

-    Kaze it’s bawn in all ah kin fo’ks,

-    To be stylish an’ be proud,

-    Nebbah habs dis lady, honey,

-    To sech dahkies ebah bow’d.

-

-

-

-

-THE GALLANT BLACKS OF SAN JUAN HILL.

-

-

-    Without a tremor or a pause,

-        Enlisted for their country’s cause,

-    ’Mid shout and song the gallant boys

-        Charge up the hill of San Juan.

-

-    Like war-scarred veterans of old,

-        Made with patriot ardor bold,

-    Press they forward towards the goal,

-        Not a soldier falters.

-

-    Blood and carnage everywhere,

-        Detonations rend the air,

-    Not for once do they despair,

-        But press on to conquer.

-

-    See them charge with matchless splendor

-        Heart to heart each one’s defender,

-    All praise for the part they render,

-        For them is the victory.

-

-    See the starry emblem high;

-        This they’ll keep or all will die.

-    Forward! Is their battle cry,

-        See them still advancing.

-

-    Hell of fire ’tis their’s to greet,

-        Comrades falling at their feet.

-    Still for them to fight ’tis sweet,

-        See them still advancing!

-

-    See the foe’s ranks try to rally,

-        Thank God! They’ve made their last tally.

-    Ne’er again will they forth sally,

-        Lost their hopes forever!

-

-    Another charge! They reach the summit,

-        And the prize at last they’ve won it,

-    Fighting ev’ry inch they’ve done it,

-        Vic’try on their banner.

-

-    Columbia, thou hast won the day,

-        Tribute on the altar lay.

-    Plaudits to those brave boys pay,

-        They thy brave defenders.

-

-    Heaven swing thy gates a-wide,

-        Forever in thy walls abide,

-    Let those who so nobly died,

-        Be this, their reward.

-

-    In the starry firmament,

-        Thou bright gem of government,

-    Brightest in the firmament,

-        Still thy encircling light.

-

-    As a beacon and a sign,

-        To oppressed men ever shine,

-    Till on this terrestrial ball,

-        God shall end the reign of all.

-

-*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLANTATION ECHOES ***

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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 66997 ***
+
+Transcriber’s Note: Henderson’s writing captures African American
+dialect of his time, but the poems contain slang words and racial
+stereotypes that the modern reader is likely to find offensive.
+
+
+
+
+
+                            Plantation Echoes
+
+                       A COLLECTION _of_ ORIGINAL
+                           NEGRO DIALECT POEMS
+
+                                  _By_
+                        ELLIOTT BLAINE HENDERSON
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             COLUMBUS, OHIO
+                           PRESS OF F. J. HEER
+                                  1904
+
+                  Entered According to Act of Congress
+                            in the year 1904
+
+                           BY E. B. HENDERSON
+
+               In the office of the Librarian of Congress
+                             at Washington.
+
+
+
+
+Dedication
+
+
+    THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY
+    DEDICATED TO
+
+    MESSERS.
+
+      HOWARD BURBA
+      L. WALTER HARRISON
+      PROF. L. M. LAYTON
+      T. J. McCORMICK
+      OSMAN C. HOOPER
+
+    Literary Editor of the Columbus Dispatch,
+    Columbus, Ohio.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+The music of the American negro, the fresh and spontaneous expression
+of a good and care-free heart, has long been one of the most pleasing
+features of American life. It is human nature in its first vocal
+garb—original and unique, often humorous and always true to the
+sentiment of the singer. If there ever was an illustration of the close
+relationship between language and thought, it is this.
+
+What is true of the melodies of the negro as developed in the simple
+existence on the plantation is also true of that other form of singing,
+verse-making. Among the negroes there have sprung up a number of
+exponents of the wisdom, wit and humor of the race. They have caught the
+spirit of others—the humble philosophers of their kind—and they have
+employed the dialect to reproduce the thought in all its quaintness and
+originality. One of the most notable of these exponents or interpreters
+is an Ohio negro, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, who has taken high rank among
+the poets of the day. Another is Elliott Blaine Henderson, also a son of
+Ohio, whose first volume of verse is herewith presented.
+
+In much that Mr. Henderson here presents, there is the rush of expression
+and the jingle of words that are so characteristic of the negro. There is
+also humor and there is sentiment, and always that other quality which
+makes verse in these days readable—good cheer.
+
+He who correctly interprets the spirit of his race serves a good cause,
+and it is believed that Mr. Henderson will be found to have succeeded in
+his undertaking to make his people better and more widely understood.
+
+                                          E. G. BURKHAM,
+                       _Editor of the Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio_.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+    When the Moon Hangs Low                      9
+
+    Seems Dey’s No Place                        10
+
+    Good Bye, Honey, Good Bye                   12
+
+    Whut We Gwine To Do                         14
+
+    Kaze I kno’ I Kain’t Stop                   16
+
+    Dahky Whut Yo’ Doin?                        18
+
+    When De Fiah Am Kindlin’ Hot                20
+
+    Lammentation                                22
+
+    When De Summah’s Dun Cum                    23
+
+    The Coon’s Serenade                         24
+
+    Blissful Anticipations                      25
+
+    Pawson Johnson At Dinner                    27
+
+    Go ’Way, Mah Honey                          28
+
+    Brer Possum Declines                        30
+
+    I Hain’t Foolin’ Honey                      31
+
+    Sleep—                                      33
+
+    A Profuse Encomium                          34
+
+    Peepin’ Th’ew De Husk                       35
+
+    Axin’ Coon Cum Obeah                        38
+
+    Hustle—                                     38
+
+    Go Sleep                                    40
+
+    Kase De Sun Am Sinkin’                      41
+
+    Soft Falls The Night                        43
+
+    Git On Board, Chillun                       44
+
+    Uncle Ned An’ De Mockin’ Bird               46
+
+    Po’ Li’l’ Rastus                            48
+
+    Sambo’s Rain Philosophy                     50
+
+    Jes’ Keep Er Lookin’ Up                     51
+
+    Wished I’d Rode Mah Hoss                    53
+
+    Eggs! Eggs!! Eggs!!!                        54
+
+    It Am De Possum Time                        55
+
+    Stick To Your Race                          57
+
+    Memorial Day                                58
+
+    Trussy’s Visit                              60
+
+    Is Yo’ Lonesum, Honey?                      64
+
+    Larn To He’p Yo’se’f                        64
+
+    Courtin’ O’ De Phone                        66
+
+    Lonesum Valley Christmas Tree               68
+
+    Yes, Wees Got Er Flag                       72
+
+    Hi, Mistah Dahky                            75
+
+    Dey’s Er Col’ Wave Breshin’ Nigh            77
+
+    Force Of Words                              79
+
+    I Tol’ Yo’ So                               80
+
+    The Passing Of Night                        82
+
+    A Tale O’ Woe                               83
+
+    Lullaby                                     84
+
+    The Exstacy of Uncle Joe                    85
+
+    Keep Er Goin’                               87
+
+    Climin’ Up De Hill                          88
+
+    Sistah Ruffle                               90
+
+    The Gallant Blacks of San Juan Hill         93
+
+
+
+
+WHEN THE MOON HANGS LOW.
+
+
+    A straying chicken
+      Lost from home
+    Bewildered, finds
+      Itself a-roam.
+    And innocently
+      Stalks the ground,
+    Not dreaming
+      That a coon’s around.
+
+    As evening’s shadows
+      Gently fall,
+    The chicken, lonesome,
+      Gives a call.
+    A coon steals out
+      Soft in the night,
+    To catch him
+      For his appetite.
+
+    The night is still!
+      The moon is low!
+    Not e’en a zephyr
+      Seems to blow.
+    The coon with sack
+      Clutched in his hand,
+    Moves silently
+      Across the land.
+
+    The chicken gives
+      Another squawk!
+    The coon has got her
+      Like a hawk.
+    The moon now breaks
+      Forth into light,
+    The coon and chicken’s
+      Out of sight.
+
+
+
+
+SEEMS DEY’S NO PLACE.
+
+
+    Well er coon kin go to kollege
+    Git his head chucked full o’ knowledge,
+    Till he knows ez much ez Solomon de wise.
+    He kin study an’ summize,
+    Count de stars up in de skies,
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    Tawk erbout yo’ eddeekayshun
+    Gittin’ in de cullahd nayshun,
+    Gittin’ “lighten” in de head an’ sich ez dat,
+    Yo’ kin larn sah, till yo’ hat
+    On yo’ head woan’ fit exzac’,
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    Eddeekayshun am all right
+    Ef er coon kin git er sight
+    ’Stead o’ makin’ bread an’ buttah by de hoe,
+    He kood entah any do’
+    Whah he’s qualified to go.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    He doan’ allus want to hoe,
+    He wood like er little sho,
+    Fo’ to git er little sweetness out o’ life;
+    He has had er worl’ o’ strife,
+    Allus struck by trouble’s knife.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    All de coons kin cut dey pranks
+    Fo’ to git into de banks,
+    Wid de white fo’ks fo’ to handle wid dey cash
+    Dat wood sorter spile de hash,
+    Make er fraycus an’ er clash.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    All de coons kin go to Yale,
+    Larn Greek, Latin, by de bale,
+    Larn to numbah all de hyahs up in dey head;
+    Dey may read dis thing wid dread,
+    Nufin’ else kin dey be said.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    Ez I saunter ’roun’ de town,
+    An’ I skim mah eyes eroun’,
+    Whah de white fo’ks am in business ebbry where,
+    Yo’ kain’t find er coon in dare
+    Wid de white fo’ks sellin’ ware.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+
+
+
+GOOD BYE, HONEY—GOOD BYE.
+
+
+    Gwine to leeb dis dear ol’ place,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Time’s er flyin’, I mus’ make has’e,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Hate to go, but I kain’t say no,
+    It gives mah hea’t er pang o’ woe,
+    Yo’ all’s mah fren’, not one’s mah foe,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Sistah Jane, an’ uncle Joe?
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    I hope we’ll see us all sum mo’,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    We’s gittin’ ol’, we’s gittin’ gray,
+    Ah days am dun’ fo’ makin’ hay,
+    Ah steps cum slo’ we’s wastin’ ’way,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    We’s had good times on dis ol’ place,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    We’s frollic’d in de possum chase,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    We’s picked de cotton, hoed de co’n,
+    We’s picked de berries spite o’ thorns,
+    We’s wocked at night, we’s wocked at morn,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Hain’t dat Miss Linndy, obeah dah?
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Sho’ it am; well, I declah!
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Cum an’ shake de ol’ man’s han’,
+    Gwine to leeb ol’ massa’s lan’
+    ’Deed, Miss Linndy, yo’ look gran’,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Rastus? little Rastus, chile,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Look ee dah, jes’ see him smile,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Jes’ ez natshul ez his paw,
+    De bes’ chile dat I ebbah saw,
+    Got de mannahs ub his maw,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Whah is Massa, is he ’roun’?
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    ’Pears’ I koch his footstep soun’,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    I ’fess it’s hard to leeb him now,
+    To say good bye, I doan’ kno’ how,
+    I’ll shake his han’, jes’ make er bow,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Mockin’ bird up in de tree?
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Yo’s sung er manny day to me.
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Er manny day dis hea’t o’ mine
+    Yo’s cheered it wid yo’ song divine,
+    An’ made de sunlight brighter shine,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+
+
+
+WHAT WE GWINE TO DO?
+
+
+    Well, de way de thing am lookin’
+      To ol’ Hezzeekyah Yoon,
+    Dis kentry’s gittin’ wussah
+      Fo’ de po’ and he’pless coon.
+
+    Dey lynch him on de lef’,
+      An’ dey lynch him on de right,
+    Dey cum an’ git er niggah
+      In de day an’ in de night.
+
+    Whut we gwine to do?
+      Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?
+    Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah
+      Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?
+
+    Oh de niggah’s got er moighty
+      Tuff an’ thorny road to tread—
+    Dey’s bullets, clubs an’ razzahs
+      Allus flyin’ at his head.
+    It’s er mer’kul all de niggahs
+      Haben’ suffer’d dat same fate.
+    De string up to de lamp-pos’
+      An’ de string up to de gate.
+    When de signul’s gibbun
+      Fo’ to rally ’roun’ de flag,
+    Nebbah fo’ er minute
+      Am er niggah seed to lagg.
+
+    De niggah hain’t rebelyus
+      Though he doan’ git all things jus’;
+    He’s loyal to his kentry,
+      Nebbah habs betrayed his trus’.
+    He allus takes de bitters
+      ’Zactly lak he does de sweet,
+    He goes right on light hea’ted,
+      Wid er tew step to his feet.
+
+    Whut we gwine to do?
+      Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?
+    Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah
+      Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?
+
+
+
+
+KAZE I KNO’ I KAIN’T STOP.
+
+
+    Summah breezes blowin’,
+      An’ de sun am roas’in’ hot!
+    Jes’ right am de meadows
+      Fo’ to take ’em fo’ er cot!
+    Grasses sof’ an’ downy,
+      Am jes’ like er feddah bed!
+    Hain’t er spot dat am mo’ ’vitin’
+      Fo’ er niggah lay his head!
+
+    Ah tell yo’ whut’s de mattah,
+      Sah, de feebah’s mountain high.
+    When ah ’fleck ub ah kun’dishyun
+      Makes dis niggah sot an’ cry.
+    To hyeah de fo’ks er tawkin’
+      How de niggah’s got to fare,
+    Dey mob, dey burn an’ lynch him,
+      An’ dey skin him lak er hare.
+
+    It’s true dey’s lots er niggahs
+      Dat am wurfluss to de co’,
+    De debbul wooden’ hab ’em
+      Even inside ub his do’.
+    But de Lawd in heaven knows
+      Dat all de niggahs hain’t dat way,
+    Dey’s lots dat’s good an’ hones’
+      An’ dey nebbah goes estray.
+
+    De niggah hain’t to blame—
+      To cum hyeah he diden’ kyeah.
+    De white fo’ks, why dey made him,
+      Why dey fotch’d him obeah hyeah.
+    An’ now to knock his head off
+      Kaze he’s tryin’ to git erlong,
+    Accawdin’ to my Bible,
+      Why de whole thing ub it’s wrong.
+
+    De niggah loves dis kentry—
+      Ebbry time he’ll put up fight.
+    Fo’ it wheddah it am
+      In de wrong ah in de right.
+
+    But er niggah, kain’t stop!
+    Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!
+    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’
+    Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!
+
+    White man take it easy,
+      Am er livin’ lak er king!
+    Free ez am de buzzahd,
+      Doesn’t hab to do er thing!
+    Niggah’d lak to togg up
+      In his Sunday meetin’ dress,
+    An’ jes’ lak de white man,
+      Sot, an’ lay back, take his res’.
+
+    But er niggah, kain’t stop!
+    Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!
+    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’
+    Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!
+
+    Sumtimes git to ’fleckin’
+      Scratch dis head whah it doan’ itch!
+    Axin’ why de Lawd, sah,
+      Diden’ make dis niggah rich!
+    But dey hain’t no use to kick,
+      But jes’ keep er josslin’ ’long.
+    Now an’ den I keeps er whis’lin’
+      An’ er hummin’ at mah song.
+
+    Kaze I kno’ I kain’t stop!
+    Mus’ keep hoein’ out de crop!
+    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’
+    Till Ise’s ready, mos’ to drop!
+
+    Now an’ den I sortah
+      Git er ticklin’ in mah heel!
+    Fo’ to go to dancin’
+      At de ol’ Verginny reel!
+    Soople ez a skeedah!
+      Dance de jig fum night till morn,
+    Nebbah stop er minute, bruddah,
+      Fo’ an’ ache er fo’ er co’n!
+
+    But er niggah, kain’t stop!
+    Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!
+    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’
+    Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!
+
+
+
+
+DAHKY, WHUT YO’ DUN?
+
+
+    Oh, but how er dollah
+      Is er moighty fren’,
+    In de dead o’ wintah,
+      Ef yo’ idle den.
+    Winds dey may be howlin’,
+      Whizzin’ th’ew de trees!
+    Needen’ worry, dahky,
+      Yo’ hain’ gwine to freez!
+
+    Summah is er flyin’,
+      Breezes gittin’ cool!
+    Beddah be er layin’
+      In yo’ wintah fuel!
+    Leaves begin to fallin’,
+      Harvestin’ is dun,
+    Birds am now er troopin’
+      Soufward wid de sun.
+
+    Hoein’ time is obeah,
+      Dahky take yo’ res’!
+    Th’ow off wockin’ hahness,
+      Don yo’ Sunday bes’!
+    Fiddles an’ de banjos—
+      Git ’em all in tune,
+    ’Nipulate de ditties
+      Gibbs de soul er boon!
+
+    In de spring an’ summah,
+      Dahky whut yo’ dun?
+    Ridin’ on de skershuns,
+      Habin’ lots o’ fun?
+    Dancin’ wid de ladies,
+      Spen’in’ all yo’ got?
+    Thinkin’ kaze it’s summah,
+      ’Twill be allus hot?
+
+    Yo’ de kine cum
+      Knockin’ on de cabin do’,
+    Fo’ to get er sistance,
+      Tell ’er tale o’ wo’.
+    Den’s de time to sho’ yo’
+      We’s no easy thing,
+    ’Videin’ fo’ yo’ stummucks
+      Wid ah hoe earnin’.
+
+    Whut yo’ needs er lesson
+      In de ’speerence school.
+    Git de realizayshun
+      Whah yo’ bin er fool.
+    Den yo’ll git de idea,
+      Dollah is yo’ fren’,
+    Larn to be mo’ kyahful
+      How yo’ money spen’.
+
+
+
+
+WHEN DE FIAH AM KINDLIN’ HOT.
+
+
+    When de sno’ it am er fallin,’
+      Winds er whizzin’ down de lanes,
+    An’ de fros’ it am er freezin’
+      Fo’ yo’ eyes erpun de panes,
+    Whut am beddah den er neslin’
+      ’Roun’ er fiah dat’s roas’in’ hot?
+    Fo’ er pickahninny dahky
+      Hain’t er mo’ enchantin’ spot.
+
+    When de breezes am er moanin’
+      An’ de sun am sinkin’ lo’,
+    An’ de gloomy clouds an’ shaddahs
+      Geddah ’roun’ erbout yo’ do’;
+    When yo’ hyeah de co’n er poppin’,
+      See de cidah all er foam,
+    In yo’ soul de joy an’ gladness
+      Seems eroun’ erbout to roam.
+
+    An’ yo’ granny am er hummin’,
+      Cat er purrin’ on de rug,
+    An’ yo’ git er sniff de burbun
+      Dat am steamin’ fum de jug—
+    Umph! de berry ’maggahnayshun
+      Makes er puson think it’s real.
+    It am glory! Hesh yo’ mouf, sah,
+      Doan’ yo’ ax me how yo’ feel.
+
+    All yo’ troubles an’ yo’ burdens
+      Seems to take de swif’es flight!
+    ’Pears yo’ berry soul am lif’ed
+      To de blissful mountain heights!
+    Whah de lan’s erflo’ wid honey,
+      Streets an’ alleys paved wid gol’,
+    An’ de simphonnies o’ heaben’s
+      Got er sweetnes’ kaint be tol’.
+
+    Yo’ kin sing de song o’ Moses,
+      Shout yo’se’f clah to de sky!
+    Pickahninny’s den in cloveah,
+      No time den to weep an’ sigh.
+    Let de sno’ keep on er fallin’,
+      Let de breezes whizz an’ moan,
+    Longs er pickahninny’s neslin’
+      ’Roun’ er hot fiah ub his own.
+
+
+
+
+LAMENTATION.
+
+
+    When de rent cums due
+      An’ yo’ haben got er dollah,
+    An’ yo’ hab to hunt
+      Fo’ er nuddah place to wollah,
+    De wintah’s dun cum,
+      An’ de coal pile’s sinkin’,
+    Dey’s nufin’ in de cupboard
+      An’ yo’ stummuck am er tinkin’,
+
+    How yo’ head wool geddahs!
+      How yo’ hunt an’ scratch!
+    Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah
+      Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!
+
+    When yo’ sot an’ ’fleck,
+      Seems befo’ yo’ keeps er bobbin’
+    De possum an’ de coon,
+      An’ de peach an’ apple cobblin’.
+    Yo’ dream bout summah,
+      Wid de joocy wattah millun,
+    Dat yo’ sotin’ in de middle
+      An’ yo’ stummuck jes’ er fillin’,
+
+    How yo’ mouf does wattah!
+      How yo’ stummuck jes’ jump!
+    An’ yo’ eyes am all er twinkle
+      An’ yo’ hump! hump! hump!
+
+    When de night cums on
+      An’ dey hain’t er nuf de kibbah,
+    While yo’ bunk an’ snooz
+      Fo’ to keep yo’ fum de shibbah,
+    De coal’s dun sinkin’
+      Till it am no mo’,
+    De weddah am at zero,
+      De worl am kibbahd in de sno’,
+
+    How yo’ head wool geddahs!
+      How yo’ hunt an’ scratch
+    Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah
+      Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!
+
+
+
+
+WHEN DE SUMMAH’S DUN CUM.
+
+
+    When de wintah’s dun gone
+      An’ de summah’s dun cum,
+    An’ de birds begin dey wahble
+      An’ de bees begin dey hum,
+    An’ de hills, de fields, de meadows
+      Wid de verdure all am green,
+    An’ de heaben’s panorama
+      Am er mos’ enchantin’ scene,
+
+    Den er niggah kin sing!
+      Den er niggah kin hum!
+    Kaze de wintah’s dun gone,
+      An’ de summah’s dun cum!
+
+    When de vines am climin’,
+      Spreadin’ beauty on de run,
+    An’ de cullahs o’ de lan’scape
+      An’ de sky dey blen’ ez one,
+    An’ de flowahs ez dey’s buddin’
+      An’ er blossom’ an’ er bloom,
+    An’ de breezes fan dey petals
+      Koch dey sweetes’ smellin’ ’fume,
+
+    How yo’ soul inspahs!
+      How yo’ hea’t does tickle!
+    Den er niggah am happy
+      Ef he haben’ got er nickel!
+
+    When de craps am wavin’
+      An’ de tassel’s on de co’n,
+    An’ de apples am er drapin’
+      An’ de sweepahtayters born,
+    An’ de cabbage am er headin’,
+      Swellin’ lak dey got de mumps,
+    An’ de passnups am er peepin’
+      Winkin’ at yo’ hine de stumps,
+
+    How er niggah kin whis’le!
+      How his soul does ’joice!
+    ’Kaze it’s time fo’ de millun
+      An’ it’s time fo’ de squash!
+
+
+
+
+THE COON’S SERENADE.
+
+
+    In de lonesum ub de night
+    When de moon’s er shinin’ bright,
+    Coon er sotin’ on er stump
+    Picks de banjo, plinkertee plump!
+    Sof’ly floats de mournful ’frain
+    ’Cross de dewy, grassy main—
+    Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!
+    Picks de coon erpun de stump!
+
+    Ebbry win’ an’ ebbry breeze,
+    Ebbry twig erpun de trees,
+    Echoes wid de plinkertee plump!
+    Ub de coon erpun de stump!
+    Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!
+    Picks de coon erpun de stump!
+
+    Ez de night glides slo’ly on,
+    An’ de moon slips down fo’ dawn,
+    An’ de veil draps fum de skies,
+    An’ de worl’ opens its eyes,
+    Dies erway de plinkertee plump!
+    Ub de coon erpun de stump!
+    Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!
+    Stops de coon erpun de stump
+
+
+
+
+BLISSFUL ANTICIPATIONS.
+
+
+    Jes’ gimme summah all de time,
+      An’ lemme take it easy.
+    Jes’ lay back in de cloveah beds
+      An’ dream whah it am breezy.
+    I doan kyeah fo’ no robe ner crown
+    Ez long ez I kin wollah ’roun’
+    An’ nebbah hab to hoe de grown’.
+      Ha! ha! yo’ thinks Ise lazy!
+    I’d spawk an’ court Miss Lissy Jane—
+      Umph! but I’d cut er spluttah!
+    I’d tell her dis, I’d tell her dat,
+      Fus’ one thing den er nuddah.
+    We’d ramble whah de wild flow’rs bloom
+    Dat fill de air wid sweet scent ’fume
+    Whah dey’s no clouds an’ dey’s no gloom!
+      We’d sot de worl’ to fiuttah!
+
+    I’d git mah banjo fum de wall
+      An’ now an’ den go plinkin’!
+    I’d make de dahky’s heels jes’ itch
+      To dance ez fas’ es winkin’!
+    I’d make her sing, I’d make her moan,
+    I’d sen’ er tone to Gabriel’s throne,
+    I’d play dem tricks befo’ unknown,
+      I’d sot de fo’ks to thinkin’!
+
+    I kno’ yo’ thinks dis dahky slo’
+      An’ tawkin’ jes’ fo’ blowin’!
+    An’ buildin’ castles in de air,
+      An’ debbilment er sowin’.
+    It’s jes, prezaxly lak I say,
+    Jes’ shows Ise ol’ an’ shows Ise gray.
+    Befo’ de Lawd! it’s almos’ day!
+      To bed! de chicken’s crowin’!
+
+
+
+
+PAWSON JOHNSON AT DINNER.
+
+
+    He’p you’se’f, mah bruddah,
+      Jes’ make yo’se’f at home!
+    ’Kaze yo’ am no stranger
+      To Siss Wiggle Sloam.
+    Go ’head on dat chicken,
+      ’Kase it tissen skace!
+    “Doan’ yo’ worry, sistah,
+      I is in no has’e!
+
+    “Lan’ sakes, Sistah Wiggle,
+      You’ treat me lak er king!
+    Ha! ha! ’skooze me, sistah,
+      One mo’ chicken wing!
+    Tote me few dem waffles,
+      Chittlins good an’ hot!
+    Ebbah thing ise eatin’
+      Trabbles to de spot!
+
+    Lawd Gawd! Sistah Wiggle,
+      I jes’ seed dat possum!
+    Hiden’ an’ er grinin’
+      ’Hine dat sunflow’r blossom!
+      ’Fo’ I’d let dat possum
+    Git out o’ mah sight,
+      Th’ow erside mah Gospel,
+    To de las’ I’d fight!
+
+    Bruddah, kain’t yo’ sortah
+      Gibb er little toas’?
+    ’Deed I kain’t, Gawd knows it,
+      Whah dey’s possum roas’!
+    Feed de lambs, mah Sistah,
+      Whut de good book say!
+    Yo’s fulfillin’ Scripshah
+      Treatin’ me dis way!”
+
+
+
+
+GO ’WAY, MAH HONEY.
+
+
+    Gitin’ sortah ’ristercratic
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Sistah Jane, de ol’ roommatic!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Th’ow’d erway her dress o’ mattin’!
+    Wearin’ silk an’ wearin’ satin’!
+    Right in style, de lates’ patte’n!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    Wearin’ hoops, an’ got er bustle!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    When she passed, Lawd, how dey rustle!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Umph! she stepped lak Queen o’ Sheeba.
+    Clah out dressed ol’ Sistah Feeba,
+    Hel’ her trail lak dat Miss Neeba!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    High heel shoes, she’s wearin’, too!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Look to me dey’s numbah two!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Paten’ leddah wid er buckle!
+    Hot stuff, reglah honey suckle!
+    When she pass’d, oh how fo’ks chuckle!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    Doan’ yo’ kno’ she had on powdah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    White fo’ks kooden’ looked mo’ loudah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Had her hyah smoothed down wid tallow!
+    Bangs in front was short and shallow!
+    Gibb her face er p’culiar pallow!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    Umph! she tried to tawk so proppah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Spoke dem wurds dat was er whoppah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    See her primp her mouf and tickle!
+    Made her look so pow’ful fickle!
+    Bet she diden’ hab er nickel!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    Scan’lous ’bout sum cullahd people!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Mattahs not how ol’ an’ feeble!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Git on sum new bibb an’ tuckah!
+    Dey’ll out step sah! ol’ Dan Tuckah!
+    Doan’ kyah ef dey’s er co’n shuckah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+
+
+
+BRER POSSUM DECLINES.
+
+
+    Way in de tree
+      Sots ol’ Bruddah Possum!
+    Hey, dah; I see yo’
+      Bruddah Possum, hine de blossom!
+    Yo’ needn’ ac’ so timid,
+      Ner yo’ needen’ ac’ so shy,
+    Dey’s beddah, closeah frenship
+      Fo’ er possum, closeah nigh!
+
+    Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,
+      Yo’ ac’in’ moighty ’trary;
+    Saunter down er minute!
+      Now, yo’ needen’ hab no worry,
+    Ner pusnul tooberayshuns.
+      An’ de sich, de lak er dat!
+    Cum down, yo’ needen’ boddah
+      What de bawkin’ dogs er at!
+
+    Look hyeah, Bruddah Possum,
+      Bleeb yo’ feelin’ kine o’ skeery!
+    Gittin’ tiad er coaxin’,
+      Makes me feel er little dreary!
+    Doan’ lak so much beggin’,
+      Ner I doan’ lak so much pleadin’,
+    ’Speshly to mah mine,
+      When dey’s not er bit o’ needin’.
+
+    Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,
+      Yo’ jes’ lak ol’ Bruddah Satan!
+    Think de odds er gin yo’,
+      An’ yo’ keep er fellah waitin’.
+    Well, it doesn’t mattah,
+      Ef yo’ ’sist on me er climein’,
+    Hol’ yo’ bref er minute!
+      ’Kase hyeah cums up
+    Bruddah Highmen!
+
+
+
+
+I HAIN’T FOOLIN’ HONEY.
+
+
+    Seed yo’ wid yo’ gal las’ night!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Had yo’ arms eroun’ her tight!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Umph! whut made yo’ squeeze her so?
+    Jes’ bekaze yo’ am her beau?
+    I’d bin her I’d let yo’ go!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    Seed yo’ try to steal er kiss!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    An’ she slapp’d yo’ wid her fis’!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Po’ gal kooden’ hardly speak!
+    Shocked to def wid all yo’ cheek!
+    Go way, Gumbo, yo’s er sneak!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    Yallah, too, hain’t she Gumbo?
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Reason dat yo’ love her so!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Ef she had de wooly hyah,
+    Face ez black ez ol’ pine tah!
+    Court her? bet yo’ wooden’, dah!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    Gwine to marry her, Gumbo?
+      Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!
+    What dat? say yo’ doesn’t kno’?
+      Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!
+    Ax’d her fo’ her hea’t an’ han’?
+    Bet yo’ habben’ got de san’!
+    ’Fess up, Gumbo, umph! mah lan’!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    Bet she hain’t stuck on yo’ ’tall!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Does she kiss yo’ when yo’ call?
+      Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!
+    Lan’ sakes, Gumbo, yo’ woan’ do!
+    Go ’way; no, I woan’ kiss yo’!
+    Git yo’ big foots off mah shoe!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    I doan’ kiss no rusty coon!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Who, yo’ be mah chaperoon?
+      Hain’t you foolin’, honey?
+    Pick mah comp’ny, whut I do!
+    Lawd sakes, knows I doan’ want yo’!
+    Good day, home Ise long go due!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+
+
+
+SLEEP.
+
+
+          Sleep!
+    Cums de solemn night,
+    An’ de day’s tuck flight!
+    Not er bird ner coon
+    Am er whis-lin’ choon.
+          Sleep!
+
+          Sleep!
+    Slo’ de hours slip ’long
+    To de brooklet’s song,
+    In de sof deep hush
+    Cums de star’s sweet blush.
+          Sleep!
+
+          Sleep!
+    In er lonesum tone
+    Ez he creep erlone,
+    Cums de cricket call
+    Fum de vine clad wall.
+          Sleep!
+
+          Sleep!
+    Up de hillside steep
+    Now de moon take creep!
+    Th’ew de cab’n loft, gleam
+    On er coon in dream.
+          Sleep!
+
+
+
+
+A PROFUSE ENCOMIUM.
+
+
+    Lookin’ nice to-night, Miss Liza,
+      Yo’s out dressed ’em all to-night.
+    Wid dat ah so frusterkaytun
+      Yo’ so dazzlin’ in de light!
+    Please doan’ ’strew mah wurds fo flattah
+      Spoken incandessenly,
+    But! wid mutuallistic frankness
+      ’Cep ’em fabbrykayshenly.
+
+    “Thank you, Mistah Johnsin’,
+      Do yo’ think I look so fine?
+    ’Deed sah, Mistah Johnsin’,
+      Yo’ so asterroshus kine.
+    Woan’ yo’ sot beside me
+      An’ conversykate er while,
+    Please doan’ hab no skooples
+      Kaze Ize togged up in dis style.”
+
+    “Yo’s suppassed yo’se’f, Miss Liza,
+      Quiv-vah-kay-shah-ently gran’,
+    An’ yo’ grace dis runkshus ’kayshun
+      Lak one fum de glory lan’.
+    Ef yo’ hab no interjeckshuns
+    Kaze sech ’joicin’ frollerkayshun
+      Gibbs fellerisher-tish-shus glee.”
+
+    “’Skyoose me, Mistah Johnsin’,
+      I doan’ kyah to mingel late,
+    I wood raddah be specktay-shus
+      Sotin’ hyeah wid Mistah Gate.
+    Not dat I doan’ d’ sah yo’ tenshun
+      An’ doan’ preeshee-ate yo’ ’’ques’,
+    I prefer tran-quil-ler-kayshun
+      Sotin’ lookin’ at de res’.”
+
+    “’Cep’ mah ’pology, Miss Liza,
+      Fo’ mah troo-ser-tay-shus ’ques’.
+    I jes ax’d yo’ fo’ politeness,
+      Tho’t yo’d lak to jine de res’.”
+    “’Tain’t er bit o’ trooshun,
+      Mistah Johnsin’, not at tall!
+    I may grant yo’ axin’
+      When we ’ten’ sum uddah ball.”
+
+
+
+
+PEEPIN’ TH’EW DE HUSK.
+
+
+    Dahky, doan’ worry,
+      Kaze de wintah’s dun gone!
+    Craps am all er sproutin’
+      Soon we’ll hab de sugah co’n!
+    Den we’ll roas’ an’ stew it
+      An’ we’ll fry it in de pan,
+    Th’ow de buttah on it
+      Nufin’ fineah in de lan’!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+    See de wattah milluns
+      How dey’s cumin’ on de vine!
+    Lawd er mussy, chillun,
+      Puts yo’ teef erpun de grine!
+    Mussen’ think er bout ’em,
+      Gits mah stummuck all er jump!
+    Hea’t er fas’ah beatin’
+      An’ er thumpin’! thump! thump!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+    When de wattah milluns
+      Git kervellopd on de vine,
+    Winkin’, peepin’ at yo’,
+      How er dahky’s eyes shine!
+    An’ yo’ buss’ ’em open
+      An’ yo’ see de blushin’ red,
+    Haben’ got er minute
+      Fo’ de bressins to be said!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+    Sun ’er creepin’ higher,
+      Am ’er gittin’ pow’ful hot!
+    Hoein’ an’ er weedin’
+      Am er dahky’s tufes’ lot!
+    To de hoe er stickin’
+      Till yo’ back jes’ ache an’ ache,
+    Sun er pohin’ on yo’
+      Makes er dahky nahly bake!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+    Mo’ yo’ keeps er hoein’
+      Fas’ah seems to gro’ de grass!
+    Dahky gits to thinkin’
+      Hoein’ time will ebbah las’!
+    Weedin’ an’ er hoein’
+      Ef er dahky was to stop,
+    Sho’ ez am de gospel
+      Wooden’ git er bit o’ crop!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+
+
+
+AXIN’, COON? CUM OBEAH.
+
+
+    Meadows lak er feddah bed,
+    Sproutin’ cloveah white an’ red,
+    Sof’ ez pillahs to de tread,
+      Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!
+
+    Milluns loafin’ in de grass,
+    Flirtin’ when er coon cum pass,
+    When er look he dat way cas’,
+      Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!
+
+    Cabbage loafin’ ’roun’ de stump,
+    Lookin’ sassy fat an’ plump,
+    Swellin’ up all in er bump,
+      Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!
+
+    Coon er wockin’ at de co’n,
+    Doh dat’s all fo’ what he’s born,
+    Wockin, night and’ wockin’ morn,
+      Hain’t got time cum obeah!
+
+
+
+
+HUSTLE.
+
+
+    Doan’ lag an’ fool
+    Erlong de way—
+        Hus’el!
+    Doan’ ’spec’ to do
+    All in er day—
+        Hus’el!
+    Things will cum
+    Out by an’ by,
+    Musen’ stop
+    To stew an’ sigh.
+    Den’s when success
+    May be nigh—
+        Hus’el!
+
+    Take no time
+    Fo’ lookin’ back—
+        Hus’el!
+    T’ see whose cumin’
+    On de track—
+        Hus’el!
+    Ebbry time
+    Yo’s losin’ groun’,
+    Time yo’ take
+    Fo’ gawkin ’roun’.
+    Ef yo’ ’spec’
+    To git er crown—
+        Hus’el!
+
+    Ef yo’ ’spec’
+    Er good co’n crop—
+        Hus’el!
+    Nebah git it
+    Ef yo’ stop—
+        Hus’el!
+    Ef yo’ ’spec’
+    De corn to gro’
+    Full co’n stawks
+    In ebbry ro’,
+    Doan’ be skaid
+    To use de hoe—
+        Hus’el!
+
+    Take no time
+    To argufy—
+        Hus’el!
+    T’ make sum fellah
+    Out er lie—
+        Hus’el!
+    Ha’f de time
+    Yo’s losin’ win’,
+    Same time doin’
+    Er little sin.
+    Aftah all
+    Yo’ nuffin in—
+        Hus’el!
+
+
+
+
+GO SLEEP.
+
+
+    Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!
+            Go sleep!
+    De boogahman koch yo’
+    Ef yo’ peep!
+            Go sleep!
+    He prowlin’ ’roun’
+      Sof’ ez er cat—
+    He kno’ whah
+      Li’l’ pickahninny’s at—
+            Go sleep!
+
+    Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!
+            Go sleep!
+    Still ez er mouse
+    When creepin’ keep—
+            Go sleep!
+    De boogahman
+      Am moighty peert!
+    He sly ol’ fox
+      Dat’s on de ’lert!
+            Go sleep!
+
+    Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!
+            Go sleep!
+    I hyeah de boogahman
+    Creep, creep creep!
+            Go sleep!
+    He kotch er hol’
+      An’ shake de do’—
+    An’ ope his mouf
+      An’ said wo’, wo’!
+            Go sleep!
+
+
+
+
+KAZE DE SUN AM SINKIN’.
+
+
+    Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,
+      Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,
+    Gone er sleepin’ an’ er doze—
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+    All de day er lookin’ gran’
+    An’ er ’fumein’ up de lan’,
+    Baskin’ now in slumbah’s stran’—
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+
+    Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,
+    Petals closed an’ shrinkin’
+    Peepahs shet an’ fas’ ersleep,
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+    Crystal brooklet glidin’ ’long
+    Chants to dem er cradle song,
+    Res’ an’ slumbah, weary throng—
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+
+    Droopy, droopy am de flow’rs,
+      Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,
+    Lull’d ersleep in fairy realm,
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+    All dey tinsels tints an’ hue
+    Dat attracts de bees an’ woo,
+    Closed dey now am all to view—
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+
+    Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,
+      Petals closed an’ shrinkin’!
+    Soon will wake wid birds an’ bees,
+      When de sun’s dun sinkin’!
+    When de sunlight mounts to view,
+    At de tech o’ mornin’s dew
+    Once mo’ will dey ope to view—
+      Kaze de sun’s dun sinkin’!
+
+
+
+
+SOFT FALLS THE NIGHT.
+
+This Poem is dedicated to MISS ANNA HALL SMITH.
+
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      And chases ’way
+    The slowly dying
+      Summer day.
+    The sun from his
+      Ethereal height,
+    Is curtained by
+      The shades of night.
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      The birds that tune
+    Their song with nature
+      In commune
+    Now hush their lays
+      Seek silent rest,
+    Within their downy
+      Leafy nests.
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      Sweet peace divine
+    In each heart comes
+      To be enshrined,
+    While angels pause
+      On earth to show’r
+    The blessings of
+      The sovereign pow’r.
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      A peaceful sleep
+    O’er earthly mortals
+      Doth now creep.
+    They rest now from
+      Their day’s pursuit—
+    The world is still,
+      The world is mute.
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      The verdure green
+    Now glistens with
+      A dewy sheen.
+    The flowers droop,
+      Their petals close,
+    They dream away
+      In sweet repose.
+
+    Soft fades the night—
+      Lo! breaks the dawn,
+    And nature ’wakens
+      With the morn,
+    Exultingly
+      Sends up her lays,
+    Her symphonies,
+      To God in praise.
+
+
+
+
+GIT ON BOARD, CHILLUN.
+
+
+    De Gospel train am er scootin’ down de rail!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    Fas’ah den er ship wid er ruddah an’ er sail!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    De Lawd in heaben am de steam an’ de pow’r!
+    He run dat train forty millun miles an’ hour!
+    Jes’ es stroke ub de throttle
+    Sends her clah to heaben’s tow’r!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+    No sinnah tribe kin ebbah ride on dat train!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    De debil ner his imps ef day’s cut loose fum dey chain!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    None but de lams ub de good Lawd’s fol’
+    Kin ride dat train to de streets o’ gol’,
+    Wid de ’liggun lak an’ ocean obeahflowin’ in yo’ soul!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+    She’s jes’ lak lightnin’ an’ de quibbah o’ de eye!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    Ez she’s puffin’ an’ er steamin’ in er trabblin’ to de sky!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    She’s limited, too, an’ she goes clah th’ew!
+    She’s got no time fo’ to fool wid yo’!
+    Yo’ mus’ git on board, when de time cums, doo!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+    Dat train hain’t skeddul fo’ de secun’ time.
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    Fo’ to cum an’ fotch yo’ to de heabenly clime!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    She goes straight on an’ she doan’ tarn back!
+    When she once git start why she hain’t gwine to slack!
+    Till she runs in heab’n on de right side track!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+    De debil ner his imps kaint wreck dat ol’ train!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    Ez she’s dashin’ an’ er steamin’ o’er de mountains an’ de plain!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    She sticks to de rail lak de hyah on yo’ back!
+    An’ she nebbah was known fo’ to jump fum de track!
+    Kaze de Lawd’s at de throttle an’ he sho’ got de knac’!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+
+
+
+UNCLE NED AN’ DE MOCKIN’ BIRD.
+
+
+    Bruddah Mocking Bird,
+    Yo’s moighty lazy.
+    Yo’ doan’ do nufin’
+      But sing dat song,
+      Till de daylight’s gone
+      An’ de night cum ’long.
+    Er coon has got to hoe an’ hoe,
+    Till de sinkin’ sun
+      Tells de day to go.
+
+    Lawd, but yo’ sing
+      So pow’ful sweet!
+    Perched up dah,
+      In yo’ leafy seat.
+    Is yo’ lonesum?
+    Does yo’ hea’t feel sad?
+    ’Pears to me
+      Dat yo’ soul feels glad.
+
+    Ez Ise wockin’ hard,
+      Sweet ez de cloveah
+    Yo’ song
+      Floats obeah,
+    Way in de co’nfield
+      Whah de medlark sings,
+    Up in de bough
+      Ub de tree it clings.
+
+    Yo’ nebah wock
+      But yo’ bread is sho’,
+    Out in de yahd;
+      ’Fo’ ebbry do’,
+    Sum kine han’
+      Th’ows de little crum!
+    Kaze dey kno’ fo’ sho’
+      Dat yo’ boun’ to cum.
+
+    De good Samaritan
+      Part dey play.
+      Let yo’ go ’way?
+    Hungry? No!
+      Dey nebah wood,
+    Kase de Lawd wood say
+      Dat dey wasn’t good.
+
+    I kinedah lak
+      To hyeah yo’ sing,
+    Ef yo’ is too lazy
+      To flop yo’ wing,
+    Sing on,
+      Fill de worl’ wid song.
+    I mus’ be gittin’
+      Mah wock er long.
+
+
+
+
+PO’ LI’L’ RASTUS.
+
+
+    Little Rastus feelin’ blue—
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Out o’ sorts an’ gloomy, too!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Broke his little hobby hoss.
+    Makes de little fellah cross.
+    Doan’ cry, honey, ’tain’ much loss.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+    He jes’ wo’ out, rompin’ ’roun’,
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Git up, honey, fum de groun’.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Look ee dah, dun spiled yo’ dress,
+    An’ it am yo’ Sunday bes’,
+    Now hain’t yo’ er poody mess!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+    Whut dat stickin’ on yo’ han’?
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Yo’ bin in de ’lasses can.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Whut dat whut de Bible say
+    ’Bout de chile dat steal dat ’way?
+    He’ll go whah de bad man stay!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+    Dat ol’ bad man am er sight.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Cum er sneakin’ ’roun’ at night.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Cum an’ koch yo’ when yo’ sleep,
+    Den he take er great big leap!
+    Down er hol’ dat’s way down deep!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+    Cum hyeah, little wooly head.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Gwine to tuck yo’ way to bed.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Look ee dah, de day dun gone!
+    Shaddahs streamin’ th’ew de co’n,
+    Sleep until de sunlight dawn!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+
+
+
+SAMBO’S RAIN PHILOSOPHY.
+
+
+    Whut’s de use o’ raisin’
+      ’Bout de weddah, cain?
+    Kase dey’s wid de sunshine
+      Mixed in clouds an’ rain;
+    Jes’ ez well be lafin’,
+      ’Joicin’ in yo’ soul.
+    Frettin’ an’ er stewin’
+      Makes yo’ gray an’ ol’.
+
+    Mussen’ ’spec’ to allus
+      Git things jes’ yo’ way.
+    Keep yo’ eye kock’d open
+      On er beddah day.
+    Learn to ’cep’ de weddah
+      Ez de Lawd control,
+    In time will be shinin’
+      Sunshine bright an’ gold.
+
+    Lawd am boun’ to sen’ de
+      Changes now an’ den,
+    Kaze He knows whut’s beddah
+      Fo’ yo’ in de en’.
+    Fus’ He sends de sunshine,
+      Nex’ He sends de rain,
+    To gibb life an’ viggah
+      To de gol’en grain.
+
+    It’s de rainy weddah,
+      Buds de flowahs out,
+    Makes de wattahmilluns
+      An’ de ’tayters sprout;
+    It’s de rainy weddah
+      Makes de fahmahs shout;
+    Drives erway de famine,
+      Drives erway de drout.
+
+
+
+
+JES’ KEEP ER LOOKIN’ UP.
+
+
+    Ef yo’ fren’s dey all fo’sake yo’,
+      Think yo’ gwine flat to de wall,
+    Salt an’ peppah nebbah’ll save yo’
+      Fum an ebbah las’in’ fall.
+
+    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,
+      You’ll keep allus lookin’ up,
+    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels
+      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!
+    Ef yo’ habben’ got er dollah,
+      An’ no place to lay yo’ head,
+    An’ de meadows an’ de co’n fields
+      Only places fo’ yo’ bed;
+
+    Ef de fo’ks am cuttin’ capeahs
+      ’Fo’ yo’ puttin’ on dey airs,
+    Wid dey silks an’ wid dey satins,
+      An’ all uddah kine o’ wares.
+
+    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,
+      Yo’ll keep allus lookin up,
+    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels
+      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!
+    Dey may tramp erpun yo’ feelin’s,
+      Dey may kick yo’ on de co’n,
+    An’ may tarn dey nose up at yo’
+      Ez dey pass yo’ in dey scorn;
+
+    Smiles dey nebbah may hab fo’ yo’,
+      Bes’ yo’ll git will be er frown,
+    An’ sum wurds mos’ harshly spoken,
+      Kaze dey think dat yo’ is down.
+
+    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,
+      Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,
+    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels
+      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!
+    Ef fo’ bread yo’ ax er bruddah,
+      An’ instead yo’ git er stone,
+    An’ yo’ ax fo’ consullayshun,
+      An’ yo’ bahly git er groan,
+
+    An’ sum knock yo’ off yo’ shins,
+      An’ think yo’ nebah gwine to rise,
+    Swah to God dey nebbah dun it,
+      Meekly tell all kine o’ lies;
+    Let ’em go on hykerflootin’,
+      Ebbry dog sho’ habs his day;
+    Dey am uddah months, mah bruddah,
+      Jes’ es pleasant, ez am May.
+
+    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,
+      Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,
+    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels
+      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!
+
+
+
+
+WISHED I’D RODE MAH HOSS.
+
+
+    Rode on dat ah ’lectric kyah!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    No musstake it raised mah hyah!
+      Oddah bin er long!
+    Nebbah seed sech runnin’ son!
+      Swo’ we’s flyin’ to de sun!
+    Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+    Gee! dat thing did split de ah!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    Nuffin’ wid it kin compah!
+      Oddah bin er long!
+    Ebbry thing wuz blurred in sight!
+      Dus’ flew higher den er kite!
+    Kooden’ tell de lef’ fum right!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+    When she struck eroun’ de kyerve,
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    It unstrung mah ebbry nerve!
+      Oh, but I did squirm!
+    Oh, she kyahd us down de line!
+      No hobo kood stuck behine!
+    Ef he had he’d gone stone bline!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+    Now an’ den she sortah reel!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    Stirred me up fum head to heel!
+      Lawd but I did quake!
+    Tawk erbout er pow’ful prah!
+      I sho’ made one den an’ dah!
+    Strain was mo’ den I kood bah!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+    Once I hyeahd er moighty crack!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    Tho’t she’s gwine to leeb de track,
+      Oddah seed me, Chile!
+    I felt mos’ prekareyus, son!
+      I hain’t tawkin’ jes’ fo’ fun!
+    Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun,
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+
+
+
+EGGS! EGGS!! EGGS!!!
+
+
+    When I ’fleck o’ Eastah cum,
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Gits mah whol’ soul all er hum.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    When de chickens flopp dey wings,
+    Roostah cro’, de pullets sings,
+    Gib me ’bove all uddah things—
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+
+    When de little chicks er creep,
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Run kerfrolic peep! peep! peep!!
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Appetite gits sort impressed,
+    Wood go good, roas’ chicken breas’,
+    Still goes beddah, nebahless.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+
+    When eroun’ de ol’ fiah place
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Eggs look yo’ squah in de face,
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Git ’em fryin’ in de pan,
+    Soun’ lak music o’ de ban’,
+    Chillun? Whee! But hain’t dey gran’.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+
+    Eat ’em poach ’er eat ’em bile,
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Make yo’ hit yo’ granny, chile.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    When yo’ eat ’em scramble, son,
+    Feel dat yo’ kood lif er ton,
+    Er brack bar yo’ kood out run.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+
+
+
+
+IT AM DE POSSUM TIME.
+
+
+    Weddah gittin’ chilly,
+      Fros’ er fallin’ on de vine!
+    Leaves er tarnin’ yallah,
+      Now de possum time is fine!
+
+    Hickahnuts er fallin’,
+      Wid er thud, thud, thudd!
+    Poppin’ an’ er crackin’
+      An’ er bus’in out de bud!
+
+    It am de possum time!
+    Yes, it am de possum time!
+    It am de time er niggah
+    Fo’ de coon to go to clime!
+
+    Crickets all er hollah
+      Tell er niggah it’s de fall!
+    Ripenin’ am de ’simmons
+      Fo’ de great an’ fo’ de small!
+    Niggah jes’ er waitin’
+      Fo’ de fallin’ o’ de sno’,
+    Fo’ to chase de rabbit
+      Ez he’s wingin’ on de go!
+
+    It am de possum time!
+    Yes, it am de possum time!
+    It am de time er niggah
+    Fo’ de coon to go to clime!
+
+    When de sun’s dun sinkin’
+      Cums de shinin’ o’ de moon,
+    Niggah’ll take de wahpaf
+      Fo’ to go to tree de coon!
+    Wid de dogs er bahkin’
+      All er chasein’, all er romp!
+    Sniffin’ at de grasses
+      An’ er scratchin’ at de stump!
+
+    It am de possum time!
+    Yes, it am de possum time!
+    It am de time er niggah
+    Fo’ de coon to go to clime!
+
+
+
+
+STICK TO YOUR RACE!
+
+
+    Umph! how some cullahd fo’ks wan’ to be white.
+    Bekaze dey am brack dey doan’ nebah seem right.
+    Dey’s shame ub dey cullah; dey’s shame ub dey race;
+    Dat’s why dey wood lak to be white in de face.
+
+    Bekaze dey kain’t bleech out, O, how dey deplore,
+    Fo’ to be cullahd to dem’s sech er bore.
+    To think de Lawd sent dem all into dis lan’
+    Wif hyah dat am kinky an’ faces dat’s tan.
+
+    Fus’ to de lef an’ den nex’ to de right,
+    Dey look to see if dey am sumfin’ in sight
+    To make dem bleech white, gib dem cheeks ub de rose
+    An’ sumfin’ to gib dem a high Roman noze.
+
+    Dey’s kickin’ an fussin’ an’ raisin turmoil
+    Bekaze dey kain’t git hol’ de right kine ub oil
+    To take way de kinky effect dey kaint bah,
+    An’ make it jes’ lak de white folk’s auburn hyah.
+
+    Dey use mutton sooit an’ tallow, an’ lard,
+    Oh Lward er Mussy! but don’t dey try hard!
+    To make it look wabey an’ glossy an’ slick.
+    Den paht in de middle dey am right to de quick.
+    Ef dey hain’t no hope, why dey go git a wig.
+    It mus’ be made fum white fok’s hyah, too, by jig.
+    Umph; who; Miss Sukie? why she wooden’ dah
+    To wah a wig made fum a coon’s nappy hyah.
+
+    Whut’s de use er kickin’
+    Bekaze o’ sech rot?
+    Bekaze yo’ kain’t bleech,
+    An’ turn white on de spot!
+
+    Ef yo’ hyah’s kinky,
+    Yo’s brack ez de tar,
+    Thank de good Lawd
+    Dat yo’s jes’ lak yo’ are.
+
+
+
+
+MEMORIAL DAY.
+
+
+    To sound of muffled drums to-day,
+      With slow and solemn tread;
+    The soldiers march with banners draped
+      Where dwell heroic dead.
+
+    The blue, the gray of this fair realm
+      Assemble o’er this land,
+    Recount the deeds of valiant men
+      As one vast mourning band.
+
+    The rich, the poor, the high, the low,
+      Observe this sacred day.
+    For all alike in days gone by
+      Have laid some friend away.
+    For death the mighty reaper comes
+      To rich as well as poor.
+    Unwelcome guest though he may be,
+      He comes to every door.
+
+    To deck the graves of dear loved ones
+      Beneath luxuriant bow’rs,
+    Countless willing loving hands
+      Pluck nature’s tender flow’rs.
+    The tokens of a reverent love
+      For friends of that blest vale,
+    A love the ravages of time
+      Can never change nor pale.
+
+    This day recalls much of the past—
+      The nation’s bloody wars,
+    The sacrifice of noble lives—
+      To make dominant the stripes and stars.
+    In philosophic narrative,
+      In eulogy and praise,
+    In honor of heroic dead
+      The speaker’s voice doth raise.
+
+    And for the country’s honor fought
+      The black man once a slave.
+    Encouched within the history’s folds
+      The statement, “he was brave!”
+    Within the marching ranks to-day
+      Are remnants of the freed
+    Who fought and bled upon the field
+      When ’twas the country’s need.
+
+
+
+
+TRUSSY’S VISIT.
+
+
+    Bress mah life! why, dis hain’t Trussey?
+      Go ’way Chile! whut dat yo’ say?
+    Yo’ hain’t fiddlin’ Peedah’s sonny—
+      Who’d er tho’t it, any way!
+
+    Ax me ef I knowed yo’ daddy—
+      Knowed each uddah yeahs ergo.
+    Me an’ him hab bof togeddah,
+      Hoed er many ’taytah ro’.
+
+    Res’ yo’ duddin’s! take de sofa,
+      Make yo’se’f jes’ lak yo’ home.
+    ’Cep’ mos’ free mah hooskerpalty,
+      Plenty time eroun’ to roam.
+
+    See, hyeah, Dina, am dem chittlins
+      An’ dem hog feet th’ew er bile?
+    Who yo’ think we got fo’ dinnah?
+      Ol’ fren’ Fiddlin’ Peedah’s chile!
+
+    Well, sah, I hain’t seed yo’ daddy
+      Since dat fight at Possum Trot.
+    Dog mah socks, we bof togeddah,
+      Whoop’d de debbil on de spot!
+
+    Still er libbin’ down in Guinea?
+      Why, dat’s my ol’ rompin’ groun’.
+    Hain’t er spot, ner nook, ner crebbice
+      Dat I doan’ know ’bout dat town.
+
+    Ready, Dinah? Bress de Lawd! umph!
+      Mah ol’ lady am er sight.
+    Kin she cook? Whut? Doan’ yo’ staht me!
+      She kin sho’ put things up right!
+
+    Walk out, Trussy; go pertaykin’
+      Ub de bes’ de ol’ man’s got!
+    Kose tain’t much, but prob’ly sumfin’s
+      Dah will kinedah tech de spot!
+
+    Go ’head, say de bressins, Trussy,
+      Fo’ de Lawd sakes cut ’em short.
+    Lemme pos’ yo’ fo’ yo’ staht in,
+      Doan’ yo’ preach an’ try to e’ort—
+
+    “Make us thankful, Heab’nly Faddah,
+      Fo’ dis hyeah pussipyus spread;
+    Hyeah deez few mos’ feeble ’spreshyuns
+      Dat yo’ umble sahvunt shed.
+
+    “Gibb us wid ah daily bread, sah!
+      Chicken, an’ all sech ez dat!
+    Th’ow in now an’ den er possum,
+      Coon wid plenty lean an’ fat!
+
+    “Po’ dy bressins on dis family—
+      Put mo’ chickens on dey roos’;
+    Things git skace, dey needs er he’pin’,
+      Len’ er ban’, gibb ’em er boos’.”
+
+    Jump in, Trussy; git to business!
+      Ebbry fellah fo’ himse’f.
+    Whut’s hyeah fo’ us on dis table’s
+      Nuf to take er possum’s bref.
+
+    Ha! ha! Trussy, dem ol’ hog feet
+      Sots dis ol’ soul all er chune!
+    Ha! ha! Dina? look at Trussy
+      Kock dat lef’ eye at dat coon!
+
+    Yo’ hain’t full kin to yo’ daddy
+      Ef yo’ doesn’t lak de coon;
+    Possum, chicken, sweepahtaytahs.
+      An’ de sumpshus musherroon.
+
+    Tell us ’bout ol’ Tootsy Tadpole.
+      Slipshod Beebe, Feeby Scott!
+    Susan Rhinehole. Sukie Slowup,
+      Husky Botts, de res’ de lot.
+
+    Does I ’membah Slimmy Twostep?
+      Who? dat dah ol’ onry cuss?
+    Usetah hug de stove when happy,
+      In church raised all kine o’ fuss?
+
+    Gibb him mo’ coon dumplin’s, Dina!
+      Sakes! he’s jes’ fell into eat.
+    Tote him few dem frizzlin’ passnups,
+      Lecktrifies yo’ to yo’ feet!
+
+    Whah’s ol’ Susan Peecock, Trussy?
+      Is de debbil got her yet?
+    Sakes o’ lie! she’s got mo’ husban’s
+      Den yo’s fingers got, I’ll bet!
+
+    Cum on wid dem pig tails, Dina!
+      Doan’ be primpin’ in de glass!
+    Mussen’ make de ol’ man wait so,
+      Yo’ look poody nuf to pass.
+
+    Bress de Lawd! whee! glory! glory!
+      No joke, dem am sizzlin’ hot!
+    Lissen at de res’ dem fellahs
+      Prayin’ an’ singin’ in de pot!
+
+    Go ’way, Fido! see hyeah, Dina!
+      Kick dat debbil out de do’!
+    Ebbry time he sniffs dem chittlins
+      He’s er hangin’ ’roun’ hyeah, sho’.
+
+    See hyeah, chile! yo’ hain’t th’ew eatin’,
+      Rake mo’ dumplin’s on yo’ plate!
+    Go dem flapp jacks, sum dat grabey,
+      Eat ’long in de mopein’ gait.
+
+    Pass de ol’ man few dem biskits;
+      B’lieve I’ll take sum poke chops, too!
+    Little mo’ dat drap down coffee,
+      Nuddah dose dat bullyun stew.
+
+    Go on in de pollah, Trussy,
+      Ef yo’ got ernuf to eat.
+    I’ll be th’ew in jes’ er minute,
+      Den we’ll go an’ thrash sum wheat.
+
+
+
+
+IS YO’ LONESUM, HONEY?
+
+
+    Ez de twilight fall,
+    An’ de koo-koo call,
+    An’ yo’ doan’ hyeah ’tall
+    Dis hyeah coon’s foot fall,
+        Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?
+
+    Ez de moon creep high,
+    In de starlit sky,
+    An’ yo’ sot an’ sigh,
+    Kaze I doan’ cum nigh,
+        Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?
+
+    Ez de night creep on,
+    Till de sun brings dawn,
+    Ez yo’ wake an’ yawn
+    In de cool ob de morn,
+        Still, yo’ lonesum, honey?
+
+
+
+
+LARN TO HE’P YO’SE’F.
+
+
+    Bruddah Dahky, ef yo’d win,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Mussen’ stop fo’ knocks on shin,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Stop yo’ whinin’, try an’ try,
+    Take no time to weep an’ sigh.
+    Dah’s whahin’ yo’ success lie.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Yo’ mus’ fus’ prove yo’s er man.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Try’n to ’skewt sum noble plan,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Oh, de white fo’ks knows yo’s brave,
+    Fo’ dis freedom lan’ to save,
+    Dat yo’ fit on lan’ an’ wave.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    All de white fo’ks hain’t yo’ foe.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Dey will gibb yo’ plenty, sho’.
+        Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.
+    All er long dey’s bin mos’ kine,
+    He’p’d yo’ ’long er many line,
+    Is to all dis yo’ stone bline?
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Dah’s Abe Linkum, Phillips, too,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Bet yo’ life dey fit fo’ yo’.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Thousands mo’ dat I kood name,
+    ’Mong dem, men o’ nashnul fame,
+    Fo’ yo’ dahky dun de same.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Sum de white fo’ks moighty mean,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Likewise sum de brack fo’ks seem
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Ebbry race got p’culiar way,
+    Guess it all goes in de play;
+    Live in hopes dey’ll change sum day.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Yo’ kin shout an’ yo’ kin sing.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Think yo’s ’neef de mahstah’s wing.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    But yo’ll nebah git er crown
+    Ef yo’ sot an’ fool eroun’,
+    Dis am Gospul true an’ soun’.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Dahky, stop dat little song—
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Gimme Jesus, take worl’ ’long,
+      Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    T ry to grip sum o’ dis lan’,
+    Den yo’ll feel mo’ lak er man;
+    Yo’ am boun’ to git sum san’,
+        Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.
+
+
+
+
+COURTIN’ O’ DE PHONE.
+
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      When er sotin’ lone,
+    Yo’ kin call yo’ honey—
+      Go to courtin’ o’ de phone.
+    Drives erway de shaddahs,
+      Makes yo’ quit yo’ fret an’ stew,
+    Fills yo’ soul wid sunshine,
+      Opens up yo’ hea’t ernew.
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      Dis yo’, Liza Jane?
+    “Yes, dis am yo’ honey,”
+      Cums de sweet an’ sof’en ’frain.
+    Den yo’ go to pohin’
+      In her ear de words o’ love:
+    Tickles her to def,
+      An’ makes her think she am er dove.
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      When yo’ hyeah her say:
+    “Honey, when yo’ gone it’s
+      Allus night an’ nebbah day,”
+    ’Pears dat while dey’s fallin’
+      In yo’ ear, dat lovin’ tone,
+    Yo’ kin see yo’ honey
+      Standin’ dah befo’ de phone.
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      Sweetah grows de tone.
+    Makes er niggah neerly
+      Ram his head clah th’ew de phone.
+    Kaze dem sugah wurds
+      Dey sho’ly make yo’ hea’t inspah—
+    ’Lecktrifies yo’ spirit,
+      Sots yo’ whol’ soul all er fiah!
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      When de day is dun,
+    You no mo’ kin see de
+      Blazin’, dazzlin’, sinkin’ sun,
+    How yo’ lub to ’membah
+      ’Bout yo’ courtin’ o’ de phone,
+    Ez yo’ muse an’ pondah
+      In yo’ cabin all er lone!
+
+
+
+
+LONESUM VALLEY CHRISTMUS TREE.
+
+
+    Bes’ ub all de Chrismus ’tainmunts
+      Dat I axshly ebbah seed,
+    Was de one at Lonesum Valley
+      At de church ub Pawsun Weed.
+
+    All de ol’ fo’ks an’ de chillun
+      Dress purraded out dat night,
+    To de graid big Chrismus ’tainmun’
+      Fo’ to git dey Chrismus mite.
+
+    When dey’s geddahd in dat chapel,
+      Bruddah.—? Dey was thick ez hops,
+    When de chillun seed de candy,
+      Smack’d dey moufs an’ lick’d dey chops.
+
+    Dey was He, He, an’ er lafin’
+      An’ er clappin’ o’ dey han’s,
+    An’ dey jaws jes’ kep’ er crackin’,
+      Lak de chittlins in de pans.
+
+    An’ de ol’ fo’ks tell yo’ honey,
+      Sah I bleeb dey was de wuss.
+    Dey’s so ankshus fo’ dey ’freshmun’s
+      Dey’s mos’ reddy fo’ to bus’.
+
+    Preechah Weed wid dat dah swallow
+      Tail an’ ves’ ub his cut low,
+    Jes’ had all de flouncin’ sistahs
+      Leggin’ fo’ to be his boh.
+
+    Bruddah Hookey he puzzided;
+      Felt so big he thowt he’s king;
+    Tuck er ball bat, rapp’d fo’ ordah,
+      Said, let’s cleah ah th’oats an’ sing.
+
+    Well, he tuck his pussnel meedah,
+      Gib de linin’ ub de hymn,
+    An’ dey sing’d de “Weepin’ Moses”
+      An’ dey sing’d it too, by Jim!
+
+    At de klooshun ub dat ditty,
+      Deekun Jaspah put up prah,
+    Th’ow’d his haid clah to de ceilin’
+      Dough he seed de Gates er jah.
+
+    Dis hain’t true, I’ll eat de ’possum,
+      Sech er prah yo’ nebbah hyea’d;
+    Scratch’d his haid an’ weep’d an’ hollahd
+      Tell his eyes lak blud was red.
+
+    Oh, he’s moanin’ and er tonein’
+      An’ er kotchen’ ub his bref—
+    Spit erpun his han’s an’ rubb’d em—
+      Pound de bench fum right to lef’.
+
+    Las’ he ’klooded an’ de sistahs
+      Staht to sing plantashun coon.
+    Bruddah Hookey diden’ lak it;
+      Tol’ ’em dey was mos’ too soon.
+
+    But de mos’ fun ub de evenin’
+      Was when gibbin’ presen’s out.
+    Yo’d er crack’d yo’ sides er lafin’
+      Tell yo’d got er hol’ de gout.
+
+    On de tree dey was er chicken;
+      Wasn’t laybeld wid er name.
+    When de dahkies hyeahd erbout it
+      Ebbry one put up er claim.
+
+    Bruddah Gyahdnah spied de chicken
+      Floppin’ ’neef de Chrismus tree;
+    Made er home run wid er hollah;
+      “Dat dah chicken am fo’ me!”
+
+    Well, sah, when he hollah’d chicken
+      ’Twas de same ez holl’rin fiah,
+    Fo’ dat chicken was er stampeed
+      In de church an’ in de quah.
+
+    Sum de sistahs dat had room’ticks
+      An’ de aches fo’ yeahs an’ yeahs,
+    Fo’ dat chicken was er scramblin’
+      An’ a fallin’ obeah cheers.
+
+    Preechah Weed he got so ’cited
+      Dat he run clah out his coat,
+    Fell ergin de stobe kerwollup!
+      Butt his haid an’ swo’ by note.
+
+    But he jump’d up in er jiffy,
+      Feelin’ lak he was befo’,
+    Gibb er ban’ spring fo’ dat chicken,
+      But by Jinks he’s mos’ too slo’.
+
+    ’Dough he hit he’s haid er stunnah,
+      Diden’ eben make er dent,
+    Kaze, he’s so much lak de debbil,
+      Haid was hard ez adament.
+
+    All de time de res’ was skufflin’
+      An’ er kickin’ right an’ lef’,
+    Got so bunkshus an’ bumbastic
+      Dey kood hahdly ’tain deyse’f.
+
+    Loudah! Loudah! Got de janglin’
+      Mo’ an’ mo’ dey ring’d dey bluf’,
+    Wuss de grabbin’ fo’ de chicken
+      Den’s when dey got at it ruf.
+
+    Sum done pullin’ out dey razzahs
+      An’ er kyahvin’ fo’ de koh.
+    All de sistahs got to axin’
+      Lawd sake leeb us out de doh!
+
+    Fin’ly Bruddah Moses wid er
+      Kinedah p’culiar kine er trick,
+    Kotch’d de poultry, made er bee-line,
+      Cut er reg’lah dubble quick.
+
+    Den sum swo’ day had bin kunjud,
+      Uddahs ’clahd dey’d bin hoo-dood,
+    Lef’ de ch’ch er swahin’ vengeance
+      In de wusses’ kine er mood.
+
+
+
+
+YES, WEES GOT ER FLAG.
+
+
+    Ise hyeahd while in mah ramblin’s
+      Dat ah mos’ subnoxshus choon,
+    Dat ebry bressed nayshun’s
+      Got er flag excep’ de coon.
+    I hyeah de white fo’ks sing it,
+      An’ I hyeah de niggahs, too—
+    De way de niggahs sing it
+      Seems dey ’cep’ de thing fo’ true.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    It sut’ly am mos’ ’gustin’
+      Way de niggahs sing de thing.
+    Dey clap dey ban’s an’ hollah
+      Sot de kentry all er ring.
+    I doesn’t blame de white fo’ks
+      Ha’f ez much I do de coon
+    Fo’ singin’ an’ er whis’lin’
+      Sech er “singyooaytin’” chune.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    De little pickahninnies
+      Why dey sing dat meetah, too!
+    Dey clap dey han’s an’ hollah,
+      ’Zackly lak de ol’ fo’ks do—
+    An’ when I hyeah dem sing it
+      Ez dey dance an’ joobah pat—
+    I feels lak walzin’ to ’em
+      An’ jes’ knock’n dem out dey hat.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    De blood ub ah ol’ foddahs
+      Ah er cry in’ fum de groun’.
+    Lissun! chillun, lissun!
+      Doan’ yo’ hyeah de doleful soun’?
+    Ergin’ sech kine ub ’spreshuns
+      An’ er gin sech kine ub choons,
+    “Dat ebry race an’ nayshun’s
+      Got er flag excep’ de coon.”
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    Dey fo’git when Bruddah Linkkum
+      Gibb er call in sixty-one.
+    Fo’ fo’ks to jine de army
+      Ebry niggah grabb’d his gun!
+    He lef his little cabin
+      While de ole fo’ks stood in tears.
+    To fight fo’ dis hyeah kentry
+      Ez true faithful volunteers.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    Doh de po’ ol’ niggah
+      Doesn’t allus git his rights.
+    Fo’ his loyal kindness
+      Lots er kicks an’ lots ub smites.
+    Yet ’twas ’neef dat banner
+      Ha’f er millun niggahs fought.
+    He’p’d to win de vict’rys
+      Dat dis mighty kentry wrought.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    Let all ub de niggahs
+      Teach dey chillun all to love.
+    Dat ol’ starry banner
+      Dat am floatin’ up er ’bove.
+    Spite ub all ah trubble
+      Things dat makes ah progress lagg,
+    ’Membah dat Ol’ Glory
+      Am ah bannah, am ah flag!
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    Lissun! chillun, lissun!
+      When dis niggah’s in his grave,
+    Let dat dah ol’ banner
+      O’er dis niggah ebbah wave.
+    ’Kaze dat dah ol’ banner
+      Undah which ah foddahs fought,
+    Am de only banner
+      Fo’ to love dat I was taught.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+
+
+
+HI, MISTAH DAHKY.
+
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    De hoein’ time’s er cumin’—
+    Loafin’s nearly obeah
+    Fo’ er fiddlin’ an’ er drummin’,
+    Dancin’ wid de ladies
+    An’ er steppin’ lak er racer,
+    Drinkin’ Tom an’ Jerry
+    An’ sum burbon fo’ er bracer.
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    Bin er ’joicin’ all de wintah?
+    Spawkin’ wid de ladies
+    An’ er cuttin’ quite er splintah?
+    Dressed up lak er peacock
+    Hyah all pawted in de middle,
+    Shakein’ lak er wilier
+    Jes’ er prancin’ to de fiddle?
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    See de sun er gittin higher?
+    Pohin’ down de heatin’
+    Lak er Sodom an’ Gomire.
+    Showers am er fallin’
+    An’ de gawden craps er sproutin.
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    In yo’ soul is yo’ er doubtin’?
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    Mo’ den singin’ an’ er prayin’,
+    De Mastah am requirin’
+    In dis worrul while yo’s er stayin’,
+    Spendin’ all yo’ time
+    Shoutin’, knockin’ down de benches,
+    Beddah take mo’ time fo’
+    Hoein’, fixin’ up yo’ fences.
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    Am de meadows lookin’ temptin’?
+    Lak er bed er feddahs
+    Make yo’ dream lak Israel kemptin’?
+    Sympathizin’ wid yo’
+    But de fo’ks is dun er sowin’.
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    Now de nex’ thing am de hoein’.
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    In yo’ soul will yo’ be singin’
+    When yo’ see de millins
+    On de runnin’ vines er clingin’?
+    Sugah co’n er tasslin’
+    An’ de punkins tarnin’ yallah,
+    Seasonin’ an’ er sweetenin’
+    Gittin’ meely, gittin’ mellah.
+
+
+
+
+DEY’S ER COL’ WAVE BRESHIN’ NIGH.
+
+
+    Trees dey leaves er sheddin’,
+      An’ de grasses tarnin’ brown.
+    Summah days is obeah,
+      An’ de wintah’s cumin’ roun’
+    Lonely quail er callin’,
+      Wid er weary lonely sigh,
+    Sno’ will soon be fallin’,
+      Soon er fallin’ fum de sky.
+
+    Coolsum is de weddah,
+      Dey’s er col’ wave breshin’ nigh.
+    Look out fo’ de wintah,
+      Kaze it’s cumin’ by an’ by.
+    Lissun at de wailin’,
+      An’ jes’ lissun at de moan,
+    Lissun at de sighin’
+      Tell yo’ dat’s de wintah’s tone.
+
+    Craps dun quit er sproutin’,
+      Not er millun’s on de vine.
+    Haint er watah seedin’,
+      Not er portion ub er rhine.
+    Long time fo’ to wait
+      Until de wintah leaves dis clime,
+    Summah cums er totein’
+      ’Roun’ de sweet ol’ millun time.
+
+    Hain’t no use er kickin’
+      Kaze de Lawd is got control,
+    Makin’ ub de weddah
+      Eedah hot ah eedah col’.
+    Nebbah ax er pussun,
+      Nebbah no whah on de spot,
+    Wheddah dey would lak to
+      Hab de weddah col’ er hot.
+
+    So jes’ well keep joggin’
+      ’Long er happy sort er way,
+    Crackin’ jokes er whislin’
+      Till de wintah goes estray.
+    Weddah doesn’t suit yo’,
+      Jes’ well make yo’se’f content.
+    Larn to’cep’ de weddah
+      Any sort er way it’s sent.
+
+
+
+
+FORCE OF WORDS.
+
+
+    Chicken stew
+      Was all I said.
+    Made dat coon
+      Hop out o’ bed,
+    Butt his head
+      Ergin de wall
+    Kooden’ stan’
+      De thing at all.
+
+    Jes’ dat menshun,
+      Jes’ dat talk,
+    Made dat coon’s
+      Eyes white ez chawk.
+    Looked eroun’
+      An’ licked his chops
+    Ez doh he hyeahd
+      Dey wings flopp! flopp!
+
+    Well, dem wurds,
+      Dey struck dat coon
+    Lak er ’lectric
+      Shock in June!
+    Kooden’ sleep
+      No mo’ dat night,
+    Rolled an’ tossed
+      Until daylight.
+
+
+
+
+I TOL’ YO’ SO.
+
+
+    Playin’ out dah
+      Wid dat white trash’,
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Dat yo’ back
+      Wood git er lash;
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Pay no ’tenshun
+      Whut I say,
+    Allus got
+      Sum uddah way,
+    Wished yo’ haddah,
+      P’haps, sum day.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+
+    Yo’ de wusses’
+      Chile in town,
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Foll’rin’ all
+      De white trash ’roun’
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Aftah Peedah,
+      John and Paul,
+    Fus’ thing fightin’
+      Wid ’em all;
+    Den de niggah’s
+      Fus’ to fall.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+
+    Licked de ’lasses
+      Off yo’ bread,
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Den dey knocked
+      Yo’ in de head.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Called yo’ niggah
+      Sich ez dat
+      Said yo’ hyah
+      Wuz lak er mat.
+    Umph! Dem white fo’ks
+      Made yo’ scat.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+
+    Umph! Dey skaid
+      Yo’ mos’ to def.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Look ee dah,
+      Yo’ out o’ bref.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Run so fas’
+      Dun los’ yo’ hat,
+    Got no idea
+      Whah it’s at;
+    Gwine to whoop
+      Yo’ good fo’ dat.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+
+
+
+
+THE PASSING OF NIGHT.
+
+
+    De moon’s dun sneaked
+      Clah out er sight,
+    De stars dun quit
+      Dey peepin’;
+    De shaddahs dun gone
+      Stole erway,
+    De world’s dun quit
+      It’s sleepin’.
+
+    De hours dey’s slowly
+      Creeped erlong
+    Until de world’s in light
+      An’ song;
+    De sun smiles on
+      Creation’s throng—
+    Er cross de worl’
+      Goes sweeping.
+
+
+
+
+A TALE O’ WOE.
+
+
+    Manny am de battle
+      Dahky’s got to fight.
+    Ebbry tarn he’s makin’
+      Trouble’s dah in sight.
+    Ef he’s got de ’liggun
+      Puffec’ to de spot,
+    Hard to keep fum cussin’
+      Losin’ all he’s got.
+
+    White fo’ks got de money,
+      White fo’ks got de lan’,
+    Doan’ wan’ a po’ dahky
+      Hab er place to stan’.
+    Ef dey miss er chicken
+      Ef dey miss er goose,
+    Fus’ thing grab er dahky
+      Fo’ de calerboose.
+
+    Long ez he’s er hoein’,
+      Diggin’ in de san’,
+    Bress yo’ soul, say, mistah,
+      He am jes’ de man.
+    Let him git de money
+      Cumin’ mos’ too fas’,
+    White fo’ks git to skeemin’,
+      Say it mussen’ las’.
+
+
+
+
+LULLABY.
+
+
+    Pickahninny, Pickahninny,
+      Close yo’ little eyes.
+    Evenin’ am er ’proachin’,
+      Tells yo’ sleep an’ quit yo’ cries,
+    Mammy’s gwine to keep
+      All o’ de boogahman erway—
+    Gyahd her little pickahninny
+      Till de cumin’ day.
+
+    Pickahninny, pickahninny,
+      Sleep an’ take yo’ res;
+    Sleep wid all de cumfort
+      Ub de birdies in dey nes’.
+    When de sun’s dun sinkin’,
+      In de eas’ begin to rise,
+    Mammy’s little pickahninny
+      Den kin ope’ its eyes.
+
+    Pickahninny, pickahninny,
+      Mammy’s little love,
+    May de gyahdin’ angels
+      Hubbah ’roun’ de fum erbove.
+    Wid dey sof’en sweeten whispahs
+      Keep de lull’d er sleep,
+    While de weary lonely hours
+      Slowly onward creep.
+
+    Pickahninny, pickahninny,
+      Keep er fas’ er sleep,
+    While de weary, lonely hours
+      Slowly onward creep.
+    Day will soon be breakin’,
+      Sun er creepin’ ’cross de skies,
+    Mammy’s little pickahninny
+      Den kin ope it’s eyes.
+
+
+
+
+THE ECSTASY OF UNCLE JOE.
+
+
+    Feel lak shoutin’ hallelooyah,
+      Habben’ got an’ ache ner pain.
+    Los’ dat kahnsahn roomertism,
+      No mo’ hobblin’ wid dat cane.
+
+    Things look lak de Eden Gawden,
+      Hardly bleeb dis am mah se’f.
+    Dis am bliss in ebbry ’ticklah,
+      Tickles mah ol’ soul to def.
+
+    Dat snake oil sho’ did de bizzness,
+      Geddah wid dem herbs an’ roots.
+    Bress de Lawd! umph! grayshus Mahstah!
+      Hardly stay in mah ol’ boots!
+
+    Go ’way, chillun, let yo’ daddy
+      Hab de place all to hisse’f.
+    Kaze de ol’ man’s jollyfyin’
+      An’ he’s drawin’ bran’ new bref.
+
+    Dis ol’ frame am no mo’ shaky,
+      Doh I is mos’ eighty-eight.
+    Dem ol’ jints am jes’ ez soople’s
+      When Ise in mah youthful state.
+
+    Feel lak lay’n erside mah ’liggun,
+      Once mo’ dance de buck an’ wing.
+    Is dah ’mong yo’ doubtin’ Thomas,
+      Think dat I kaint do dat thing?
+
+    Oh, I ustah cut it, chillun,
+      When ol’ fiddlin’ Peet was ’roun’.
+    Had all o’ de white an’ brac’ fo’ks
+      Beat, dat lived er bout de town.
+
+    An’ yo bet he was er fiddlah,
+      Make yo’ dance yo’se’f leg bowl.
+    Played de sweetes’ kine o’ ditties
+      Dat jes’ ’joiced yo’ berry soul.
+
+    Look hyeah, Rastus! drap dat fiddle,
+      Doan’ yo’ sot dat thing er chune.
+    Ef yo’ do, in spite mah ’liggun,
+      Make out me er dancin’ coon.
+
+    See, de debbil’s allus skeemin’
+      Fo’ to make de Chris’shuns sin.
+    Usein’ chillun in his bizzness,
+      Dat’s de way he takes to win.
+
+    Now, he put it in li’l Rastus
+      Fo’ to git dat fiddle down.
+    Tho’t I kooden’ r’sist tem’tayshun
+      Fo’ to dance at its ol’ soun’.
+
+    Not dis time, oh, no! Brer Satan,
+      Kin yo’ make out me er clown.
+    Git me dancin, lose mah ’liggun
+      On de las’ day lose mah crown.
+
+    Guess I beddah git de Bible,
+      Read de Mahstah’s bressed Wurd.
+    Leeb deez hyeah mischebus raskuls,
+      Kaze dey’s sum de debil’s herd.
+
+
+
+
+KEEP ER GOIN’.
+
+
+    Yo’ dat’s in de race o’ life,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Nebah stop fo’ little strife,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Sum one kick yo’ on de co’n,
+    Nuddah prick yo’ wid er thorn,
+    Toot loudah on yo’ horn,
+        Keep er goin’!
+
+    Ef yo’ sortah lose de track,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Doan’ tarn fool an’ saunter back,
+        Keep er goin’!
+
+    Take no time to ax an’ ’quire,
+    Keep er headin’ fo’ de wire.
+    Push out in de mud an’ mire.
+        Keep er goin’!
+
+    Ef de road leads ’roun’ an’ ’roun’,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Sumtimes up an’ sumtimes down,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Ef yo’ fall an’ crack yo’ shin,
+    Git up, koch yo’ secun’ win’.
+    Spruce up, try de thing ergin.
+        Keep er goin’!
+
+
+
+
+CLIMIN’ UP DE HILL.
+
+
+    Fo’ to climb de hill o’ fame,
+      Bet it takes er lot o’ tussel.
+    It takes er lot er scratchin’
+      An’ it takes er lot er hus’le.
+    It’s now an’ den er slip,
+      An’ it’s now an’ den er stumble.
+    Ef yo’ ’spec’ to reach de summit
+      Yo’ mus’ keep on meek an’ humble.
+
+    Ez yo’ climin’ up de hill,
+      Yo’ will git er lot er clubbin’,
+    Yo’ll git er lot er knockin’,
+      An’ yo’ll git er lot er drubbin’!
+    Now an’ den yo’ll mope,
+      Den ergin yo’ll be er creepin’.
+    Yo’ll git so tiad an’ weary,
+      Wan’ to res’ an’ go to sleepin’.
+
+    Ez yo’ climin’ fo’ de prize,
+      Yo’ mus’ do er lot o’ scramble,
+    Yo’ll run into de briars,
+      An’ yo’ll strike er lot o’ bramble.
+    Yo’ll fine er lot o’ thorns
+      ’Stead er findin’ lots o’ roses.
+    Keep er headin’ fo’ de summit,
+      Dah is whah success reposes.
+
+    Yo’ mussen’ spec’ er crown
+      Fus’ widdout sum tribyoolayshun,
+    Kaze dat’s de rule o’ ordah
+      Fo’ de white an’ brackes’ nation.
+    Yo’ kno’ it’s sumtimes up,
+      Den ergin it’s in de valley,
+    Den ergin yo’ go er scootin’
+      Towards de goal yo’ go er sally.
+
+    Yo’ run on fo’ er spell,
+      Den ergin yo’ git to slippin’,
+    Yo’ now an’ den’ll reel,
+      Git to trippin’ an’ er tippin’,
+    But lak de ship o’ Zion,
+      When de waves it am er dashin’
+    Yo’ ride right th’ew de storm,
+      In de harbor cum er splashin’.
+
+
+
+
+SISTAH RUFFLE.
+
+
+    No use tawkin,’ sistah Ruffle
+    Am a gittin’ out de kinks;
+    Gittin’ up to date in fashun,
+    She out-dresses sistah Jinks;
+    Got a bran new dress o’ satin,
+    Wid a hot stuff ruffl’d skirt;
+    Way she’s lookin’ ebry dahky
+    At her grinn’d an’ tried to flirt.
+
+    An’ she’s gone an’ got a mobeel
+    Cumin’ down klah to her feet;
+    One dem silks trimm’d in white kawdin,’
+    It’s a stunnah, kain’t be beet;
+    An’ her hat, oh goodness grashus!
+    Lak a flowah bed o’ bloom;
+    An’ she fewmigate de breezes,
+    Wid de sweetes’ kine o’ ’fewme.
+
+    Oh, yo’ know ol’ sistah Ruffle,
+    Ustah wash erbout de town;
+    Had a husbahn dat was leg-bowl,
+    Jes’ as ugly as a clown;
+    Yes de ol’ gal we’ de goggles,
+    Hobblin’ ’roun’ wid roomotick,
+    Diden’ hab ’em on dat ’kayshun,
+    She was flouncin’ double quick.
+
+    Doan’ yo’ know, she am bawlhaided,
+    But dat dey she we’ er wig;
+    Dog mah cats ef yo’ kood tell it,
+    Ef yo’ could I’d dance’d a jig;
+    Twasn’t made fum hyah dat’s kinky,
+    But fum dat call’d awbun hyah;
+    Looks so poody slick, an’ wabey,
+    Kine yo’ see de white fo’ks wah.
+
+    Had it done an’ roll’d in ribbon,
+    On de pompydoro style;
+    Had deez great big whut yo’ call ’em?
+    Hyahpins yais yo’ right mah chile;
+    At de sides she lef’ it bushy
+    Fo’ to kibbah up her yeahs;
+    Kose she seed de white fo’ks do it
+    Fo’ de las’ free o’ fo’ yeahs.
+
+    Yais, she had on glasses, go ’way!
+    Dem dat habs de gol’en rim
+    An’ a chain wuz fas’en to ’em,
+    Cumin’ down beneef her chin;
+    An’ her bowkey, go’ way honey!
+    It wahs flowahs o’ all kine,
+    Oh, it look’d mos’ loud an’ spickyus,
+    Wish’d de lawd it had bin mine.
+
+    Oddah seed her when she pass’d us,
+    Thow’d her head clah to de cloud;
+    Switch’d her se’f an’ kooden’ see us,
+    Kaze she’s togg’d up mos’ to loud;
+    Now an’ den shed’ gib us, honey,
+    Whut yo’ call de cake wa’k gran’,
+    An’ her big feet cut no figgah;
+    Was’ she right? she beet de ban’.
+
+    When she’d pass sto’ windahs, honey,
+    She’d size up her se’f an’ smile;
+    Twis’ her-se’f an’ lif her trailah,
+    Cose she tho’wt she’s poody, chile;
+    Why, I know’d dat dah ol’ dahky
+    When she haden’ braid to eat;
+    When it cum to shoes an’ sockin’s,
+    Dey was stranjahs to her feet.
+
+    Now she needn’t be o’ spreadin’
+    On befo’ me any ahs,
+    Kaze de Lawd in heaben knows it,
+    Dat I ’bout her doesn’t kyahs;
+    She jes’ lately got a penshun,
+    An’ it’s sortah swell’d her haid,
+    It’s a wondah diden’ bus’ it,
+    An’ de dahky isn’t daid.
+
+    Doan’ yo’ ’membah when she usetah
+    Wah dat bumzeen yallah dress?
+    Whah she’s gwine to git de nex’ one,
+    Kep’ her allus on de guess;
+    Whut I say a ’bout sum dahkies,
+    Ef dey git a rag er to,
+    ’Speshly dems po’ as Jobe’s tukehy,
+    Dey’ll wa’k obah me an’ yo’.
+
+    I jes’ feed dem kine o’ dahkies,
+    Wid er big long hanel spoon;
+    Bet dey needen’ take dis sistah,
+    Fo’ er hankshef haided coon;
+    Kaze it’s bawn in all ah kin fo’ks,
+    To be stylish an’ be proud,
+    Nebbah habs dis lady, honey,
+    To sech dahkies ebah bow’d.
+
+
+
+
+THE GALLANT BLACKS OF SAN JUAN HILL.
+
+
+    Without a tremor or a pause,
+        Enlisted for their country’s cause,
+    ’Mid shout and song the gallant boys
+        Charge up the hill of San Juan.
+
+    Like war-scarred veterans of old,
+        Made with patriot ardor bold,
+    Press they forward towards the goal,
+        Not a soldier falters.
+
+    Blood and carnage everywhere,
+        Detonations rend the air,
+    Not for once do they despair,
+        But press on to conquer.
+
+    See them charge with matchless splendor
+        Heart to heart each one’s defender,
+    All praise for the part they render,
+        For them is the victory.
+
+    See the starry emblem high;
+        This they’ll keep or all will die.
+    Forward! Is their battle cry,
+        See them still advancing.
+
+    Hell of fire ’tis their’s to greet,
+        Comrades falling at their feet.
+    Still for them to fight ’tis sweet,
+        See them still advancing!
+
+    See the foe’s ranks try to rally,
+        Thank God! They’ve made their last tally.
+    Ne’er again will they forth sally,
+        Lost their hopes forever!
+
+    Another charge! They reach the summit,
+        And the prize at last they’ve won it,
+    Fighting ev’ry inch they’ve done it,
+        Vic’try on their banner.
+
+    Columbia, thou hast won the day,
+        Tribute on the altar lay.
+    Plaudits to those brave boys pay,
+        They thy brave defenders.
+
+    Heaven swing thy gates a-wide,
+        Forever in thy walls abide,
+    Let those who so nobly died,
+        Be this, their reward.
+
+    In the starry firmament,
+        Thou bright gem of government,
+    Brightest in the firmament,
+        Still thy encircling light.
+
+    As a beacon and a sign,
+        To oppressed men ever shine,
+    Till on this terrestrial ball,
+        God shall end the reign of all.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 66997 ***
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-<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Plantation Echoes, by Elliott Blaine Henderson</div>

-

-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and

-most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms

-of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online

-at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you

-are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the

-country where you are located before using this eBook.

-</div>

-

-<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Plantation Echoes</p>

-<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0;'>A Collection of Original Negro Dialect Poems</p>

-

-<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Elliott Blaine Henderson</div>

-

-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: December 22, 2021 [eBook #66997]</div>

-

-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div>

-

-<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div>

-

-<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)</div>

-

-<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLANTATION ECHOES ***</div>

-

-<div class="transnote">

-

-<p>Transcriber’s Note: Henderson’s writing captures African American dialect

-of his time, but the poems contain slang words and racial stereotypes

-that the modern reader is likely to find offensive.</p>

-

-</div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[1]</span></p>

-

-<h1>Plantation Echoes</h1>

-

-<p class="titlepage">A COLLECTION <i>of</i> ORIGINAL<br />

-NEGRO DIALECT POEMS</p>

-

-<p class="titlepage"><i>By</i><br />

-<span class="smcap">Elliott Blaine Henderson</span></p>

-

-<div class="figcenter titlepage" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/printer.jpg" width="200" height="75" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p class="titlepage"><span class="smcap">Columbus, Ohio</span><br />

-PRESS OF F. J. HEER<br />

-1904</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span></p>

-

-<p class="titlepage smaller">Entered According to Act of Congress<br />

-in the year 1904</p>

-

-<p class="center smaller">BY E. B. HENDERSON</p>

-

-<p class="center smaller">In the office of the Librarian of Congress<br />

-at Washington.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span></p>

-

-<div class="box">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak gothic">Dedication</h2>

-

-<p class="center smaller">THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY<br />

-DEDICATED TO</p>

-

-<p class="center smaller">MESSERS.</p>

-

-<p class="center">HOWARD BURBA<br />

-L. WALTER HARRISON<br />

-PROF. L. M. LAYTON<br />

-T. J. McCORMICK<br />

-OSMAN C. HOOPER</p>

-

-<p class="center smaller">Literary Editor of the Columbus Dispatch,<br />

-Columbus, Ohio.</p>

-

-</div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span></p>

-

-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak">INTRODUCTION</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<p class="dropcap">The music of the American negro, the fresh and spontaneous

-expression of a good and care-free heart, has

-long been one of the most pleasing features of American

-life. It is human nature in its first vocal garb—original

-and unique, often humorous and always true to the sentiment

-of the singer. If there ever was an illustration of the close

-relationship between language and thought, it is this.</p>

-

-<p>What is true of the melodies of the negro as developed

-in the simple existence on the plantation is also true of that

-other form of singing, verse-making. Among the negroes

-there have sprung up a number of exponents of the wisdom,

-wit and humor of the race. They have caught the spirit of

-others—the humble philosophers of their kind—and they

-have employed the dialect to reproduce the thought in all its

-quaintness and originality. One of the most notable of these

-exponents or interpreters is an Ohio negro, Paul Lawrence

-Dunbar, who has taken high rank among the poets of the day.

-Another is Elliott Blaine Henderson, also a son of Ohio, whose

-first volume of verse is herewith presented.</p>

-

-<p>In much that Mr. Henderson here presents, there is the

-rush of expression and the jingle of words that are so characteristic

-of the negro. There is also humor and there is

-sentiment, and always that other quality which makes verse

-in these days readable—good cheer.</p>

-

-<p>He who correctly interprets the spirit of his race serves a

-good cause, and it is believed that Mr. Henderson will be

-found to have succeeded in his undertaking to make his people

-better and more widely understood.</p>

-

-<p class="right"><span class="smcap">E. G. Burkham</span>,<br />

-<i>Editor of the Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio</i>.</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span></p>

-

-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<table summary="Contents">

-  <tr>

-    <td>When the Moon Hangs Low</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHEN_THE_MOON_HANGS_LOW">9</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Seems Dey’s No Place</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SEEMS_DEYS_NO_PLACE">10</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Good Bye, Honey, Good Bye</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GOOD_BYE_HONEYGOOD_BYE">12</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Whut We Gwine To Do</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHAT_WE_GWINE_TO_DO">14</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Kaze I kno’ I Kain’t Stop</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#KAZE_I_KNO_I_KAINT_STOP">16</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Dahky Whut Yo’ Doin?</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#DAHKY_WHUT_YO_DUN">18</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>When De Fiah Am Kindlin’ Hot</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHEN_DE_FIAH_AM_KINDLIN_HOT">20</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Lammentation</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LAMENTATION">22</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>When De Summah’s Dun Cum</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHEN_DE_SUMMAHS_DUN_CUM">23</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>The Coon’s Serenade</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_COONS_SERENADE">24</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Blissful Anticipations</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#BLISSFUL_ANTICIPATIONS">25</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Pawson Johnson At Dinner</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PAWSON_JOHNSON_AT_DINNER">27</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Go ’Way, Mah Honey</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GO_WAY_MAH_HONEY">28</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Brer Possum Declines</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#BRER_POSSUM_DECLINES">30</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>I Hain’t Foolin’ Honey</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#I_HAINT_FOOLIN_HONEY">31</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sleep—</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SLEEP">33</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>A Profuse Encomium</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_PROFUSE_ENCOMIUM">34</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Peepin’ Th’ew De Husk</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PEEPIN_THEW_DE_HUSK">35</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Axin’ Coon Cum Obeah</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#AXIN_COON_CUM_OBEAH">38</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Hustle—</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#HUSTLE">38</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Go Sleep</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GO_SLEEP">40</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Kase De Sun Am Sinkin’</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#KAZE_DE_SUN_AM_SINKIN">41</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Soft Falls The Night</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SOFT_FALLS_THE_NIGHT">43</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Git On Board, Chillun</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GIT_ON_BOARD_CHILLUN">44</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Uncle Ned An’ De Mockin’ Bird</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#UNCLE_NED_AN_DE_MOCKIN_BIRD">46</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Po’ Li’l’ Rastus</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PO_LIL_RASTUS">48</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sambo’s Rain Philosophy</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SAMBOS_RAIN_PHILOSOPHY">50</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Jes’ Keep Er Lookin’ Up</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#JES_KEEP_ER_LOOKIN_UP">51</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Wished I’d Rode Mah Hoss</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WISHED_ID_RODE_MAH_HOSS">53</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Eggs! Eggs!! Eggs!!!</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#EGGS_EGGS_EGGS">54</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>It Am De Possum Time</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#IT_AM_DE_POSSUM_TIME">55</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Stick To Your Race</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#STICK_TO_YOUR_RACE">57</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Memorial Day</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#MEMORIAL_DAY">58</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Trussy’s Visit</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#TRUSSYS_VISIT">60</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Is Yo’ Lonesum, Honey?</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#IS_YO_LONESUM_HONEY">64</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Larn To He’p Yo’se’f</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LARN_TO_HEP_YOSEF">64</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Courtin’ O’ De Phone</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#COURTIN_O_DE_PHONE">66</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Lonesum Valley Christmas Tree</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LONESUM_VALLEY_CHRISTMUS_TREE">68</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Yes, Wees Got Er Flag</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#YES_WEES_GOT_ER_FLAG">72</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Hi, Mistah Dahky</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#HI_MISTAH_DAHKY">75</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Dey’s Er Col’ Wave Breshin’ Nigh</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#DEYS_ER_COL_WAVE_BRESHIN_NIGH">77</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Force Of Words</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#FORCE_OF_WORDS">79</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>I Tol’ Yo’ So</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#I_TOL_YO_SO">80</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>The Passing Of Night</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_PASSING_OF_NIGHT">82</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>A Tale O’ Woe</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_TALE_O_WOE">83</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Lullaby</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LULLABY">84</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>The Exstacy of Uncle Joe</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_ECSTASY_OF_UNCLE_JOE">85</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Keep Er Goin’</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#KEEP_ER_GOIN">87</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Climin’ Up De Hill</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CLIMIN_UP_DE_HILL">88</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>Sistah Ruffle</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SISTAH_RUFFLE">90</a></td>

-  </tr>

-  <tr>

-    <td>The Gallant Blacks of San Juan Hill</td>

-    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_GALLANT_BLACKS_OF_SAN_JUAN_HILL">93</a></td>

-  </tr>

-</table>

-

-<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHEN_THE_MOON_HANGS_LOW">WHEN THE MOON HANGS LOW.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">A straying chicken</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Lost from home</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bewildered, finds</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Itself a-roam.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">And innocently</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Stalks the ground,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Not dreaming</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">That a coon’s around.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">As evening’s shadows</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Gently fall,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The chicken, lonesome,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Gives a call.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">A coon steals out</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Soft in the night,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To catch him</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">For his appetite.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">The night is still!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The moon is low!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Not e’en a zephyr</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Seems to blow.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The coon with sack</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Clutched in his hand,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Moves silently</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Across the land.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">The chicken gives</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Another squawk!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The coon has got her</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Like a hawk.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The moon now breaks</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Forth into light,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The coon and chicken’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Out of sight.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="SEEMS_DEYS_NO_PLACE">SEEMS DEY’S NO PLACE.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Well er coon kin go to kollege</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Git his head chucked full o’ knowledge,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Till he knows ez much ez Solomon de wise.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He kin study an’ summize,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Count de stars up in de skies,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tawk erbout yo’ eddeekayshun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ in de cullahd nayshun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ “lighten” in de head an’ sich ez dat,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin larn sah, till yo’ hat</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">On yo’ head woan’ fit exzac’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Eddeekayshun am all right</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef er coon kin git er sight</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Stead o’ makin’ bread an’ buttah by de hoe,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He kood entah any do’</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whah he’s qualified to go.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">He doan’ allus want to hoe,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He wood like er little sho,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to git er little sweetness out o’ life;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He has had er worl’ o’ strife,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Allus struck by trouble’s knife.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">All de coons kin cut dey pranks</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to git into de banks,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de white fo’ks fo’ to handle wid dey cash</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat wood sorter spile de hash,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Make er fraycus an’ er clash.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">All de coons kin go to Yale,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Larn Greek, Latin, by de bale,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Larn to numbah all de hyahs up in dey head;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey may read dis thing wid dread,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nufin’ else kin dey be said.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez I saunter ’roun’ de town,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ I skim mah eyes eroun’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whah de white fo’ks am in business ebbry where,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kain’t find er coon in dare</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de white fo’ks sellin’ ware.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="GOOD_BYE_HONEYGOOD_BYE">GOOD BYE, HONEY—GOOD BYE.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to leeb dis dear ol’ place,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Time’s er flyin’, I mus’ make has’e,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hate to go, but I kain’t say no,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It gives mah hea’t er pang o’ woe,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ all’s mah fren’, not one’s mah foe,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sistah Jane, an’ uncle Joe?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I hope we’ll see us all sum mo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">We’s gittin’ ol’, we’s gittin’ gray,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ah days am dun’ fo’ makin’ hay,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ah steps cum slo’ we’s wastin’ ’way,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">We’s had good times on dis ol’ place,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">We’s frollic’d in de possum chase,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">We’s picked de cotton, hoed de co’n,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">We’s picked de berries spite o’ thorns,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">We’s wocked at night, we’s wocked at morn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t dat Miss Linndy, obeah dah?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sho’ it am; well, I declah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cum an’ shake de ol’ man’s han’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to leeb ol’ massa’s lan’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Deed, Miss Linndy, yo’ look gran’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Rastus? little Rastus, chile,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah, jes’ see him smile,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ ez natshul ez his paw,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De bes’ chile dat I ebbah saw,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Got de mannahs ub his maw,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whah is Massa, is he ’roun’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears’ I koch his footstep soun’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I ’fess it’s hard to leeb him now,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To say good bye, I doan’ kno’ how,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’ll shake his han’, jes’ make er bow,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mockin’ bird up in de tree?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s sung er manny day to me.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Er manny day dis hea’t o’ mine</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s cheered it wid yo’ song divine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ made de sunlight brighter shine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHAT_WE_GWINE_TO_DO">WHAT WE GWINE TO DO?</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Well, de way de thing am lookin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To ol’ Hezzeekyah Yoon,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dis kentry’s gittin’ wussah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de po’ and he’pless coon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey lynch him on de lef’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey lynch him on de right,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey cum an’ git er niggah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In de day an’ in de night.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut we gwine to do?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oh de niggah’s got er moighty</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tuff an’ thorny road to tread—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s bullets, clubs an’ razzahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Allus flyin’ at his head.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It’s er mer’kul all de niggahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Haben’ suffer’d dat same fate.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De string up to de lamp-pos’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de string up to de gate.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de signul’s gibbun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to rally ’roun’ de flag,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah fo’ er minute</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Am er niggah seed to lagg.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De niggah hain’t rebelyus</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Though he doan’ git all things jus’;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He’s loyal to his kentry,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Nebbah habs betrayed his trus’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He allus takes de bitters</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Zactly lak he does de sweet,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He goes right on light hea’ted,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wid er tew step to his feet.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut we gwine to do?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="KAZE_I_KNO_I_KAINT_STOP">KAZE I KNO’ I KAIN’T STOP.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Summah breezes blowin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sun am roas’in’ hot!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ right am de meadows</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to take ’em fo’ er cot!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Grasses sof’ an’ downy,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Am jes’ like er feddah bed!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er spot dat am mo’ ’vitin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ er niggah lay his head!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ah tell yo’ whut’s de mattah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sah, de feebah’s mountain high.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When ah ’fleck ub ah kun’dishyun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Makes dis niggah sot an’ cry.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To hyeah de fo’ks er tawkin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">How de niggah’s got to fare,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey mob, dey burn an’ lynch him,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey skin him lak er hare.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">It’s true dey’s lots er niggahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat am wurfluss to de co’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De debbul wooden’ hab ’em</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Even inside ub his do’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">But de Lawd in heaven knows</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat all de niggahs hain’t dat way,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s lots dat’s good an’ hones’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey nebbah goes estray.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De niggah hain’t to blame—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To cum hyeah he diden’ kyeah.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De white fo’ks, why dey made him,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Why dey fotch’d him obeah hyeah.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ now to knock his head off</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze he’s tryin’ to git erlong,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Accawdin’ to my Bible,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Why de whole thing ub it’s wrong.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De niggah loves dis kentry—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry time he’ll put up fight.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ it wheddah it am</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In de wrong ah in de right.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">But er niggah, kain’t stop!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">White man take it easy,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Am er livin’ lak er king!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Free ez am de buzzahd,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Doesn’t hab to do er thing!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Niggah’d lak to togg up</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In his Sunday meetin’ dress,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ jes’ lak de white man,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sot, an’ lay back, take his res’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">But er niggah, kain’t stop!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sumtimes git to ’fleckin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Scratch dis head whah it doan’ itch!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Axin’ why de Lawd, sah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Diden’ make dis niggah rich!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">But dey hain’t no use to kick,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">But jes’ keep er josslin’ ’long.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den I keeps er whis’lin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er hummin’ at mah song.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze I kno’ I kain’t stop!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ out de crop!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Till Ise’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den I sortah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git er ticklin’ in mah heel!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to go to dancin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">At de ol’ Verginny reel!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Soople ez a skeedah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dance de jig fum night till morn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah stop er minute, bruddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ an’ ache er fo’ er co’n!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">But er niggah, kain’t stop!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="DAHKY_WHUT_YO_DUN">DAHKY, WHUT YO’ DUN?</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, but how er dollah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Is er moighty fren’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In de dead o’ wintah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ idle den.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Winds dey may be howlin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Whizzin’ th’ew de trees!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Needen’ worry, dahky,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ hain’ gwine to freez!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Summah is er flyin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Breezes gittin’ cool!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Beddah be er layin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ wintah fuel!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Leaves begin to fallin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Harvestin’ is dun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Birds am now er troopin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Soufward wid de sun.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hoein’ time is obeah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dahky take yo’ res’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow off wockin’ hahness,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Don yo’ Sunday bes’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fiddles an’ de banjos—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git ’em all in tune,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Nipulate de ditties</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Gibbs de soul er boon!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">In de spring an’ summah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dahky whut yo’ dun?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ridin’ on de skershuns,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Habin’ lots o’ fun?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dancin’ wid de ladies,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Spen’in’ all yo’ got?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Thinkin’ kaze it’s summah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Twill be allus hot?</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ de kine cum</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Knockin’ on de cabin do’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to get er sistance,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tell ’er tale o’ wo’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den’s de time to sho’ yo’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">We’s no easy thing,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Videin’ fo’ yo’ stummucks</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wid ah hoe earnin’.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut yo’ needs er lesson</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In de ’speerence school.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Git de realizayshun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Whah yo’ bin er fool.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den yo’ll git de idea,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dollah is yo’ fren’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Larn to be mo’ kyahful</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ money spen’.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHEN_DE_FIAH_AM_KINDLIN_HOT">WHEN DE FIAH AM KINDLIN’ HOT.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de sno’ it am er fallin,’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Winds er whizzin’ down de lanes,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de fros’ it am er freezin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ yo’ eyes erpun de panes,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut am beddah den er neslin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Roun’ er fiah dat’s roas’in’ hot?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ er pickahninny dahky</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t er mo’ enchantin’ spot.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de breezes am er moanin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sun am sinkin’ lo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de gloomy clouds an’ shaddahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Geddah ’roun’ erbout yo’ do’;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ hyeah de co’n er poppin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">See de cidah all er foam,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In yo’ soul de joy an’ gladness</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Seems eroun’ erbout to roam.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ granny am er hummin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Cat er purrin’ on de rug,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ git er sniff de burbun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat am steamin’ fum de jug—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! de berry ’maggahnayshun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Makes er puson think it’s real.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It am glory! Hesh yo’ mouf, sah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ ax me how yo’ feel.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">All yo’ troubles an’ yo’ burdens</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Seems to take de swif’es flight!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears yo’ berry soul am lif’ed</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To de blissful mountain heights!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whah de lan’s erflo’ wid honey,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Streets an’ alleys paved wid gol’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de simphonnies o’ heaben’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Got er sweetnes’ kaint be tol’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin sing de song o’ Moses,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Shout yo’se’f clah to de sky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny’s den in cloveah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">No time den to weep an’ sigh.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Let de sno’ keep on er fallin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Let de breezes whizz an’ moan,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Longs er pickahninny’s neslin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Roun’ er hot fiah ub his own.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="LAMENTATION">LAMENTATION.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de rent cums due</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ haben got er dollah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ hab to hunt</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ er nuddah place to wollah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De wintah’s dun cum,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de coal pile’s sinkin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s nufin’ in de cupboard</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ stummuck am er tinkin’,</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ head wool geddahs!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ hunt an’ scratch!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ sot an’ ’fleck,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Seems befo’ yo’ keeps er bobbin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De possum an’ de coon,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de peach an’ apple cobblin’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ dream bout summah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wid de joocy wattah millun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’ sotin’ in de middle</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ stummuck jes’ er fillin’,</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ mouf does wattah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ stummuck jes’ jump!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ eyes am all er twinkle</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ hump! hump! hump!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de night cums on</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey hain’t er nuf de kibbah,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">While yo’ bunk an’ snooz</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to keep yo’ fum de shibbah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De coal’s dun sinkin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Till it am no mo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De weddah am at zero,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">De worl am kibbahd in de sno’,</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ head wool geddahs!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ hunt an’ scratch</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHEN_DE_SUMMAHS_DUN_CUM">WHEN DE SUMMAH’S DUN CUM.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de wintah’s dun gone</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de summah’s dun cum,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de birds begin dey wahble</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de bees begin dey hum,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de hills, de fields, de meadows</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wid de verdure all am green,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de heaben’s panorama</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Am er mos’ enchantin’ scene,</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den er niggah kin sing!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Den er niggah kin hum!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de wintah’s dun gone,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de summah’s dun cum!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de vines am climin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Spreadin’ beauty on de run,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de cullahs o’ de lan’scape</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sky dey blen’ ez one,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de flowahs ez dey’s buddin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er blossom’ an’ er bloom,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de breezes fan dey petals</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Koch dey sweetes’ smellin’ ’fume,</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ soul inspahs!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ hea’t does tickle!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den er niggah am happy</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ef he haben’ got er nickel!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de craps am wavin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de tassel’s on de co’n,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de apples am er drapin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sweepahtayters born,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de cabbage am er headin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Swellin’ lak dey got de mumps,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de passnups am er peepin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Winkin’ at yo’ hine de stumps,</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">How er niggah kin whis’le!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">How his soul does ’joice!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Kaze it’s time fo’ de millun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ it’s time fo’ de squash!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_COONS_SERENADE">THE COON’S SERENADE.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">In de lonesum ub de night</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de moon’s er shinin’ bright,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Coon er sotin’ on er stump</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Picks de banjo, plinkertee plump!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sof’ly floats de mournful ’frain</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Cross de dewy, grassy main—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Picks de coon erpun de stump!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry win’ an’ ebbry breeze,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry twig erpun de trees,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Echoes wid de plinkertee plump!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ub de coon erpun de stump!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Picks de coon erpun de stump!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de night glides slo’ly on,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de moon slips down fo’ dawn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de veil draps fum de skies,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de worl’ opens its eyes,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dies erway de plinkertee plump!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ub de coon erpun de stump!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Stops de coon erpun de stump</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="BLISSFUL_ANTICIPATIONS">BLISSFUL ANTICIPATIONS.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ gimme summah all de time,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ lemme take it easy.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ lay back in de cloveah beds</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dream whah it am breezy.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I doan kyeah fo’ no robe ner crown</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez long ez I kin wollah ’roun’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ nebbah hab to hoe de grown’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ha! ha! yo’ thinks Ise lazy!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’d spawk an’ court Miss Lissy Jane—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Umph! but I’d cut er spluttah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’d tell her dis, I’d tell her dat,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fus’ one thing den er nuddah.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">We’d ramble whah de wild flow’rs bloom</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat fill de air wid sweet scent ’fume</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whah dey’s no clouds an’ dey’s no gloom!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">We’d sot de worl’ to fiuttah!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’d git mah banjo fum de wall</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ now an’ den go plinkin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’d make de dahky’s heels jes’ itch</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To dance ez fas’ es winkin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’d make her sing, I’d make her moan,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’d sen’ er tone to Gabriel’s throne,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’d play dem tricks befo’ unknown,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I’d sot de fo’ks to thinkin’!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">I kno’ yo’ thinks dis dahky slo’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ tawkin’ jes’ fo’ blowin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ buildin’ castles in de air,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ debbilment er sowin’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It’s jes, prezaxly lak I say,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ shows Ise ol’ an’ shows Ise gray.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Befo’ de Lawd! it’s almos’ day!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To bed! de chicken’s crowin’!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="PAWSON_JOHNSON_AT_DINNER">PAWSON JOHNSON AT DINNER.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">He’p you’se’f, mah bruddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ make yo’se’f at home!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Kaze yo’ am no stranger</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To Siss Wiggle Sloam.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’head on dat chicken,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Kase it tissen skace!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Doan’ yo’ worry, sistah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I is in no has’e!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Lan’ sakes, Sistah Wiggle,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">You’ treat me lak er king!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ha! ha! ’skooze me, sistah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">One mo’ chicken wing!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tote me few dem waffles,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Chittlins good an’ hot!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbah thing ise eatin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Trabbles to de spot!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd Gawd! Sistah Wiggle,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I jes’ seed dat possum!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hiden’ an’ er grinin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Hine dat sunflow’r blossom!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Fo’ I’d let dat possum</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Git out o’ mah sight,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Th’ow erside mah Gospel,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To de las’ I’d fight!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah, kain’t yo’ sortah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Gibb er little toas’?</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Deed I kain’t, Gawd knows it,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Whah dey’s possum roas’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Feed de lambs, mah Sistah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Whut de good book say!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s fulfillin’ Scripshah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Treatin’ me dis way!”</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="GO_WAY_MAH_HONEY">GO ’WAY, MAH HONEY.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gitin’ sortah ’ristercratic</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sistah Jane, de ol’ roommatic!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow’d erway her dress o’ mattin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wearin’ silk an’ wearin’ satin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Right in style, de lates’ patte’n!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wearin’ hoops, an’ got er bustle!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When she passed, Lawd, how dey rustle!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! she stepped lak Queen o’ Sheeba.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Clah out dressed ol’ Sistah Feeba,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hel’ her trail lak dat Miss Neeba!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">High heel shoes, she’s wearin’, too!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Look to me dey’s numbah two!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Paten’ leddah wid er buckle!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hot stuff, reglah honey suckle!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When she pass’d, oh how fo’ks chuckle!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ yo’ kno’ she had on powdah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">White fo’ks kooden’ looked mo’ loudah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Had her hyah smoothed down wid tallow!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bangs in front was short and shallow!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gibb her face er p’culiar pallow!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! she tried to tawk so proppah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Spoke dem wurds dat was er whoppah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">See her primp her mouf and tickle!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Made her look so pow’ful fickle!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bet she diden’ hab er nickel!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Scan’lous ’bout sum cullahd people!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mattahs not how ol’ an’ feeble!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Git on sum new bibb an’ tuckah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’ll out step sah! ol’ Dan Tuckah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ kyah ef dey’s er co’n shuckah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="BRER_POSSUM_DECLINES">BRER POSSUM DECLINES.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Way in de tree</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sots ol’ Bruddah Possum!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hey, dah; I see yo’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Bruddah Possum, hine de blossom!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ needn’ ac’ so timid,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ner yo’ needen’ ac’ so shy,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s beddah, closeah frenship</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ er possum, closeah nigh!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ ac’in’ moighty ’trary;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Saunter down er minute!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Now, yo’ needen’ hab no worry,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ner pusnul tooberayshuns.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sich, de lak er dat!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cum down, yo’ needen’ boddah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">What de bawkin’ dogs er at!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Look hyeah, Bruddah Possum,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Bleeb yo’ feelin’ kine o’ skeery!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ tiad er coaxin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Makes me feel er little dreary!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ lak so much beggin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ner I doan’ lak so much pleadin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Speshly to mah mine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When dey’s not er bit o’ needin’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ jes’ lak ol’ Bruddah Satan!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Think de odds er gin yo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ keep er fellah waitin’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Well, it doesn’t mattah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ ’sist on me er climein’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hol’ yo’ bref er minute!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Kase hyeah cums up</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Highmen!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="I_HAINT_FOOLIN_HONEY">I HAIN’T FOOLIN’ HONEY.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seed yo’ wid yo’ gal las’ night!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Had yo’ arms eroun’ her tight!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! whut made yo’ squeeze her so?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ bekaze yo’ am her beau?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’d bin her I’d let yo’ go!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seed yo’ try to steal er kiss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she slapp’d yo’ wid her fis’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Po’ gal kooden’ hardly speak!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Shocked to def wid all yo’ cheek!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go way, Gumbo, yo’s er sneak!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yallah, too, hain’t she Gumbo?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Reason dat yo’ love her so!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef she had de wooly hyah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Face ez black ez ol’ pine tah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Court her? bet yo’ wooden’, dah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to marry her, Gumbo?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">What dat? say yo’ doesn’t kno’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ax’d her fo’ her hea’t an’ han’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bet yo’ habben’ got de san’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Fess up, Gumbo, umph! mah lan’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bet she hain’t stuck on yo’ ’tall!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Does she kiss yo’ when yo’ call?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lan’ sakes, Gumbo, yo’ woan’ do!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’way; no, I woan’ kiss yo’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Git yo’ big foots off mah shoe!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">I doan’ kiss no rusty coon!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Who, yo’ be mah chaperoon?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t you foolin’, honey?</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Pick mah comp’ny, whut I do!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd sakes, knows I doan’ want yo’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Good day, home Ise long go due!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="SLEEP">SLEEP.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cums de solemn night,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de day’s tuck flight!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Not er bird ner coon</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Am er whis-lin’ choon.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Slo’ de hours slip ’long</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To de brooklet’s song,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In de sof deep hush</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cums de star’s sweet blush.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In er lonesum tone</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez he creep erlone,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cums de cricket call</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fum de vine clad wall.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Up de hillside steep</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now de moon take creep!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ew de cab’n loft, gleam</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">On er coon in dream.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_PROFUSE_ENCOMIUM">A PROFUSE ENCOMIUM.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lookin’ nice to-night, Miss Liza,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’s out dressed ’em all to-night.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid dat ah so frusterkaytun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ so dazzlin’ in de light!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Please doan’ ’strew mah wurds fo flattah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Spoken incandessenly,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">But! wid mutuallistic frankness</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Cep ’em fabbrykayshenly.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Thank you, Mistah Johnsin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Do yo’ think I look so fine?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Deed sah, Mistah Johnsin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ so asterroshus kine.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Woan’ yo’ sot beside me</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ conversykate er while,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Please doan’ hab no skooples</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze Ize togged up in dis style.”</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Yo’s suppassed yo’se’f, Miss Liza,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Quiv-vah-kay-shah-ently gran’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ grace dis runkshus ’kayshun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Lak one fum de glory lan’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ hab no interjeckshuns</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze sech ’joicin’ frollerkayshun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Gibbs fellerisher-tish-shus glee.”</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">“’Skyoose me, Mistah Johnsin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I doan’ kyah to mingel late,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I wood raddah be specktay-shus</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sotin’ hyeah wid Mistah Gate.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Not dat I doan’ d’ sah yo’ tenshun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ doan’ preeshee-ate yo’ ’’ques’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I prefer tran-quil-ler-kayshun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sotin’ lookin’ at de res’.”</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">“’Cep’ mah ’pology, Miss Liza,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ mah troo-ser-tay-shus ’ques’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I jes ax’d yo’ fo’ politeness,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tho’t yo’d lak to jine de res’.”</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">“’Tain’t er bit o’ trooshun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Mistah Johnsin’, not at tall!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I may grant yo’ axin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When we ’ten’ sum uddah ball.”</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="PEEPIN_THEW_DE_HUSK">PEEPIN’ TH’EW DE HUSK.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dahky, doan’ worry,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de wintah’s dun gone!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Craps am all er sproutin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Soon we’ll hab de sugah co’n!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den we’ll roas’ an’ stew it</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ we’ll fry it in de pan,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow de buttah on it</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Nufin’ fineah in de lan’!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">See de wattah milluns</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">How dey’s cumin’ on de vine!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd er mussy, chillun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Puts yo’ teef erpun de grine!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ think er bout ’em,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Gits mah stummuck all er jump!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hea’t er fas’ah beatin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er thumpin’! thump! thump!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de wattah milluns</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git kervellopd on de vine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Winkin’, peepin’ at yo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">How er dahky’s eyes shine!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ buss’ ’em open</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ see de blushin’ red,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Haben’ got er minute</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de bressins to be said!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sun ’er creepin’ higher,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Am ’er gittin’ pow’ful hot!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hoein’ an’ er weedin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Am er dahky’s tufes’ lot!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To de hoe er stickin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Till yo’ back jes’ ache an’ ache,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sun er pohin’ on yo’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Makes er dahky nahly bake!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mo’ yo’ keeps er hoein’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fas’ah seems to gro’ de grass!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dahky gits to thinkin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hoein’ time will ebbah las’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Weedin’ an’ er hoein’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ef er dahky was to stop,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sho’ ez am de gospel</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wooden’ git er bit o’ crop!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="AXIN_COON_CUM_OBEAH">AXIN’, COON? CUM OBEAH.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Meadows lak er feddah bed,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sproutin’ cloveah white an’ red,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sof’ ez pillahs to de tread,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Milluns loafin’ in de grass,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Flirtin’ when er coon cum pass,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When er look he dat way cas’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cabbage loafin’ ’roun’ de stump,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lookin’ sassy fat an’ plump,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Swellin’ up all in er bump,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Coon er wockin’ at de co’n,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doh dat’s all fo’ what he’s born,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wockin, night and’ wockin’ morn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t got time cum obeah!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="HUSTLE">HUSTLE.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ lag an’ fool</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Erlong de way—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ ’spec’ to do</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">All in er day—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Things will cum</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Out by an’ by,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Musen’ stop</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To stew an’ sigh.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den’s when success</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">May be nigh—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ lookin’ back—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">T’ see whose cumin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">On de track—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry time</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s losin’ groun’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Time yo’ take</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ gawkin ’roun’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To git er crown—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Er good co’n crop—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nebah git it</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ stop—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De corn to gro’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Full co’n stawks</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In ebbry ro’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ be skaid</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To use de hoe—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To argufy—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">T’ make sum fellah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Out er lie—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ha’f de time</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s losin’ win’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Same time doin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Er little sin.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Aftah all</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ nuffin in—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="GO_SLEEP">GO SLEEP.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De boogahman koch yo’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ peep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He prowlin’ ’roun’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sof’ ez er cat—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He kno’ whah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Li’l’ pickahninny’s at—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Still ez er mouse</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When creepin’ keep—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De boogahman</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Am moighty peert!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He sly ol’ fox</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat’s on de ’lert!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I hyeah de boogahman</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Creep, creep creep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He kotch er hol’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ shake de do’—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ ope his mouf</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ said wo’, wo’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="KAZE_DE_SUN_AM_SINKIN">KAZE DE SUN AM SINKIN’.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gone er sleepin’ an’ er doze—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">All de day er lookin’ gran’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ er ’fumein’ up de lan’,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Baskin’ now in slumbah’s stran’—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Peepahs shet an’ fas’ ersleep,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Crystal brooklet glidin’ ’long</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Chants to dem er cradle song,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Res’ an’ slumbah, weary throng—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy am de flow’rs,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lull’d ersleep in fairy realm,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">All dey tinsels tints an’ hue</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat attracts de bees an’ woo,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Closed dey now am all to view—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Soon will wake wid birds an’ bees,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When de sun’s dun sinkin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de sunlight mounts to view,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">At de tech o’ mornin’s dew</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Once mo’ will dey ope to view—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun’s dun sinkin’!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="SOFT_FALLS_THE_NIGHT">SOFT FALLS THE NIGHT.</h2>

-

-<p class="center">This Poem is dedicated to <span class="smcap">Miss Anna Hall Smith</span>.</p>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">And chases ’way</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The slowly dying</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Summer day.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The sun from his</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ethereal height,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Is curtained by</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The shades of night.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The birds that tune</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Their song with nature</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In commune</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now hush their lays</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Seek silent rest,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Within their downy</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Leafy nests.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sweet peace divine</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In each heart comes</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To be enshrined,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">While angels pause</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">On earth to show’r</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The blessings of</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The sovereign pow’r.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">A peaceful sleep</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">O’er earthly mortals</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Doth now creep.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">They rest now from</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Their day’s pursuit—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The world is still,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The world is mute.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The verdure green</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now glistens with</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">A dewy sheen.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The flowers droop,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Their petals close,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">They dream away</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In sweet repose.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Soft fades the night—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Lo! breaks the dawn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">And nature ’wakens</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">With the morn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Exultingly</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sends up her lays,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Her symphonies,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To God in praise.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="GIT_ON_BOARD_CHILLUN">GIT ON BOARD, CHILLUN.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De Gospel train am er scootin’ down de rail!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fas’ah den er ship wid er ruddah an’ er sail!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De Lawd in heaben am de steam an’ de pow’r!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He run dat train forty millun miles an’ hour!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ es stroke ub de throttle</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sends her clah to heaben’s tow’r!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">No sinnah tribe kin ebbah ride on dat train!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De debil ner his imps ef day’s cut loose fum dey chain!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">None but de lams ub de good Lawd’s fol’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kin ride dat train to de streets o’ gol’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de ’liggun lak an’ ocean obeahflowin’ in yo’ soul!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">She’s jes’ lak lightnin’ an’ de quibbah o’ de eye!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez she’s puffin’ an’ er steamin’ in er trabblin’ to de sky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">She’s limited, too, an’ she goes clah th’ew!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">She’s got no time fo’ to fool wid yo’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ mus’ git on board, when de time cums, doo!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat train hain’t skeddul fo’ de secun’ time.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to cum an’ fotch yo’ to de heabenly clime!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">She goes straight on an’ she doan’ tarn back!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When she once git start why she hain’t gwine to slack!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Till she runs in heab’n on de right side track!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De debil ner his imps kaint wreck dat ol’ train!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez she’s dashin’ an’ er steamin’ o’er de mountains an’ de plain!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">She sticks to de rail lak de hyah on yo’ back!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she nebbah was known fo’ to jump fum de track!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de Lawd’s at de throttle an’ he sho’ got de knac’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="UNCLE_NED_AN_DE_MOCKIN_BIRD">UNCLE NED AN’ DE MOCKIN’ BIRD.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Mocking Bird,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s moighty lazy.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ doan’ do nufin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">But sing dat song,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Till de daylight’s gone</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de night cum ’long.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Er coon has got to hoe an’ hoe,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Till de sinkin’ sun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tells de day to go.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd, but yo’ sing</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">So pow’ful sweet!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Perched up dah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ leafy seat.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Is yo’ lonesum?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Does yo’ hea’t feel sad?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears to me</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat yo’ soul feels glad.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez Ise wockin’ hard,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sweet ez de cloveah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ song</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Floats obeah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Way in de co’nfield</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Whah de medlark sings,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Up in de bough</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ub de tree it clings.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ nebah wock</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">But yo’ bread is sho’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Out in de yahd;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Fo’ ebbry do’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sum kine han’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Th’ows de little crum!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze dey kno’ fo’ sho’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat yo’ boun’ to cum.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De good Samaritan</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Part dey play.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Let yo’ go ’way?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hungry? No!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dey nebah wood,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kase de Lawd wood say</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat dey wasn’t good.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">I kinedah lak</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To hyeah yo’ sing,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ is too lazy</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To flop yo’ wing,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sing on,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fill de worl’ wid song.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I mus’ be gittin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Mah wock er long.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="PO_LIL_RASTUS">PO’ LI’L’ RASTUS.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Little Rastus feelin’ blue—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Out o’ sorts an’ gloomy, too!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Broke his little hobby hoss.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Makes de little fellah cross.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ cry, honey, ’tain’ much loss.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">He jes’ wo’ out, rompin’ ’roun’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Git up, honey, fum de groun’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah, dun spiled yo’ dress,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ it am yo’ Sunday bes’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now hain’t yo’ er poody mess!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut dat stickin’ on yo’ han’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ bin in de ’lasses can.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut dat whut de Bible say</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Bout de chile dat steal dat ’way?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He’ll go whah de bad man stay!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat ol’ bad man am er sight.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cum er sneakin’ ’roun’ at night.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cum an’ koch yo’ when yo’ sleep,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den he take er great big leap!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Down er hol’ dat’s way down deep!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cum hyeah, little wooly head.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to tuck yo’ way to bed.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah, de day dun gone!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Shaddahs streamin’ th’ew de co’n,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sleep until de sunlight dawn!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="SAMBOS_RAIN_PHILOSOPHY">SAMBO’S RAIN PHILOSOPHY.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut’s de use o’ raisin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Bout de weddah, cain?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kase dey’s wid de sunshine</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Mixed in clouds an’ rain;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ ez well be lafin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Joicin’ in yo’ soul.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Frettin’ an’ er stewin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Makes yo’ gray an’ ol’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ ’spec’ to allus</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git things jes’ yo’ way.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Keep yo’ eye kock’d open</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">On er beddah day.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Learn to ’cep’ de weddah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ez de Lawd control,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In time will be shinin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sunshine bright an’ gold.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd am boun’ to sen’ de</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Changes now an’ den,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze He knows whut’s beddah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ yo’ in de en’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ He sends de sunshine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Nex’ He sends de rain,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To gibb life an’ viggah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To de gol’en grain.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">It’s de rainy weddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Buds de flowahs out,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Makes de wattahmilluns</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de ’tayters sprout;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It’s de rainy weddah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Makes de fahmahs shout;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Drives erway de famine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Drives erway de drout.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="JES_KEEP_ER_LOOKIN_UP">JES’ KEEP ER LOOKIN’ UP.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ fren’s dey all fo’sake yo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Think yo’ gwine flat to de wall,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Salt an’ peppah nebbah’ll save yo’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fum an ebbah las’in’ fall.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">You’ll keep allus lookin’ up,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ habben’ got er dollah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ no place to lay yo’ head,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de meadows an’ de co’n fields</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Only places fo’ yo’ bed;</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef de fo’ks am cuttin’ capeahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Fo’ yo’ puttin’ on dey airs,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid dey silks an’ wid dey satins,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ all uddah kine o’ wares.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ll keep allus lookin up,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey may tramp erpun yo’ feelin’s,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dey may kick yo’ on de co’n,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ may tarn dey nose up at yo’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ez dey pass yo’ in dey scorn;</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Smiles dey nebbah may hab fo’ yo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Bes’ yo’ll git will be er frown,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sum wurds mos’ harshly spoken,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze dey think dat yo’ is down.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef fo’ bread yo’ ax er bruddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ instead yo’ git er stone,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ ax fo’ consullayshun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ bahly git er groan,</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sum knock yo’ off yo’ shins,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ think yo’ nebah gwine to rise,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Swah to God dey nebbah dun it,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Meekly tell all kine o’ lies;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Let ’em go on hykerflootin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry dog sho’ habs his day;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey am uddah months, mah bruddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ es pleasant, ez am May.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="WISHED_ID_RODE_MAH_HOSS">WISHED I’D RODE MAH HOSS.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Rode on dat ah ’lectric kyah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">No musstake it raised mah hyah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Oddah bin er long!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah seed sech runnin’ son!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Swo’ we’s flyin’ to de sun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gee! dat thing did split de ah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nuffin’ wid it kin compah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Oddah bin er long!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry thing wuz blurred in sight!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dus’ flew higher den er kite!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kooden’ tell de lef’ fum right!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When she struck eroun’ de kyerve,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It unstrung mah ebbry nerve!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Oh, but I did squirm!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, she kyahd us down de line!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">No hobo kood stuck behine!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef he had he’d gone stone bline!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den she sortah reel!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Stirred me up fum head to heel!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Lawd but I did quake!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tawk erbout er pow’ful prah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I sho’ made one den an’ dah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Strain was mo’ den I kood bah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Once I hyeahd er moighty crack!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t she’s gwine to leeb de track,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Oddah seed me, Chile!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I felt mos’ prekareyus, son!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t tawkin’ jes’ fo’ fun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="EGGS_EGGS_EGGS">EGGS! EGGS!! EGGS!!!</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When I ’fleck o’ Eastah cum,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gits mah whol’ soul all er hum.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de chickens flopp dey wings,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Roostah cro’, de pullets sings,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gib me ’bove all uddah things—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de little chicks er creep,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Run kerfrolic peep! peep! peep!!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Appetite gits sort impressed,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wood go good, roas’ chicken breas’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Still goes beddah, nebahless.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When eroun’ de ol’ fiah place</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Eggs look yo’ squah in de face,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Git ’em fryin’ in de pan,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Soun’ lak music o’ de ban’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Chillun? Whee! But hain’t dey gran’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Eat ’em poach ’er eat ’em bile,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Make yo’ hit yo’ granny, chile.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ eat ’em scramble, son,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Feel dat yo’ kood lif er ton,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Er brack bar yo’ kood out run.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="IT_AM_DE_POSSUM_TIME">IT AM DE POSSUM TIME.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Weddah gittin’ chilly,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fros’ er fallin’ on de vine!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Leaves er tarnin’ yallah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Now de possum time is fine!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hickahnuts er fallin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wid er thud, thud, thudd!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Poppin’ an’ er crackin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er bus’in out de bud!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">It am de possum time!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yes, it am de possum time!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It am de time er niggah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de coon to go to clime!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Crickets all er hollah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tell er niggah it’s de fall!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ripenin’ am de ’simmons</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de great an’ fo’ de small!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Niggah jes’ er waitin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de fallin’ o’ de sno’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to chase de rabbit</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ez he’s wingin’ on de go!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">It am de possum time!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yes, it am de possum time!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It am de time er niggah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de coon to go to clime!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de sun’s dun sinkin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Cums de shinin’ o’ de moon,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Niggah’ll take de wahpaf</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to go to tree de coon!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de dogs er bahkin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">All er chasein’, all er romp!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sniffin’ at de grasses</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er scratchin’ at de stump!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">It am de possum time!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yes, it am de possum time!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It am de time er niggah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de coon to go to clime!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="STICK_TO_YOUR_RACE">STICK TO YOUR RACE!</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! how some cullahd fo’ks wan’ to be white.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze dey am brack dey doan’ nebah seem right.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s shame ub dey cullah; dey’s shame ub dey race;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat’s why dey wood lak to be white in de face.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze dey kain’t bleech out, O, how dey deplore,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to be cullahd to dem’s sech er bore.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To think de Lawd sent dem all into dis lan’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wif hyah dat am kinky an’ faces dat’s tan.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ to de lef an’ den nex’ to de right,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey look to see if dey am sumfin’ in sight</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To make dem bleech white, gib dem cheeks ub de rose</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sumfin’ to gib dem a high Roman noze.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s kickin’ an fussin’ an’ raisin turmoil</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze dey kain’t git hol’ de right kine ub oil</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To take way de kinky effect dey kaint bah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ make it jes’ lak de white folk’s auburn hyah.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey use mutton sooit an’ tallow, an’ lard,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oh Lward er Mussy! but don’t dey try hard!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To make it look wabey an’ glossy an’ slick.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den paht in de middle dey am right to de quick.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef dey hain’t no hope, why dey go git a wig.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It mus’ be made fum white fok’s hyah, too, by jig.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Umph; who; Miss Sukie? why she wooden’ dah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To wah a wig made fum a coon’s nappy hyah.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut’s de use er kickin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze o’ sech rot?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze yo’ kain’t bleech,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ turn white on de spot!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ hyah’s kinky,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s brack ez de tar,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Thank de good Lawd</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’s jes’ lak yo’ are.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="MEMORIAL_DAY">MEMORIAL DAY.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">To sound of muffled drums to-day,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">With slow and solemn tread;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The soldiers march with banners draped</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Where dwell heroic dead.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">The blue, the gray of this fair realm</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Assemble o’er this land,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Recount the deeds of valiant men</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">As one vast mourning band.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">The rich, the poor, the high, the low,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Observe this sacred day.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">For all alike in days gone by</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Have laid some friend away.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">For death the mighty reaper comes</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To rich as well as poor.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Unwelcome guest though he may be,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">He comes to every door.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">To deck the graves of dear loved ones</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Beneath luxuriant bow’rs,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Countless willing loving hands</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Pluck nature’s tender flow’rs.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The tokens of a reverent love</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">For friends of that blest vale,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">A love the ravages of time</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Can never change nor pale.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">This day recalls much of the past—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The nation’s bloody wars,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">The sacrifice of noble lives—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">To make dominant the stripes and stars.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In philosophic narrative,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In eulogy and praise,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In honor of heroic dead</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The speaker’s voice doth raise.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">And for the country’s honor fought</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The black man once a slave.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Encouched within the history’s folds</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">The statement, “he was brave!”</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Within the marching ranks to-day</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Are remnants of the freed</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Who fought and bled upon the field</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When ’twas the country’s need.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="TRUSSYS_VISIT">TRUSSY’S VISIT.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bress mah life! why, dis hain’t Trussey?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way Chile! whut dat yo’ say?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ hain’t fiddlin’ Peedah’s sonny—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Who’d er tho’t it, any way!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ax me ef I knowed yo’ daddy—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Knowed each uddah yeahs ergo.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Me an’ him hab bof togeddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hoed er many ’taytah ro’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Res’ yo’ duddin’s! take de sofa,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Make yo’se’f jes’ lak yo’ home.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Cep’ mos’ free mah hooskerpalty,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Plenty time eroun’ to roam.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">See, hyeah, Dina, am dem chittlins</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dem hog feet th’ew er bile?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Who yo’ think we got fo’ dinnah?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ol’ fren’ Fiddlin’ Peedah’s chile!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Well, sah, I hain’t seed yo’ daddy</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Since dat fight at Possum Trot.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dog mah socks, we bof togeddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Whoop’d de debbil on de spot!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Still er libbin’ down in Guinea?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Why, dat’s my ol’ rompin’ groun’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er spot, ner nook, ner crebbice</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat I doan’ know ’bout dat town.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ready, Dinah? Bress de Lawd! umph!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Mah ol’ lady am er sight.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kin she cook? Whut? Doan’ yo’ staht me!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">She kin sho’ put things up right!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Walk out, Trussy; go pertaykin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ub de bes’ de ol’ man’s got!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kose tain’t much, but prob’ly sumfin’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dah will kinedah tech de spot!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’head, say de bressins, Trussy,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de Lawd sakes cut ’em short.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lemme pos’ yo’ fo’ yo’ staht in,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ preach an’ try to e’ort—</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Make us thankful, Heab’nly Faddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ dis hyeah pussipyus spread;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hyeah deez few mos’ feeble ’spreshyuns</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat yo’ umble sahvunt shed.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Gibb us wid ah daily bread, sah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Chicken, an’ all sech ez dat!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow in now an’ den er possum,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Coon wid plenty lean an’ fat!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Po’ dy bressins on dis family—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Put mo’ chickens on dey roos’;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Things git skace, dey needs er he’pin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Len’ er ban’, gibb ’em er boos’.”</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jump in, Trussy; git to business!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry fellah fo’ himse’f.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut’s hyeah fo’ us on dis table’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Nuf to take er possum’s bref.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ha! ha! Trussy, dem ol’ hog feet</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sots dis ol’ soul all er chune!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ha! ha! Dina? look at Trussy</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kock dat lef’ eye at dat coon!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ hain’t full kin to yo’ daddy</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ doesn’t lak de coon;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Possum, chicken, sweepahtaytahs.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sumpshus musherroon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tell us ’bout ol’ Tootsy Tadpole.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Slipshod Beebe, Feeby Scott!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Susan Rhinehole. Sukie Slowup,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Husky Botts, de res’ de lot.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Does I ’membah Slimmy Twostep?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Who? dat dah ol’ onry cuss?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Usetah hug de stove when happy,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In church raised all kine o’ fuss?</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gibb him mo’ coon dumplin’s, Dina!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sakes! he’s jes’ fell into eat.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tote him few dem frizzlin’ passnups,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Lecktrifies yo’ to yo’ feet!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whah’s ol’ Susan Peecock, Trussy?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Is de debbil got her yet?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sakes o’ lie! she’s got mo’ husban’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Den yo’s fingers got, I’ll bet!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cum on wid dem pig tails, Dina!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ be primpin’ in de glass!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ make de ol’ man wait so,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ look poody nuf to pass.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bress de Lawd! whee! glory! glory!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">No joke, dem am sizzlin’ hot!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lissen at de res’ dem fellahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Prayin’ an’ singin’ in de pot!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’way, Fido! see hyeah, Dina!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kick dat debbil out de do’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry time he sniffs dem chittlins</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">He’s er hangin’ ’roun’ hyeah, sho’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">See hyeah, chile! yo’ hain’t th’ew eatin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Rake mo’ dumplin’s on yo’ plate!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go dem flapp jacks, sum dat grabey,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eat ’long in de mopein’ gait.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Pass de ol’ man few dem biskits;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">B’lieve I’ll take sum poke chops, too!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Little mo’ dat drap down coffee,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Nuddah dose dat bullyun stew.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go on in de pollah, Trussy,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ got ernuf to eat.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I’ll be th’ew in jes’ er minute,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Den we’ll go an’ thrash sum wheat.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="IS_YO_LONESUM_HONEY">IS YO’ LONESUM, HONEY?</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de twilight fall,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de koo-koo call,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ doan’ hyeah ’tall</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dis hyeah coon’s foot fall,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de moon creep high,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In de starlit sky,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ sot an’ sigh,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze I doan’ cum nigh,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de night creep on,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Till de sun brings dawn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ wake an’ yawn</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In de cool ob de morn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Still, yo’ lonesum, honey?</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="LARN_TO_HEP_YOSEF">LARN TO HE’P YO’SE’F.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Dahky, ef yo’d win,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ stop fo’ knocks on shin,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Stop yo’ whinin’, try an’ try,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time to weep an’ sigh.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dah’s whahin’ yo’ success lie.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ mus’ fus’ prove yo’s er man.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Try’n to ’skewt sum noble plan,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, de white fo’ks knows yo’s brave,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ dis freedom lan’ to save,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’ fit on lan’ an’ wave.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">All de white fo’ks hain’t yo’ foe.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey will gibb yo’ plenty, sho’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">All er long dey’s bin mos’ kine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He’p’d yo’ ’long er many line,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Is to all dis yo’ stone bline?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dah’s Abe Linkum, Phillips, too,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bet yo’ life dey fit fo’ yo’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Thousands mo’ dat I kood name,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Mong dem, men o’ nashnul fame,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ yo’ dahky dun de same.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sum de white fo’ks moighty mean,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Likewise sum de brack fo’ks seem</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry race got p’culiar way,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Guess it all goes in de play;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Live in hopes dey’ll change sum day.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin shout an’ yo’ kin sing.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Think yo’s ’neef de mahstah’s wing.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">But yo’ll nebah git er crown</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ sot an’ fool eroun’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dis am Gospul true an’ soun’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dahky, stop dat little song—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gimme Jesus, take worl’ ’long,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">T ry to grip sum o’ dis lan’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den yo’ll feel mo’ lak er man;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ am boun’ to git sum san’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="COURTIN_O_DE_PHONE">COURTIN’ O’ DE PHONE.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When er sotin’ lone,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin call yo’ honey—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Go to courtin’ o’ de phone.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Drives erway de shaddahs,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Makes yo’ quit yo’ fret an’ stew,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fills yo’ soul wid sunshine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Opens up yo’ hea’t ernew.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dis yo’, Liza Jane?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Yes, dis am yo’ honey,”</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Cums de sweet an’ sof’en ’frain.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den yo’ go to pohin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In her ear de words o’ love:</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tickles her to def,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ makes her think she am er dove.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When yo’ hyeah her say:</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Honey, when yo’ gone it’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Allus night an’ nebbah day,”</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears dat while dey’s fallin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ ear, dat lovin’ tone,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin see yo’ honey</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Standin’ dah befo’ de phone.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sweetah grows de tone.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Makes er niggah neerly</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ram his head clah th’ew de phone.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze dem sugah wurds</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dey sho’ly make yo’ hea’t inspah—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Lecktrifies yo’ spirit,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sots yo’ whol’ soul all er fiah!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When de day is dun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">You no mo’ kin see de</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Blazin’, dazzlin’, sinkin’ sun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ lub to ’membah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Bout yo’ courtin’ o’ de phone,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ muse an’ pondah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ cabin all er lone!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="LONESUM_VALLEY_CHRISTMUS_TREE">LONESUM VALLEY CHRISTMUS TREE.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bes’ ub all de Chrismus ’tainmunts</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat I axshly ebbah seed,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Was de one at Lonesum Valley</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">At de church ub Pawsun Weed.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">All de ol’ fo’ks an’ de chillun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dress purraded out dat night,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To de graid big Chrismus ’tainmun’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to git dey Chrismus mite.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When dey’s geddahd in dat chapel,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Bruddah.—? Dey was thick ez hops,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de chillun seed de candy,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Smack’d dey moufs an’ lick’d dey chops.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey was He, He, an’ er lafin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er clappin’ o’ dey han’s,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ dey jaws jes’ kep’ er crackin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Lak de chittlins in de pans.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de ol’ fo’ks tell yo’ honey,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sah I bleeb dey was de wuss.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s so ankshus fo’ dey ’freshmun’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dey’s mos’ reddy fo’ to bus’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Preechah Weed wid dat dah swallow</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tail an’ ves’ ub his cut low,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ had all de flouncin’ sistahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Leggin’ fo’ to be his boh.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Hookey he puzzided;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Felt so big he thowt he’s king;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tuck er ball bat, rapp’d fo’ ordah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Said, let’s cleah ah th’oats an’ sing.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Well, he tuck his pussnel meedah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Gib de linin’ ub de hymn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ dey sing’d de “Weepin’ Moses”</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey sing’d it too, by Jim!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">At de klooshun ub dat ditty,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Deekun Jaspah put up prah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow’d his haid clah to de ceilin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dough he seed de Gates er jah.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dis hain’t true, I’ll eat de ’possum,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sech er prah yo’ nebbah hyea’d;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Scratch’d his haid an’ weep’d an’ hollahd</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tell his eyes lak blud was red.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, he’s moanin’ and er tonein’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er kotchen’ ub his bref—</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Spit erpun his han’s an’ rubb’d em—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Pound de bench fum right to lef’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Las’ he ’klooded an’ de sistahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Staht to sing plantashun coon.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Hookey diden’ lak it;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tol’ ’em dey was mos’ too soon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">But de mos’ fun ub de evenin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Was when gibbin’ presen’s out.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’d er crack’d yo’ sides er lafin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tell yo’d got er hol’ de gout.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">On de tree dey was er chicken;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wasn’t laybeld wid er name.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de dahkies hyeahd erbout it</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry one put up er claim.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Gyahdnah spied de chicken</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Floppin’ ’neef de Chrismus tree;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Made er home run wid er hollah;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">“Dat dah chicken am fo’ me!”</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Well, sah, when he hollah’d chicken</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Twas de same ez holl’rin fiah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ dat chicken was er stampeed</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In de church an’ in de quah.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sum de sistahs dat had room’ticks</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de aches fo’ yeahs an’ yeahs,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ dat chicken was er scramblin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ a fallin’ obeah cheers.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Preechah Weed he got so ’cited</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat he run clah out his coat,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fell ergin de stobe kerwollup!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Butt his haid an’ swo’ by note.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">But he jump’d up in er jiffy,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Feelin’ lak he was befo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gibb er ban’ spring fo’ dat chicken,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">But by Jinks he’s mos’ too slo’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Dough he hit he’s haid er stunnah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Diden’ eben make er dent,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze, he’s so much lak de debbil,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Haid was hard ez adament.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">All de time de res’ was skufflin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er kickin’ right an’ lef’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Got so bunkshus an’ bumbastic</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dey kood hahdly ’tain deyse’f.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Loudah! Loudah! Got de janglin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Mo’ an’ mo’ dey ring’d dey bluf’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wuss de grabbin’ fo’ de chicken</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Den’s when dey got at it ruf.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sum done pullin’ out dey razzahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er kyahvin’ fo’ de koh.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">All de sistahs got to axin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Lawd sake leeb us out de doh!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fin’ly Bruddah Moses wid er</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kinedah p’culiar kine er trick,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kotch’d de poultry, made er bee-line,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Cut er reg’lah dubble quick.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den sum swo’ day had bin kunjud,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Uddahs ’clahd dey’d bin hoo-dood,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lef’ de ch’ch er swahin’ vengeance</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In de wusses’ kine er mood.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="YES_WEES_GOT_ER_FLAG">YES, WEES GOT ER FLAG.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ise hyeahd while in mah ramblin’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat ah mos’ subnoxshus choon,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat ebry bressed nayshun’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Got er flag excep’ de coon.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I hyeah de white fo’ks sing it,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ I hyeah de niggahs, too—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De way de niggahs sing it</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Seems dey ’cep’ de thing fo’ true.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">It sut’ly am mos’ ’gustin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Way de niggahs sing de thing.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey clap dey ban’s an’ hollah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sot de kentry all er ring.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I doesn’t blame de white fo’ks</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ha’f ez much I do de coon</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ singin’ an’ er whis’lin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sech er “singyooaytin’” chune.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De little pickahninnies</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Why dey sing dat meetah, too!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey clap dey han’s an’ hollah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Zackly lak de ol’ fo’ks do—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ when I hyeah dem sing it</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ez dey dance an’ joobah pat—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">I feels lak walzin’ to ’em</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ jes’ knock’n dem out dey hat.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De blood ub ah ol’ foddahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ah er cry in’ fum de groun’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun! chillun, lissun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ hyeah de doleful soun’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ergin’ sech kine ub ’spreshuns</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er gin sech kine ub choons,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">“Dat ebry race an’ nayshun’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Got er flag excep’ de coon.”</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey fo’git when Bruddah Linkkum</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Gibb er call in sixty-one.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ fo’ks to jine de army</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ebry niggah grabb’d his gun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He lef his little cabin</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">While de ole fo’ks stood in tears.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To fight fo’ dis hyeah kentry</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ez true faithful volunteers.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doh de po’ ol’ niggah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Doesn’t allus git his rights.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ his loyal kindness</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Lots er kicks an’ lots ub smites.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yet ’twas ’neef dat banner</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ha’f er millun niggahs fought.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">He’p’d to win de vict’rys</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat dis mighty kentry wrought.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Let all ub de niggahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Teach dey chillun all to love.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat ol’ starry banner</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat am floatin’ up er ’bove.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Spite ub all ah trubble</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Things dat makes ah progress lagg,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Membah dat Ol’ Glory</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Am ah bannah, am ah flag!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun! chillun, lissun!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When dis niggah’s in his grave,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Let dat dah ol’ banner</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">O’er dis niggah ebbah wave.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Kaze dat dah ol’ banner</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Undah which ah foddahs fought,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Am de only banner</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to love dat I was taught.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="HI_MISTAH_DAHKY">HI, MISTAH DAHKY.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De hoein’ time’s er cumin’—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Loafin’s nearly obeah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ er fiddlin’ an’ er drummin’,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dancin’ wid de ladies</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ er steppin’ lak er racer,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Drinkin’ Tom an’ Jerry</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sum burbon fo’ er bracer.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bin er ’joicin’ all de wintah?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Spawkin’ wid de ladies</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ er cuttin’ quite er splintah?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dressed up lak er peacock</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hyah all pawted in de middle,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Shakein’ lak er wilier</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ er prancin’ to de fiddle?</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">See de sun er gittin higher?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Pohin’ down de heatin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lak er Sodom an’ Gomire.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Showers am er fallin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de gawden craps er sproutin.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In yo’ soul is yo’ er doubtin’?</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mo’ den singin’ an’ er prayin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De Mastah am requirin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In dis worrul while yo’s er stayin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Spendin’ all yo’ time</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Shoutin’, knockin’ down de benches,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Beddah take mo’ time fo’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hoein’, fixin’ up yo’ fences.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Am de meadows lookin’ temptin’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lak er bed er feddahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Make yo’ dream lak Israel kemptin’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sympathizin’ wid yo’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">But de fo’ks is dun er sowin’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now de nex’ thing am de hoein’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">In yo’ soul will yo’ be singin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ see de millins</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">On de runnin’ vines er clingin’?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sugah co’n er tasslin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de punkins tarnin’ yallah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Seasonin’ an’ er sweetenin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ meely, gittin’ mellah.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="DEYS_ER_COL_WAVE_BRESHIN_NIGH">DEY’S ER COL’ WAVE BRESHIN’ NIGH.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Trees dey leaves er sheddin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de grasses tarnin’ brown.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Summah days is obeah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de wintah’s cumin’ roun’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lonely quail er callin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wid er weary lonely sigh,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sno’ will soon be fallin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Soon er fallin’ fum de sky.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Coolsum is de weddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dey’s er col’ wave breshin’ nigh.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Look out fo’ de wintah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze it’s cumin’ by an’ by.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun at de wailin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ jes’ lissun at de moan,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun at de sighin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tell yo’ dat’s de wintah’s tone.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Craps dun quit er sproutin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Not er millun’s on de vine.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Haint er watah seedin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Not er portion ub er rhine.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Long time fo’ to wait</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Until de wintah leaves dis clime,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Summah cums er totein’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Roun’ de sweet ol’ millun time.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t no use er kickin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de Lawd is got control,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Makin’ ub de weddah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eedah hot ah eedah col’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah ax er pussun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Nebbah no whah on de spot,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wheddah dey would lak to</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hab de weddah col’ er hot.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">So jes’ well keep joggin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Long er happy sort er way,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Crackin’ jokes er whislin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Till de wintah goes estray.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Weddah doesn’t suit yo’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ well make yo’se’f content.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Larn to’cep’ de weddah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Any sort er way it’s sent.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="FORCE_OF_WORDS">FORCE OF WORDS.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Chicken stew</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Was all I said.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Made dat coon</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hop out o’ bed,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Butt his head</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ergin de wall</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kooden’ stan’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">De thing at all.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ dat menshun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ dat talk,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Made dat coon’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Eyes white ez chawk.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Looked eroun’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ licked his chops</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez doh he hyeahd</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dey wings flopp! flopp!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Well, dem wurds,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dey struck dat coon</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lak er ’lectric</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Shock in June!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kooden’ sleep</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">No mo’ dat night,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Rolled an’ tossed</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Until daylight.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="I_TOL_YO_SO">I TOL’ YO’ SO.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Playin’ out dah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wid dat white trash’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’ back</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wood git er lash;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Pay no ’tenshun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Whut I say,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Allus got</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sum uddah way,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wished yo’ haddah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">P’haps, sum day.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ de wusses’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Chile in town,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Foll’rin’ all</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">De white trash ’roun’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Aftah Peedah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">John and Paul,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ thing fightin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wid ’em all;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den de niggah’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fus’ to fall.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Licked de ’lasses</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Off yo’ bread,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den dey knocked</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ in de head.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Called yo’ niggah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sich ez dat</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Said yo’ hyah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wuz lak er mat.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! Dem white fo’ks</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Made yo’ scat.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! Dey skaid</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ mos’ to def.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ out o’ bref.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Run so fas’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dun los’ yo’ hat,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Got no idea</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Whah it’s at;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to whoop</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ good fo’ dat.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_PASSING_OF_NIGHT">THE PASSING OF NIGHT.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De moon’s dun sneaked</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Clah out er sight,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De stars dun quit</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dey peepin’;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De shaddahs dun gone</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Stole erway,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De world’s dun quit</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">It’s sleepin’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">De hours dey’s slowly</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Creeped erlong</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Until de world’s in light</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ song;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">De sun smiles on</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Creation’s throng—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Er cross de worl’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Goes sweeping.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_TALE_O_WOE">A TALE O’ WOE.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Manny am de battle</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dahky’s got to fight.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry tarn he’s makin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Trouble’s dah in sight.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef he’s got de ’liggun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Puffec’ to de spot,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hard to keep fum cussin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Losin’ all he’s got.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">White fo’ks got de money,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">White fo’ks got de lan’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ wan’ a po’ dahky</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hab er place to stan’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef dey miss er chicken</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ef dey miss er goose,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ thing grab er dahky</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de calerboose.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Long ez he’s er hoein’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Diggin’ in de san’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bress yo’ soul, say, mistah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">He am jes’ de man.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Let him git de money</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Cumin’ mos’ too fas’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">White fo’ks git to skeemin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Say it mussen’ las’.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="LULLABY">LULLABY.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, Pickahninny,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Close yo’ little eyes.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Evenin’ am er ’proachin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tells yo’ sleep an’ quit yo’ cries,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mammy’s gwine to keep</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">All o’ de boogahman erway—</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gyahd her little pickahninny</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Till de cumin’ day.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, pickahninny,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sleep an’ take yo’ res;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sleep wid all de cumfort</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Ub de birdies in dey nes’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When de sun’s dun sinkin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In de eas’ begin to rise,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mammy’s little pickahninny</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Den kin ope’ its eyes.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, pickahninny,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Mammy’s little love,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">May de gyahdin’ angels</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hubbah ’roun’ de fum erbove.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid dey sof’en sweeten whispahs</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Keep de lull’d er sleep,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">While de weary lonely hours</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Slowly onward creep.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, pickahninny,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Keep er fas’ er sleep,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">While de weary, lonely hours</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Slowly onward creep.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Day will soon be breakin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Sun er creepin’ ’cross de skies,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Mammy’s little pickahninny</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Den kin ope it’s eyes.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_ECSTASY_OF_UNCLE_JOE">THE ECSTASY OF UNCLE JOE.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Feel lak shoutin’ hallelooyah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Habben’ got an’ ache ner pain.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Los’ dat kahnsahn roomertism,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">No mo’ hobblin’ wid dat cane.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Things look lak de Eden Gawden,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hardly bleeb dis am mah se’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dis am bliss in ebbry ’ticklah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Tickles mah ol’ soul to def.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat snake oil sho’ did de bizzness,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Geddah wid dem herbs an’ roots.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bress de Lawd! umph! grayshus Mahstah!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hardly stay in mah ol’ boots!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’way, chillun, let yo’ daddy</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Hab de place all to hisse’f.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de ol’ man’s jollyfyin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ he’s drawin’ bran’ new bref.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dis ol’ frame am no mo’ shaky,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Doh I is mos’ eighty-eight.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dem ol’ jints am jes’ ez soople’s</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When Ise in mah youthful state.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Feel lak lay’n erside mah ’liggun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Once mo’ dance de buck an’ wing.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Is dah ’mong yo’ doubtin’ Thomas,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Think dat I kaint do dat thing?</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, I ustah cut it, chillun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When ol’ fiddlin’ Peet was ’roun’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Had all o’ de white an’ brac’ fo’ks</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Beat, dat lived er bout de town.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo bet he was er fiddlah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Make yo’ dance yo’se’f leg bowl.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Played de sweetes’ kine o’ ditties</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat jes’ ’joiced yo’ berry soul.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Look hyeah, Rastus! drap dat fiddle,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ sot dat thing er chune.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ do, in spite mah ’liggun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Make out me er dancin’ coon.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">See, de debbil’s allus skeemin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to make de Chris’shuns sin.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Usein’ chillun in his bizzness,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dat’s de way he takes to win.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now, he put it in li’l Rastus</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to git dat fiddle down.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t I kooden’ r’sist tem’tayshun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to dance at its ol’ soun’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Not dis time, oh, no! Brer Satan,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kin yo’ make out me er clown.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Git me dancin, lose mah ’liggun</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">On de las’ day lose mah crown.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Guess I beddah git de Bible,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Read de Mahstah’s bressed Wurd.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Leeb deez hyeah mischebus raskuls,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze dey’s sum de debil’s herd.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="KEEP_ER_GOIN">KEEP ER GOIN’.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ dat’s in de race o’ life,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nebah stop fo’ little strife,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sum one kick yo’ on de co’n,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nuddah prick yo’ wid er thorn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Toot loudah on yo’ horn,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ sortah lose de track,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ tarn fool an’ saunter back,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time to ax an’ ’quire,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Keep er headin’ fo’ de wire.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Push out in de mud an’ mire.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef de road leads ’roun’ an’ ’roun’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Sumtimes up an’ sumtimes down,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ fall an’ crack yo’ shin,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Git up, koch yo’ secun’ win’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Spruce up, try de thing ergin.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="CLIMIN_UP_DE_HILL">CLIMIN’ UP DE HILL.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to climb de hill o’ fame,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Bet it takes er lot o’ tussel.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It takes er lot er scratchin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ it takes er lot er hus’le.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It’s now an’ den er slip,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ it’s now an’ den er stumble.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’ to reach de summit</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ mus’ keep on meek an’ humble.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ climin’ up de hill,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ will git er lot er clubbin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll git er lot er knockin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ll git er lot er drubbin’!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den yo’ll mope,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Den ergin yo’ll be er creepin’.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll git so tiad an’ weary,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Wan’ to res’ an’ go to sleepin’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ climin’ fo’ de prize,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ mus’ do er lot o’ scramble,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll run into de briars,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ll strike er lot o’ bramble.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll fine er lot o’ thorns</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">’Stead er findin’ lots o’ roses.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Keep er headin’ fo’ de summit,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Dah is whah success reposes.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ mussen’ spec’ er crown</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fus’ widdout sum tribyoolayshun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze dat’s de rule o’ ordah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de white an’ brackes’ nation.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kno’ it’s sumtimes up,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Den ergin it’s in de valley,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Den ergin yo’ go er scootin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Towards de goal yo’ go er sally.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ run on fo’ er spell,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Den ergin yo’ git to slippin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ now an’ den’ll reel,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">Git to trippin’ an’ er tippin’,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">But lak de ship o’ Zion,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">When de waves it am er dashin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ ride right th’ew de storm,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent2">In de harbor cum er splashin’.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span></p>

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="SISTAH_RUFFLE">SISTAH RUFFLE.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">No use tawkin,’ sistah Ruffle</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Am a gittin’ out de kinks;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ up to date in fashun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">She out-dresses sistah Jinks;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Got a bran new dress o’ satin,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid a hot stuff ruffl’d skirt;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Way she’s lookin’ ebry dahky</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">At her grinn’d an’ tried to flirt.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she’s gone an’ got a mobeel</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cumin’ down klah to her feet;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">One dem silks trimm’d in white kawdin,’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It’s a stunnah, kain’t be beet;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ her hat, oh goodness grashus!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Lak a flowah bed o’ bloom;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she fewmigate de breezes,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de sweetes’ kine o’ ’fewme.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, yo’ know ol’ sistah Ruffle,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ustah wash erbout de town;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Had a husbahn dat was leg-bowl,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ as ugly as a clown;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yes de ol’ gal we’ de goggles,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hobblin’ ’roun’ wid roomotick,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Diden’ hab ’em on dat ’kayshun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">She was flouncin’ double quick.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ yo’ know, she am bawlhaided,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">But dat dey she we’ er wig;</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dog mah cats ef yo’ kood tell it,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ could I’d dance’d a jig;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Twasn’t made fum hyah dat’s kinky,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">But fum dat call’d awbun hyah;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Looks so poody slick, an’ wabey,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kine yo’ see de white fo’ks wah.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Had it done an’ roll’d in ribbon,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">On de pompydoro style;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Had deez great big whut yo’ call ’em?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hyahpins yais yo’ right mah chile;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">At de sides she lef’ it bushy</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to kibbah up her yeahs;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kose she seed de white fo’ks do it</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de las’ free o’ fo’ yeahs.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Yais, she had on glasses, go ’way!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dem dat habs de gol’en rim</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ a chain wuz fas’en to ’em,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cumin’ down beneef her chin;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ her bowkey, go’ way honey!</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It wahs flowahs o’ all kine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, it look’d mos’ loud an’ spickyus,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wish’d de lawd it had bin mine.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Oddah seed her when she pass’d us,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Thow’d her head clah to de cloud;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Switch’d her se’f an’ kooden’ see us,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze she’s togg’d up mos’ to loud;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den shed’ gib us, honey,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut yo’ call de cake wa’k gran’,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ her big feet cut no figgah;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Was’ she right? she beet de ban’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">When she’d pass sto’ windahs, honey,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">She’d size up her se’f an’ smile;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Twis’ her-se’f an’ lif her trailah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Cose she tho’wt she’s poody, chile;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Why, I know’d dat dah ol’ dahky</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When she haden’ braid to eat;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">When it cum to shoes an’ sockin’s,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey was stranjahs to her feet.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Now she needn’t be o’ spreadin’</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">On befo’ me any ahs,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de Lawd in heaben knows it,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dat I ’bout her doesn’t kyahs;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">She jes’ lately got a penshun,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ it’s sortah swell’d her haid,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">It’s a wondah diden’ bus’ it,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de dahky isn’t daid.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ yo’ ’membah when she usetah</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wah dat bumzeen yallah dress?</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whah she’s gwine to git de nex’ one,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kep’ her allus on de guess;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Whut I say a ’bout sum dahkies,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ef dey git a rag er to,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Speshly dems po’ as Jobe’s tukehy,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’ll wa’k obah me an’ yo’.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">I jes’ feed dem kine o’ dahkies,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Wid er big long hanel spoon;</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Bet dey needen’ take dis sistah,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ er hankshef haided coon;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze it’s bawn in all ah kin fo’ks,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To be stylish an’ be proud,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah habs dis lady, honey,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">To sech dahkies ebah bow’d.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">

-<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<div class="chapter">

-

-<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_GALLANT_BLACKS_OF_SAN_JUAN_HILL">THE GALLANT BLACKS OF SAN JUAN HILL.</h2>

-

-</div>

-

-<div class="poetry-container">

-<div class="poetry">

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Without a tremor or a pause,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Enlisted for their country’s cause,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">’Mid shout and song the gallant boys</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Charge up the hill of San Juan.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Like war-scarred veterans of old,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Made with patriot ardor bold,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Press they forward towards the goal,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Not a soldier falters.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Blood and carnage everywhere,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Detonations rend the air,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Not for once do they despair,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">But press on to conquer.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">See them charge with matchless splendor</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Heart to heart each one’s defender,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">All praise for the part they render,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">For them is the victory.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">See the starry emblem high;</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">This they’ll keep or all will die.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Forward! Is their battle cry,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">See them still advancing.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Hell of fire ’tis their’s to greet,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Comrades falling at their feet.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Still for them to fight ’tis sweet,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">See them still advancing!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">See the foe’s ranks try to rally,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Thank God! They’ve made their last tally.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Ne’er again will they forth sally,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Lost their hopes forever!</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Another charge! They reach the summit,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">And the prize at last they’ve won it,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Fighting ev’ry inch they’ve done it,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Vic’try on their banner.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Columbia, thou hast won the day,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Tribute on the altar lay.</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Plaudits to those brave boys pay,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">They thy brave defenders.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">Heaven swing thy gates a-wide,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Forever in thy walls abide,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Let those who so nobly died,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Be this, their reward.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">In the starry firmament,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Thou bright gem of government,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Brightest in the firmament,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">Still thy encircling light.</div>

-  </div>

-  <div class="stanza">

-    <div class="verse indent0">As a beacon and a sign,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">To oppressed men ever shine,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent0">Till on this terrestrial ball,</div>

-    <div class="verse indent4">God shall end the reign of all.</div>

-  </div>

-</div>

-</div>

-

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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Plantation Echoes, by E. B. Henderson.
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+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 66997 ***</div>
+
+<div class="transnote">
+
+<p>Transcriber’s Note: Henderson’s writing captures African American dialect
+of his time, but the poems contain slang words and racial stereotypes
+that the modern reader is likely to find offensive.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[1]</span></p>
+
+<h1>Plantation Echoes</h1>
+
+<p class="titlepage">A COLLECTION <i>of</i> ORIGINAL<br />
+NEGRO DIALECT POEMS</p>
+
+<p class="titlepage"><i>By</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Elliott Blaine Henderson</span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter titlepage" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/printer.jpg" width="200" height="75" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="titlepage"><span class="smcap">Columbus, Ohio</span><br />
+PRESS OF F. J. HEER<br />
+1904</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span></p>
+
+<p class="titlepage smaller">Entered According to Act of Congress<br />
+in the year 1904</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">BY E. B. HENDERSON</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">In the office of the Librarian of Congress<br />
+at Washington.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span></p>
+
+<div class="box">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak gothic">Dedication</h2>
+
+<p class="center smaller">THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY<br />
+DEDICATED TO</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">MESSERS.</p>
+
+<p class="center">HOWARD BURBA<br />
+L. WALTER HARRISON<br />
+PROF. L. M. LAYTON<br />
+T. J. McCORMICK<br />
+OSMAN C. HOOPER</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">Literary Editor of the Columbus Dispatch,<br />
+Columbus, Ohio.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">INTRODUCTION</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">The music of the American negro, the fresh and spontaneous
+expression of a good and care-free heart, has
+long been one of the most pleasing features of American
+life. It is human nature in its first vocal garb—original
+and unique, often humorous and always true to the sentiment
+of the singer. If there ever was an illustration of the close
+relationship between language and thought, it is this.</p>
+
+<p>What is true of the melodies of the negro as developed
+in the simple existence on the plantation is also true of that
+other form of singing, verse-making. Among the negroes
+there have sprung up a number of exponents of the wisdom,
+wit and humor of the race. They have caught the spirit of
+others—the humble philosophers of their kind—and they
+have employed the dialect to reproduce the thought in all its
+quaintness and originality. One of the most notable of these
+exponents or interpreters is an Ohio negro, Paul Lawrence
+Dunbar, who has taken high rank among the poets of the day.
+Another is Elliott Blaine Henderson, also a son of Ohio, whose
+first volume of verse is herewith presented.</p>
+
+<p>In much that Mr. Henderson here presents, there is the
+rush of expression and the jingle of words that are so characteristic
+of the negro. There is also humor and there is
+sentiment, and always that other quality which makes verse
+in these days readable—good cheer.</p>
+
+<p>He who correctly interprets the spirit of his race serves a
+good cause, and it is believed that Mr. Henderson will be
+found to have succeeded in his undertaking to make his people
+better and more widely understood.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">E. G. Burkham</span>,<br />
+<i>Editor of the Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<table summary="Contents">
+  <tr>
+    <td>When the Moon Hangs Low</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHEN_THE_MOON_HANGS_LOW">9</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Seems Dey’s No Place</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SEEMS_DEYS_NO_PLACE">10</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Good Bye, Honey, Good Bye</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GOOD_BYE_HONEYGOOD_BYE">12</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Whut We Gwine To Do</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHAT_WE_GWINE_TO_DO">14</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Kaze I kno’ I Kain’t Stop</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#KAZE_I_KNO_I_KAINT_STOP">16</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dahky Whut Yo’ Doin?</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#DAHKY_WHUT_YO_DUN">18</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>When De Fiah Am Kindlin’ Hot</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHEN_DE_FIAH_AM_KINDLIN_HOT">20</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lammentation</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LAMENTATION">22</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>When De Summah’s Dun Cum</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHEN_DE_SUMMAHS_DUN_CUM">23</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>The Coon’s Serenade</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_COONS_SERENADE">24</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Blissful Anticipations</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#BLISSFUL_ANTICIPATIONS">25</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pawson Johnson At Dinner</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PAWSON_JOHNSON_AT_DINNER">27</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Go ’Way, Mah Honey</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GO_WAY_MAH_HONEY">28</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Brer Possum Declines</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#BRER_POSSUM_DECLINES">30</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I Hain’t Foolin’ Honey</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#I_HAINT_FOOLIN_HONEY">31</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sleep—</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SLEEP">33</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A Profuse Encomium</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_PROFUSE_ENCOMIUM">34</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Peepin’ Th’ew De Husk</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PEEPIN_THEW_DE_HUSK">35</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Axin’ Coon Cum Obeah</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#AXIN_COON_CUM_OBEAH">38</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hustle—</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#HUSTLE">38</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Go Sleep</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GO_SLEEP">40</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Kase De Sun Am Sinkin’</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#KAZE_DE_SUN_AM_SINKIN">41</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Soft Falls The Night</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SOFT_FALLS_THE_NIGHT">43</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Git On Board, Chillun</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GIT_ON_BOARD_CHILLUN">44</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Uncle Ned An’ De Mockin’ Bird</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#UNCLE_NED_AN_DE_MOCKIN_BIRD">46</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Po’ Li’l’ Rastus</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PO_LIL_RASTUS">48</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sambo’s Rain Philosophy</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SAMBOS_RAIN_PHILOSOPHY">50</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Jes’ Keep Er Lookin’ Up</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#JES_KEEP_ER_LOOKIN_UP">51</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wished I’d Rode Mah Hoss</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WISHED_ID_RODE_MAH_HOSS">53</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eggs! Eggs!! Eggs!!!</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#EGGS_EGGS_EGGS">54</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>It Am De Possum Time</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#IT_AM_DE_POSSUM_TIME">55</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Stick To Your Race</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#STICK_TO_YOUR_RACE">57</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Memorial Day</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#MEMORIAL_DAY">58</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Trussy’s Visit</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#TRUSSYS_VISIT">60</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Is Yo’ Lonesum, Honey?</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#IS_YO_LONESUM_HONEY">64</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Larn To He’p Yo’se’f</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LARN_TO_HEP_YOSEF">64</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Courtin’ O’ De Phone</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#COURTIN_O_DE_PHONE">66</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lonesum Valley Christmas Tree</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LONESUM_VALLEY_CHRISTMUS_TREE">68</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Yes, Wees Got Er Flag</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#YES_WEES_GOT_ER_FLAG">72</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hi, Mistah Dahky</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#HI_MISTAH_DAHKY">75</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dey’s Er Col’ Wave Breshin’ Nigh</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#DEYS_ER_COL_WAVE_BRESHIN_NIGH">77</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Force Of Words</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#FORCE_OF_WORDS">79</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I Tol’ Yo’ So</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#I_TOL_YO_SO">80</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>The Passing Of Night</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_PASSING_OF_NIGHT">82</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A Tale O’ Woe</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_TALE_O_WOE">83</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lullaby</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LULLABY">84</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>The Exstacy of Uncle Joe</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_ECSTASY_OF_UNCLE_JOE">85</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Keep Er Goin’</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#KEEP_ER_GOIN">87</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Climin’ Up De Hill</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CLIMIN_UP_DE_HILL">88</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sistah Ruffle</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SISTAH_RUFFLE">90</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>The Gallant Blacks of San Juan Hill</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_GALLANT_BLACKS_OF_SAN_JUAN_HILL">93</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHEN_THE_MOON_HANGS_LOW">WHEN THE MOON HANGS LOW.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">A straying chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lost from home</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bewildered, finds</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Itself a-roam.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">And innocently</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stalks the ground,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not dreaming</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">That a coon’s around.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">As evening’s shadows</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gently fall,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The chicken, lonesome,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gives a call.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">A coon steals out</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Soft in the night,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To catch him</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">For his appetite.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">The night is still!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The moon is low!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not e’en a zephyr</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems to blow.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The coon with sack</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Clutched in his hand,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Moves silently</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Across the land.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">The chicken gives</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Another squawk!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The coon has got her</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Like a hawk.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The moon now breaks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Forth into light,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The coon and chicken’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Out of sight.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SEEMS_DEYS_NO_PLACE">SEEMS DEY’S NO PLACE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well er coon kin go to kollege</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git his head chucked full o’ knowledge,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till he knows ez much ez Solomon de wise.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He kin study an’ summize,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Count de stars up in de skies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tawk erbout yo’ eddeekayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ in de cullahd nayshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ “lighten” in de head an’ sich ez dat,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin larn sah, till yo’ hat</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On yo’ head woan’ fit exzac’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Eddeekayshun am all right</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef er coon kin git er sight</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Stead o’ makin’ bread an’ buttah by de hoe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He kood entah any do’</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah he’s qualified to go.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">He doan’ allus want to hoe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He wood like er little sho,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to git er little sweetness out o’ life;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He has had er worl’ o’ strife,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Allus struck by trouble’s knife.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de coons kin cut dey pranks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to git into de banks,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de white fo’ks fo’ to handle wid dey cash</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat wood sorter spile de hash,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Make er fraycus an’ er clash.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de coons kin go to Yale,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Larn Greek, Latin, by de bale,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Larn to numbah all de hyahs up in dey head;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey may read dis thing wid dread,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nufin’ else kin dey be said.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez I saunter ’roun’ de town,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ I skim mah eyes eroun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah de white fo’ks am in business ebbry where,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kain’t find er coon in dare</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de white fo’ks sellin’ ware.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="GOOD_BYE_HONEYGOOD_BYE">GOOD BYE, HONEY—GOOD BYE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to leeb dis dear ol’ place,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Time’s er flyin’, I mus’ make has’e,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hate to go, but I kain’t say no,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It gives mah hea’t er pang o’ woe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ all’s mah fren’, not one’s mah foe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sistah Jane, an’ uncle Joe?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I hope we’ll see us all sum mo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s gittin’ ol’, we’s gittin’ gray,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ah days am dun’ fo’ makin’ hay,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ah steps cum slo’ we’s wastin’ ’way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s had good times on dis ol’ place,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s frollic’d in de possum chase,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s picked de cotton, hoed de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s picked de berries spite o’ thorns,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s wocked at night, we’s wocked at morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t dat Miss Linndy, obeah dah?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sho’ it am; well, I declah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum an’ shake de ol’ man’s han’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to leeb ol’ massa’s lan’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Deed, Miss Linndy, yo’ look gran’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Rastus? little Rastus, chile,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah, jes’ see him smile,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ ez natshul ez his paw,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De bes’ chile dat I ebbah saw,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Got de mannahs ub his maw,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah is Massa, is he ’roun’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears’ I koch his footstep soun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I ’fess it’s hard to leeb him now,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To say good bye, I doan’ kno’ how,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’ll shake his han’, jes’ make er bow,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mockin’ bird up in de tree?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s sung er manny day to me.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er manny day dis hea’t o’ mine</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s cheered it wid yo’ song divine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ made de sunlight brighter shine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHAT_WE_GWINE_TO_DO">WHAT WE GWINE TO DO?</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, de way de thing am lookin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To ol’ Hezzeekyah Yoon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis kentry’s gittin’ wussah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de po’ and he’pless coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey lynch him on de lef’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey lynch him on de right,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey cum an’ git er niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de day an’ in de night.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut we gwine to do?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh de niggah’s got er moighty</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tuff an’ thorny road to tread—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s bullets, clubs an’ razzahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Allus flyin’ at his head.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s er mer’kul all de niggahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Haben’ suffer’d dat same fate.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De string up to de lamp-pos’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de string up to de gate.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de signul’s gibbun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to rally ’roun’ de flag,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah fo’ er minute</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am er niggah seed to lagg.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De niggah hain’t rebelyus</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Though he doan’ git all things jus’;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’s loyal to his kentry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nebbah habs betrayed his trus’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He allus takes de bitters</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Zactly lak he does de sweet,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He goes right on light hea’ted,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid er tew step to his feet.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut we gwine to do?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="KAZE_I_KNO_I_KAINT_STOP">KAZE I KNO’ I KAIN’T STOP.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Summah breezes blowin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sun am roas’in’ hot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ right am de meadows</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to take ’em fo’ er cot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Grasses sof’ an’ downy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am jes’ like er feddah bed!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er spot dat am mo’ ’vitin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ er niggah lay his head!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ah tell yo’ whut’s de mattah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sah, de feebah’s mountain high.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When ah ’fleck ub ah kun’dishyun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes dis niggah sot an’ cry.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To hyeah de fo’ks er tawkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How de niggah’s got to fare,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey mob, dey burn an’ lynch him,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey skin him lak er hare.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s true dey’s lots er niggahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat am wurfluss to de co’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De debbul wooden’ hab ’em</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Even inside ub his do’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But de Lawd in heaven knows</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat all de niggahs hain’t dat way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s lots dat’s good an’ hones’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey nebbah goes estray.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De niggah hain’t to blame—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To cum hyeah he diden’ kyeah.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De white fo’ks, why dey made him,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Why dey fotch’d him obeah hyeah.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ now to knock his head off</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze he’s tryin’ to git erlong,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Accawdin’ to my Bible,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Why de whole thing ub it’s wrong.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De niggah loves dis kentry—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry time he’ll put up fight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ it wheddah it am</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de wrong ah in de right.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But er niggah, kain’t stop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">White man take it easy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am er livin’ lak er king!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Free ez am de buzzahd,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doesn’t hab to do er thing!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Niggah’d lak to togg up</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In his Sunday meetin’ dress,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ jes’ lak de white man,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sot, an’ lay back, take his res’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But er niggah, kain’t stop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sumtimes git to ’fleckin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Scratch dis head whah it doan’ itch!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Axin’ why de Lawd, sah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Diden’ make dis niggah rich!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But dey hain’t no use to kick,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">But jes’ keep er josslin’ ’long.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den I keeps er whis’lin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er hummin’ at mah song.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze I kno’ I kain’t stop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ out de crop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till Ise’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den I sortah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git er ticklin’ in mah heel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to go to dancin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">At de ol’ Verginny reel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soople ez a skeedah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dance de jig fum night till morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah stop er minute, bruddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ an’ ache er fo’ er co’n!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But er niggah, kain’t stop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="DAHKY_WHUT_YO_DUN">DAHKY, WHUT YO’ DUN?</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, but how er dollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Is er moighty fren’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de dead o’ wintah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ idle den.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Winds dey may be howlin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whizzin’ th’ew de trees!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Needen’ worry, dahky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ hain’ gwine to freez!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Summah is er flyin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Breezes gittin’ cool!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Beddah be er layin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ wintah fuel!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Leaves begin to fallin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Harvestin’ is dun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Birds am now er troopin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Soufward wid de sun.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hoein’ time is obeah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dahky take yo’ res’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow off wockin’ hahness,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Don yo’ Sunday bes’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fiddles an’ de banjos—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git ’em all in tune,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Nipulate de ditties</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gibbs de soul er boon!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de spring an’ summah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dahky whut yo’ dun?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ridin’ on de skershuns,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Habin’ lots o’ fun?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dancin’ wid de ladies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Spen’in’ all yo’ got?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Thinkin’ kaze it’s summah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Twill be allus hot?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ de kine cum</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Knockin’ on de cabin do’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to get er sistance,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell ’er tale o’ wo’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den’s de time to sho’ yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">We’s no easy thing,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Videin’ fo’ yo’ stummucks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid ah hoe earnin’.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut yo’ needs er lesson</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de ’speerence school.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git de realizayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whah yo’ bin er fool.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den yo’ll git de idea,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dollah is yo’ fren’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Larn to be mo’ kyahful</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ money spen’.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHEN_DE_FIAH_AM_KINDLIN_HOT">WHEN DE FIAH AM KINDLIN’ HOT.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de sno’ it am er fallin,’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Winds er whizzin’ down de lanes,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de fros’ it am er freezin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ yo’ eyes erpun de panes,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut am beddah den er neslin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Roun’ er fiah dat’s roas’in’ hot?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ er pickahninny dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t er mo’ enchantin’ spot.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de breezes am er moanin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sun am sinkin’ lo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de gloomy clouds an’ shaddahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Geddah ’roun’ erbout yo’ do’;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ hyeah de co’n er poppin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">See de cidah all er foam,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In yo’ soul de joy an’ gladness</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems eroun’ erbout to roam.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ granny am er hummin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cat er purrin’ on de rug,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ git er sniff de burbun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat am steamin’ fum de jug—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! de berry ’maggahnayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes er puson think it’s real.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am glory! Hesh yo’ mouf, sah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ ax me how yo’ feel.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All yo’ troubles an’ yo’ burdens</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems to take de swif’es flight!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears yo’ berry soul am lif’ed</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To de blissful mountain heights!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah de lan’s erflo’ wid honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Streets an’ alleys paved wid gol’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de simphonnies o’ heaben’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Got er sweetnes’ kaint be tol’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin sing de song o’ Moses,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Shout yo’se’f clah to de sky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny’s den in cloveah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No time den to weep an’ sigh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let de sno’ keep on er fallin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Let de breezes whizz an’ moan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Longs er pickahninny’s neslin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Roun’ er hot fiah ub his own.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="LAMENTATION">LAMENTATION.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de rent cums due</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ haben got er dollah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ hab to hunt</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ er nuddah place to wollah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De wintah’s dun cum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de coal pile’s sinkin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s nufin’ in de cupboard</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ stummuck am er tinkin’,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ head wool geddahs!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ hunt an’ scratch!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ sot an’ ’fleck,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems befo’ yo’ keeps er bobbin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De possum an’ de coon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de peach an’ apple cobblin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ dream bout summah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid de joocy wattah millun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’ sotin’ in de middle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ stummuck jes’ er fillin’,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ mouf does wattah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ stummuck jes’ jump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ eyes am all er twinkle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ hump! hump! hump!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de night cums on</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey hain’t er nuf de kibbah,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">While yo’ bunk an’ snooz</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to keep yo’ fum de shibbah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De coal’s dun sinkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till it am no mo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De weddah am at zero,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">De worl am kibbahd in de sno’,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ head wool geddahs!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ hunt an’ scratch</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHEN_DE_SUMMAHS_DUN_CUM">WHEN DE SUMMAH’S DUN CUM.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de wintah’s dun gone</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de summah’s dun cum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de birds begin dey wahble</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de bees begin dey hum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de hills, de fields, de meadows</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid de verdure all am green,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de heaben’s panorama</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am er mos’ enchantin’ scene,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den er niggah kin sing!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den er niggah kin hum!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de wintah’s dun gone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de summah’s dun cum!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de vines am climin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Spreadin’ beauty on de run,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de cullahs o’ de lan’scape</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sky dey blen’ ez one,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de flowahs ez dey’s buddin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er blossom’ an’ er bloom,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de breezes fan dey petals</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Koch dey sweetes’ smellin’ ’fume,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ soul inspahs!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ hea’t does tickle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den er niggah am happy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef he haben’ got er nickel!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de craps am wavin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de tassel’s on de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de apples am er drapin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sweepahtayters born,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de cabbage am er headin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Swellin’ lak dey got de mumps,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de passnups am er peepin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Winkin’ at yo’ hine de stumps,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How er niggah kin whis’le!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How his soul does ’joice!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Kaze it’s time fo’ de millun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ it’s time fo’ de squash!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_COONS_SERENADE">THE COON’S SERENADE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de lonesum ub de night</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de moon’s er shinin’ bright,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Coon er sotin’ on er stump</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Picks de banjo, plinkertee plump!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sof’ly floats de mournful ’frain</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Cross de dewy, grassy main—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Picks de coon erpun de stump!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry win’ an’ ebbry breeze,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry twig erpun de trees,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Echoes wid de plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ub de coon erpun de stump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Picks de coon erpun de stump!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de night glides slo’ly on,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de moon slips down fo’ dawn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de veil draps fum de skies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de worl’ opens its eyes,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dies erway de plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ub de coon erpun de stump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Stops de coon erpun de stump</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="BLISSFUL_ANTICIPATIONS">BLISSFUL ANTICIPATIONS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ gimme summah all de time,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ lemme take it easy.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ lay back in de cloveah beds</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dream whah it am breezy.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I doan kyeah fo’ no robe ner crown</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez long ez I kin wollah ’roun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ nebbah hab to hoe de grown’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ha! ha! yo’ thinks Ise lazy!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d spawk an’ court Miss Lissy Jane—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Umph! but I’d cut er spluttah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d tell her dis, I’d tell her dat,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fus’ one thing den er nuddah.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’d ramble whah de wild flow’rs bloom</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat fill de air wid sweet scent ’fume</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah dey’s no clouds an’ dey’s no gloom!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">We’d sot de worl’ to fiuttah!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d git mah banjo fum de wall</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ now an’ den go plinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d make de dahky’s heels jes’ itch</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To dance ez fas’ es winkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d make her sing, I’d make her moan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d sen’ er tone to Gabriel’s throne,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d play dem tricks befo’ unknown,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I’d sot de fo’ks to thinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I kno’ yo’ thinks dis dahky slo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ tawkin’ jes’ fo’ blowin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ buildin’ castles in de air,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ debbilment er sowin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s jes, prezaxly lak I say,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ shows Ise ol’ an’ shows Ise gray.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Befo’ de Lawd! it’s almos’ day!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To bed! de chicken’s crowin’!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="PAWSON_JOHNSON_AT_DINNER">PAWSON JOHNSON AT DINNER.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’p you’se’f, mah bruddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ make yo’se’f at home!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Kaze yo’ am no stranger</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To Siss Wiggle Sloam.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’head on dat chicken,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Kase it tissen skace!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Doan’ yo’ worry, sistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I is in no has’e!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Lan’ sakes, Sistah Wiggle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">You’ treat me lak er king!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ha! ha! ’skooze me, sistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">One mo’ chicken wing!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tote me few dem waffles,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Chittlins good an’ hot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbah thing ise eatin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Trabbles to de spot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd Gawd! Sistah Wiggle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I jes’ seed dat possum!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hiden’ an’ er grinin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Hine dat sunflow’r blossom!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Fo’ I’d let dat possum</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git out o’ mah sight,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Th’ow erside mah Gospel,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To de las’ I’d fight!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah, kain’t yo’ sortah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gibb er little toas’?</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Deed I kain’t, Gawd knows it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whah dey’s possum roas’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Feed de lambs, mah Sistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whut de good book say!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s fulfillin’ Scripshah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Treatin’ me dis way!”</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="GO_WAY_MAH_HONEY">GO ’WAY, MAH HONEY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gitin’ sortah ’ristercratic</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sistah Jane, de ol’ roommatic!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow’d erway her dress o’ mattin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wearin’ silk an’ wearin’ satin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Right in style, de lates’ patte’n!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wearin’ hoops, an’ got er bustle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she passed, Lawd, how dey rustle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! she stepped lak Queen o’ Sheeba.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Clah out dressed ol’ Sistah Feeba,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hel’ her trail lak dat Miss Neeba!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">High heel shoes, she’s wearin’, too!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look to me dey’s numbah two!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Paten’ leddah wid er buckle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hot stuff, reglah honey suckle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she pass’d, oh how fo’ks chuckle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ yo’ kno’ she had on powdah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">White fo’ks kooden’ looked mo’ loudah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had her hyah smoothed down wid tallow!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bangs in front was short and shallow!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gibb her face er p’culiar pallow!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! she tried to tawk so proppah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spoke dem wurds dat was er whoppah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">See her primp her mouf and tickle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Made her look so pow’ful fickle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet she diden’ hab er nickel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Scan’lous ’bout sum cullahd people!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mattahs not how ol’ an’ feeble!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git on sum new bibb an’ tuckah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’ll out step sah! ol’ Dan Tuckah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ kyah ef dey’s er co’n shuckah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="BRER_POSSUM_DECLINES">BRER POSSUM DECLINES.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Way in de tree</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sots ol’ Bruddah Possum!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hey, dah; I see yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bruddah Possum, hine de blossom!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ needn’ ac’ so timid,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ner yo’ needen’ ac’ so shy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s beddah, closeah frenship</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ er possum, closeah nigh!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ ac’in’ moighty ’trary;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Saunter down er minute!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Now, yo’ needen’ hab no worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ner pusnul tooberayshuns.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sich, de lak er dat!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum down, yo’ needen’ boddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">What de bawkin’ dogs er at!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look hyeah, Bruddah Possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bleeb yo’ feelin’ kine o’ skeery!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ tiad er coaxin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes me feel er little dreary!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ lak so much beggin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ner I doan’ lak so much pleadin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Speshly to mah mine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When dey’s not er bit o’ needin’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ jes’ lak ol’ Bruddah Satan!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Think de odds er gin yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ keep er fellah waitin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, it doesn’t mattah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ ’sist on me er climein’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hol’ yo’ bref er minute!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Kase hyeah cums up</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Highmen!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="I_HAINT_FOOLIN_HONEY">I HAIN’T FOOLIN’ HONEY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seed yo’ wid yo’ gal las’ night!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had yo’ arms eroun’ her tight!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! whut made yo’ squeeze her so?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ bekaze yo’ am her beau?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d bin her I’d let yo’ go!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seed yo’ try to steal er kiss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she slapp’d yo’ wid her fis’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Po’ gal kooden’ hardly speak!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Shocked to def wid all yo’ cheek!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go way, Gumbo, yo’s er sneak!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yallah, too, hain’t she Gumbo?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Reason dat yo’ love her so!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef she had de wooly hyah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Face ez black ez ol’ pine tah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Court her? bet yo’ wooden’, dah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to marry her, Gumbo?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">What dat? say yo’ doesn’t kno’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ax’d her fo’ her hea’t an’ han’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet yo’ habben’ got de san’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Fess up, Gumbo, umph! mah lan’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet she hain’t stuck on yo’ ’tall!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Does she kiss yo’ when yo’ call?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lan’ sakes, Gumbo, yo’ woan’ do!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’way; no, I woan’ kiss yo’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git yo’ big foots off mah shoe!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I doan’ kiss no rusty coon!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Who, yo’ be mah chaperoon?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t you foolin’, honey?</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pick mah comp’ny, whut I do!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd sakes, knows I doan’ want yo’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Good day, home Ise long go due!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SLEEP">SLEEP.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cums de solemn night,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de day’s tuck flight!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not er bird ner coon</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Am er whis-lin’ choon.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Slo’ de hours slip ’long</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To de brooklet’s song,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de sof deep hush</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cums de star’s sweet blush.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In er lonesum tone</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez he creep erlone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cums de cricket call</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fum de vine clad wall.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Up de hillside steep</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now de moon take creep!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ew de cab’n loft, gleam</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On er coon in dream.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_PROFUSE_ENCOMIUM">A PROFUSE ENCOMIUM.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lookin’ nice to-night, Miss Liza,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’s out dressed ’em all to-night.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid dat ah so frusterkaytun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ so dazzlin’ in de light!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Please doan’ ’strew mah wurds fo flattah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Spoken incandessenly,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But! wid mutuallistic frankness</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Cep ’em fabbrykayshenly.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Thank you, Mistah Johnsin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Do yo’ think I look so fine?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Deed sah, Mistah Johnsin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ so asterroshus kine.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Woan’ yo’ sot beside me</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ conversykate er while,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Please doan’ hab no skooples</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze Ize togged up in dis style.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Yo’s suppassed yo’se’f, Miss Liza,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Quiv-vah-kay-shah-ently gran’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ grace dis runkshus ’kayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lak one fum de glory lan’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ hab no interjeckshuns</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze sech ’joicin’ frollerkayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gibbs fellerisher-tish-shus glee.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“’Skyoose me, Mistah Johnsin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I doan’ kyah to mingel late,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I wood raddah be specktay-shus</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sotin’ hyeah wid Mistah Gate.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not dat I doan’ d’ sah yo’ tenshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ doan’ preeshee-ate yo’ ’’ques’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I prefer tran-quil-ler-kayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sotin’ lookin’ at de res’.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“’Cep’ mah ’pology, Miss Liza,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ mah troo-ser-tay-shus ’ques’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I jes ax’d yo’ fo’ politeness,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tho’t yo’d lak to jine de res’.”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“’Tain’t er bit o’ trooshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mistah Johnsin’, not at tall!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I may grant yo’ axin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When we ’ten’ sum uddah ball.”</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="PEEPIN_THEW_DE_HUSK">PEEPIN’ TH’EW DE HUSK.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dahky, doan’ worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de wintah’s dun gone!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Craps am all er sproutin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Soon we’ll hab de sugah co’n!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den we’ll roas’ an’ stew it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ we’ll fry it in de pan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow de buttah on it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nufin’ fineah in de lan’!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See de wattah milluns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How dey’s cumin’ on de vine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd er mussy, chillun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Puts yo’ teef erpun de grine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ think er bout ’em,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gits mah stummuck all er jump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hea’t er fas’ah beatin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er thumpin’! thump! thump!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de wattah milluns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git kervellopd on de vine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Winkin’, peepin’ at yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How er dahky’s eyes shine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ buss’ ’em open</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ see de blushin’ red,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Haben’ got er minute</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de bressins to be said!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sun ’er creepin’ higher,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am ’er gittin’ pow’ful hot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hoein’ an’ er weedin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am er dahky’s tufes’ lot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To de hoe er stickin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till yo’ back jes’ ache an’ ache,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sun er pohin’ on yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes er dahky nahly bake!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mo’ yo’ keeps er hoein’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fas’ah seems to gro’ de grass!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dahky gits to thinkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hoein’ time will ebbah las’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Weedin’ an’ er hoein’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef er dahky was to stop,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sho’ ez am de gospel</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wooden’ git er bit o’ crop!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="AXIN_COON_CUM_OBEAH">AXIN’, COON? CUM OBEAH.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Meadows lak er feddah bed,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sproutin’ cloveah white an’ red,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sof’ ez pillahs to de tread,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Milluns loafin’ in de grass,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Flirtin’ when er coon cum pass,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When er look he dat way cas’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cabbage loafin’ ’roun’ de stump,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lookin’ sassy fat an’ plump,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Swellin’ up all in er bump,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Coon er wockin’ at de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doh dat’s all fo’ what he’s born,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wockin, night and’ wockin’ morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t got time cum obeah!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="HUSTLE">HUSTLE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ lag an’ fool</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Erlong de way—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ ’spec’ to do</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All in er day—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Things will cum</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out by an’ by,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Musen’ stop</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To stew an’ sigh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den’s when success</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">May be nigh—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ lookin’ back—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">T’ see whose cumin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On de track—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s losin’ groun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Time yo’ take</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ gawkin ’roun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To git er crown—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er good co’n crop—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebah git it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ stop—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De corn to gro’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Full co’n stawks</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In ebbry ro’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ be skaid</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To use de hoe—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To argufy—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">T’ make sum fellah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out er lie—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ha’f de time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s losin’ win’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Same time doin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er little sin.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Aftah all</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ nuffin in—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="GO_SLEEP">GO SLEEP.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De boogahman koch yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ peep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He prowlin’ ’roun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sof’ ez er cat—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He kno’ whah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Li’l’ pickahninny’s at—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Still ez er mouse</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When creepin’ keep—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De boogahman</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am moighty peert!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He sly ol’ fox</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat’s on de ’lert!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I hyeah de boogahman</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Creep, creep creep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He kotch er hol’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ shake de do’—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ ope his mouf</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ said wo’, wo’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="KAZE_DE_SUN_AM_SINKIN">KAZE DE SUN AM SINKIN’.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gone er sleepin’ an’ er doze—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de day er lookin’ gran’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ er ’fumein’ up de lan’,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Baskin’ now in slumbah’s stran’—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Peepahs shet an’ fas’ ersleep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Crystal brooklet glidin’ ’long</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Chants to dem er cradle song,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Res’ an’ slumbah, weary throng—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy am de flow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lull’d ersleep in fairy realm,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All dey tinsels tints an’ hue</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat attracts de bees an’ woo,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Closed dey now am all to view—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soon will wake wid birds an’ bees,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When de sun’s dun sinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de sunlight mounts to view,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">At de tech o’ mornin’s dew</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Once mo’ will dey ope to view—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun’s dun sinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SOFT_FALLS_THE_NIGHT">SOFT FALLS THE NIGHT.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">This Poem is dedicated to <span class="smcap">Miss Anna Hall Smith</span>.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">And chases ’way</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The slowly dying</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Summer day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The sun from his</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ethereal height,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Is curtained by</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The shades of night.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The birds that tune</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Their song with nature</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In commune</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now hush their lays</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seek silent rest,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Within their downy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Leafy nests.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sweet peace divine</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In each heart comes</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To be enshrined,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">While angels pause</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">On earth to show’r</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The blessings of</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The sovereign pow’r.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">A peaceful sleep</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">O’er earthly mortals</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doth now creep.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">They rest now from</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Their day’s pursuit—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The world is still,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The world is mute.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The verdure green</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now glistens with</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">A dewy sheen.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The flowers droop,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Their petals close,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">They dream away</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In sweet repose.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft fades the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lo! breaks the dawn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">And nature ’wakens</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">With the morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Exultingly</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sends up her lays,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Her symphonies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To God in praise.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="GIT_ON_BOARD_CHILLUN">GIT ON BOARD, CHILLUN.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De Gospel train am er scootin’ down de rail!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fas’ah den er ship wid er ruddah an’ er sail!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De Lawd in heaben am de steam an’ de pow’r!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He run dat train forty millun miles an’ hour!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ es stroke ub de throttle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sends her clah to heaben’s tow’r!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">No sinnah tribe kin ebbah ride on dat train!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De debil ner his imps ef day’s cut loose fum dey chain!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">None but de lams ub de good Lawd’s fol’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kin ride dat train to de streets o’ gol’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de ’liggun lak an’ ocean obeahflowin’ in yo’ soul!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">She’s jes’ lak lightnin’ an’ de quibbah o’ de eye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez she’s puffin’ an’ er steamin’ in er trabblin’ to de sky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She’s limited, too, an’ she goes clah th’ew!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She’s got no time fo’ to fool wid yo’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ mus’ git on board, when de time cums, doo!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat train hain’t skeddul fo’ de secun’ time.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to cum an’ fotch yo’ to de heabenly clime!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She goes straight on an’ she doan’ tarn back!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she once git start why she hain’t gwine to slack!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till she runs in heab’n on de right side track!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De debil ner his imps kaint wreck dat ol’ train!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez she’s dashin’ an’ er steamin’ o’er de mountains an’ de plain!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She sticks to de rail lak de hyah on yo’ back!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she nebbah was known fo’ to jump fum de track!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de Lawd’s at de throttle an’ he sho’ got de knac’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="UNCLE_NED_AN_DE_MOCKIN_BIRD">UNCLE NED AN’ DE MOCKIN’ BIRD.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Mocking Bird,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s moighty lazy.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ doan’ do nufin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">But sing dat song,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till de daylight’s gone</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de night cum ’long.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er coon has got to hoe an’ hoe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till de sinkin’ sun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tells de day to go.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd, but yo’ sing</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">So pow’ful sweet!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Perched up dah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ leafy seat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Is yo’ lonesum?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Does yo’ hea’t feel sad?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears to me</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat yo’ soul feels glad.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez Ise wockin’ hard,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sweet ez de cloveah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ song</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Floats obeah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Way in de co’nfield</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whah de medlark sings,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Up in de bough</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ub de tree it clings.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ nebah wock</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">But yo’ bread is sho’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out in de yahd;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Fo’ ebbry do’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum kine han’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Th’ows de little crum!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze dey kno’ fo’ sho’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat yo’ boun’ to cum.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De good Samaritan</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Part dey play.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Let yo’ go ’way?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hungry? No!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey nebah wood,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kase de Lawd wood say</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat dey wasn’t good.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I kinedah lak</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To hyeah yo’ sing,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ is too lazy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To flop yo’ wing,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sing on,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fill de worl’ wid song.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I mus’ be gittin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mah wock er long.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="PO_LIL_RASTUS">PO’ LI’L’ RASTUS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Little Rastus feelin’ blue—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out o’ sorts an’ gloomy, too!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Broke his little hobby hoss.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Makes de little fellah cross.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ cry, honey, ’tain’ much loss.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">He jes’ wo’ out, rompin’ ’roun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git up, honey, fum de groun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah, dun spiled yo’ dress,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ it am yo’ Sunday bes’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now hain’t yo’ er poody mess!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut dat stickin’ on yo’ han’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ bin in de ’lasses can.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut dat whut de Bible say</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Bout de chile dat steal dat ’way?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’ll go whah de bad man stay!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat ol’ bad man am er sight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum er sneakin’ ’roun’ at night.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum an’ koch yo’ when yo’ sleep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den he take er great big leap!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Down er hol’ dat’s way down deep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum hyeah, little wooly head.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to tuck yo’ way to bed.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah, de day dun gone!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Shaddahs streamin’ th’ew de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sleep until de sunlight dawn!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SAMBOS_RAIN_PHILOSOPHY">SAMBO’S RAIN PHILOSOPHY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut’s de use o’ raisin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Bout de weddah, cain?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kase dey’s wid de sunshine</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mixed in clouds an’ rain;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ ez well be lafin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Joicin’ in yo’ soul.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Frettin’ an’ er stewin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes yo’ gray an’ ol’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ ’spec’ to allus</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git things jes’ yo’ way.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Keep yo’ eye kock’d open</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">On er beddah day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Learn to ’cep’ de weddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez de Lawd control,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In time will be shinin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sunshine bright an’ gold.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd am boun’ to sen’ de</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Changes now an’ den,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze He knows whut’s beddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ yo’ in de en’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ He sends de sunshine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nex’ He sends de rain,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To gibb life an’ viggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To de gol’en grain.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s de rainy weddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Buds de flowahs out,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Makes de wattahmilluns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de ’tayters sprout;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s de rainy weddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes de fahmahs shout;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Drives erway de famine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drives erway de drout.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="JES_KEEP_ER_LOOKIN_UP">JES’ KEEP ER LOOKIN’ UP.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ fren’s dey all fo’sake yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Think yo’ gwine flat to de wall,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Salt an’ peppah nebbah’ll save yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fum an ebbah las’in’ fall.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">You’ll keep allus lookin’ up,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ habben’ got er dollah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ no place to lay yo’ head,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de meadows an’ de co’n fields</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Only places fo’ yo’ bed;</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef de fo’ks am cuttin’ capeahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Fo’ yo’ puttin’ on dey airs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid dey silks an’ wid dey satins,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ all uddah kine o’ wares.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ll keep allus lookin up,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey may tramp erpun yo’ feelin’s,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey may kick yo’ on de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ may tarn dey nose up at yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez dey pass yo’ in dey scorn;</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Smiles dey nebbah may hab fo’ yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bes’ yo’ll git will be er frown,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sum wurds mos’ harshly spoken,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze dey think dat yo’ is down.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef fo’ bread yo’ ax er bruddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ instead yo’ git er stone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ ax fo’ consullayshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ bahly git er groan,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sum knock yo’ off yo’ shins,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ think yo’ nebah gwine to rise,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Swah to God dey nebbah dun it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Meekly tell all kine o’ lies;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let ’em go on hykerflootin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry dog sho’ habs his day;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey am uddah months, mah bruddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ es pleasant, ez am May.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WISHED_ID_RODE_MAH_HOSS">WISHED I’D RODE MAH HOSS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Rode on dat ah ’lectric kyah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">No musstake it raised mah hyah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Oddah bin er long!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah seed sech runnin’ son!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Swo’ we’s flyin’ to de sun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gee! dat thing did split de ah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nuffin’ wid it kin compah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Oddah bin er long!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry thing wuz blurred in sight!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dus’ flew higher den er kite!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kooden’ tell de lef’ fum right!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she struck eroun’ de kyerve,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It unstrung mah ebbry nerve!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Oh, but I did squirm!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, she kyahd us down de line!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No hobo kood stuck behine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef he had he’d gone stone bline!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den she sortah reel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Stirred me up fum head to heel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lawd but I did quake!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tawk erbout er pow’ful prah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I sho’ made one den an’ dah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Strain was mo’ den I kood bah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Once I hyeahd er moighty crack!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t she’s gwine to leeb de track,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Oddah seed me, Chile!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I felt mos’ prekareyus, son!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t tawkin’ jes’ fo’ fun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="EGGS_EGGS_EGGS">EGGS! EGGS!! EGGS!!!</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When I ’fleck o’ Eastah cum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gits mah whol’ soul all er hum.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de chickens flopp dey wings,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Roostah cro’, de pullets sings,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gib me ’bove all uddah things—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de little chicks er creep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Run kerfrolic peep! peep! peep!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Appetite gits sort impressed,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wood go good, roas’ chicken breas’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Still goes beddah, nebahless.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When eroun’ de ol’ fiah place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Eggs look yo’ squah in de face,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git ’em fryin’ in de pan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soun’ lak music o’ de ban’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Chillun? Whee! But hain’t dey gran’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Eat ’em poach ’er eat ’em bile,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Make yo’ hit yo’ granny, chile.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ eat ’em scramble, son,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Feel dat yo’ kood lif er ton,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er brack bar yo’ kood out run.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="IT_AM_DE_POSSUM_TIME">IT AM DE POSSUM TIME.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Weddah gittin’ chilly,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fros’ er fallin’ on de vine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Leaves er tarnin’ yallah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Now de possum time is fine!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hickahnuts er fallin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid er thud, thud, thudd!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Poppin’ an’ er crackin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er bus’in out de bud!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yes, it am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de time er niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de coon to go to clime!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Crickets all er hollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell er niggah it’s de fall!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ripenin’ am de ’simmons</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de great an’ fo’ de small!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Niggah jes’ er waitin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de fallin’ o’ de sno’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to chase de rabbit</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez he’s wingin’ on de go!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yes, it am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de time er niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de coon to go to clime!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de sun’s dun sinkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cums de shinin’ o’ de moon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Niggah’ll take de wahpaf</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to go to tree de coon!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de dogs er bahkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">All er chasein’, all er romp!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sniffin’ at de grasses</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er scratchin’ at de stump!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yes, it am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de time er niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de coon to go to clime!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="STICK_TO_YOUR_RACE">STICK TO YOUR RACE!</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! how some cullahd fo’ks wan’ to be white.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze dey am brack dey doan’ nebah seem right.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s shame ub dey cullah; dey’s shame ub dey race;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat’s why dey wood lak to be white in de face.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze dey kain’t bleech out, O, how dey deplore,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to be cullahd to dem’s sech er bore.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To think de Lawd sent dem all into dis lan’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wif hyah dat am kinky an’ faces dat’s tan.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ to de lef an’ den nex’ to de right,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey look to see if dey am sumfin’ in sight</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To make dem bleech white, gib dem cheeks ub de rose</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sumfin’ to gib dem a high Roman noze.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s kickin’ an fussin’ an’ raisin turmoil</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze dey kain’t git hol’ de right kine ub oil</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To take way de kinky effect dey kaint bah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ make it jes’ lak de white folk’s auburn hyah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey use mutton sooit an’ tallow, an’ lard,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh Lward er Mussy! but don’t dey try hard!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To make it look wabey an’ glossy an’ slick.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den paht in de middle dey am right to de quick.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef dey hain’t no hope, why dey go git a wig.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It mus’ be made fum white fok’s hyah, too, by jig.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph; who; Miss Sukie? why she wooden’ dah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To wah a wig made fum a coon’s nappy hyah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut’s de use er kickin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze o’ sech rot?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze yo’ kain’t bleech,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ turn white on de spot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ hyah’s kinky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s brack ez de tar,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Thank de good Lawd</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’s jes’ lak yo’ are.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="MEMORIAL_DAY">MEMORIAL DAY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">To sound of muffled drums to-day,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">With slow and solemn tread;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The soldiers march with banners draped</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Where dwell heroic dead.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">The blue, the gray of this fair realm</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Assemble o’er this land,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Recount the deeds of valiant men</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">As one vast mourning band.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">The rich, the poor, the high, the low,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Observe this sacred day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">For all alike in days gone by</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Have laid some friend away.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">For death the mighty reaper comes</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To rich as well as poor.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Unwelcome guest though he may be,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">He comes to every door.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">To deck the graves of dear loved ones</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Beneath luxuriant bow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Countless willing loving hands</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Pluck nature’s tender flow’rs.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The tokens of a reverent love</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">For friends of that blest vale,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">A love the ravages of time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Can never change nor pale.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">This day recalls much of the past—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The nation’s bloody wars,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The sacrifice of noble lives—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To make dominant the stripes and stars.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In philosophic narrative,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In eulogy and praise,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In honor of heroic dead</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The speaker’s voice doth raise.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">And for the country’s honor fought</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The black man once a slave.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Encouched within the history’s folds</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The statement, “he was brave!”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Within the marching ranks to-day</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Are remnants of the freed</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Who fought and bled upon the field</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When ’twas the country’s need.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="TRUSSYS_VISIT">TRUSSY’S VISIT.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bress mah life! why, dis hain’t Trussey?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way Chile! whut dat yo’ say?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ hain’t fiddlin’ Peedah’s sonny—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Who’d er tho’t it, any way!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ax me ef I knowed yo’ daddy—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Knowed each uddah yeahs ergo.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Me an’ him hab bof togeddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hoed er many ’taytah ro’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Res’ yo’ duddin’s! take de sofa,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Make yo’se’f jes’ lak yo’ home.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Cep’ mos’ free mah hooskerpalty,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Plenty time eroun’ to roam.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See, hyeah, Dina, am dem chittlins</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dem hog feet th’ew er bile?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Who yo’ think we got fo’ dinnah?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ol’ fren’ Fiddlin’ Peedah’s chile!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, sah, I hain’t seed yo’ daddy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Since dat fight at Possum Trot.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dog mah socks, we bof togeddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whoop’d de debbil on de spot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Still er libbin’ down in Guinea?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Why, dat’s my ol’ rompin’ groun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er spot, ner nook, ner crebbice</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat I doan’ know ’bout dat town.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ready, Dinah? Bress de Lawd! umph!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mah ol’ lady am er sight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kin she cook? Whut? Doan’ yo’ staht me!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">She kin sho’ put things up right!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Walk out, Trussy; go pertaykin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ub de bes’ de ol’ man’s got!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kose tain’t much, but prob’ly sumfin’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dah will kinedah tech de spot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’head, say de bressins, Trussy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de Lawd sakes cut ’em short.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lemme pos’ yo’ fo’ yo’ staht in,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ preach an’ try to e’ort—</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Make us thankful, Heab’nly Faddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ dis hyeah pussipyus spread;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hyeah deez few mos’ feeble ’spreshyuns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat yo’ umble sahvunt shed.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Gibb us wid ah daily bread, sah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Chicken, an’ all sech ez dat!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow in now an’ den er possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Coon wid plenty lean an’ fat!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Po’ dy bressins on dis family—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Put mo’ chickens on dey roos’;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Things git skace, dey needs er he’pin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Len’ er ban’, gibb ’em er boos’.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jump in, Trussy; git to business!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry fellah fo’ himse’f.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut’s hyeah fo’ us on dis table’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nuf to take er possum’s bref.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ha! ha! Trussy, dem ol’ hog feet</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sots dis ol’ soul all er chune!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ha! ha! Dina? look at Trussy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kock dat lef’ eye at dat coon!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ hain’t full kin to yo’ daddy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ doesn’t lak de coon;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Possum, chicken, sweepahtaytahs.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sumpshus musherroon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tell us ’bout ol’ Tootsy Tadpole.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Slipshod Beebe, Feeby Scott!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Susan Rhinehole. Sukie Slowup,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Husky Botts, de res’ de lot.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Does I ’membah Slimmy Twostep?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Who? dat dah ol’ onry cuss?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Usetah hug de stove when happy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In church raised all kine o’ fuss?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gibb him mo’ coon dumplin’s, Dina!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sakes! he’s jes’ fell into eat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tote him few dem frizzlin’ passnups,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lecktrifies yo’ to yo’ feet!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah’s ol’ Susan Peecock, Trussy?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Is de debbil got her yet?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sakes o’ lie! she’s got mo’ husban’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den yo’s fingers got, I’ll bet!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum on wid dem pig tails, Dina!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ be primpin’ in de glass!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ make de ol’ man wait so,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ look poody nuf to pass.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bress de Lawd! whee! glory! glory!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No joke, dem am sizzlin’ hot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissen at de res’ dem fellahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Prayin’ an’ singin’ in de pot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’way, Fido! see hyeah, Dina!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kick dat debbil out de do’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry time he sniffs dem chittlins</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">He’s er hangin’ ’roun’ hyeah, sho’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See hyeah, chile! yo’ hain’t th’ew eatin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Rake mo’ dumplin’s on yo’ plate!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go dem flapp jacks, sum dat grabey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eat ’long in de mopein’ gait.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pass de ol’ man few dem biskits;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">B’lieve I’ll take sum poke chops, too!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Little mo’ dat drap down coffee,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nuddah dose dat bullyun stew.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go on in de pollah, Trussy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ got ernuf to eat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’ll be th’ew in jes’ er minute,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den we’ll go an’ thrash sum wheat.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="IS_YO_LONESUM_HONEY">IS YO’ LONESUM, HONEY?</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de twilight fall,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de koo-koo call,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ doan’ hyeah ’tall</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis hyeah coon’s foot fall,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de moon creep high,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de starlit sky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ sot an’ sigh,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze I doan’ cum nigh,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de night creep on,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till de sun brings dawn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ wake an’ yawn</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de cool ob de morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Still, yo’ lonesum, honey?</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="LARN_TO_HEP_YOSEF">LARN TO HE’P YO’SE’F.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Dahky, ef yo’d win,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ stop fo’ knocks on shin,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Stop yo’ whinin’, try an’ try,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time to weep an’ sigh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dah’s whahin’ yo’ success lie.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ mus’ fus’ prove yo’s er man.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Try’n to ’skewt sum noble plan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, de white fo’ks knows yo’s brave,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ dis freedom lan’ to save,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’ fit on lan’ an’ wave.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de white fo’ks hain’t yo’ foe.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey will gibb yo’ plenty, sho’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All er long dey’s bin mos’ kine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’p’d yo’ ’long er many line,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Is to all dis yo’ stone bline?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dah’s Abe Linkum, Phillips, too,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet yo’ life dey fit fo’ yo’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Thousands mo’ dat I kood name,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Mong dem, men o’ nashnul fame,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ yo’ dahky dun de same.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum de white fo’ks moighty mean,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Likewise sum de brack fo’ks seem</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry race got p’culiar way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Guess it all goes in de play;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Live in hopes dey’ll change sum day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin shout an’ yo’ kin sing.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Think yo’s ’neef de mahstah’s wing.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But yo’ll nebah git er crown</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ sot an’ fool eroun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis am Gospul true an’ soun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dahky, stop dat little song—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gimme Jesus, take worl’ ’long,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">T ry to grip sum o’ dis lan’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den yo’ll feel mo’ lak er man;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ am boun’ to git sum san’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="COURTIN_O_DE_PHONE">COURTIN’ O’ DE PHONE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When er sotin’ lone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin call yo’ honey—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go to courtin’ o’ de phone.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Drives erway de shaddahs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes yo’ quit yo’ fret an’ stew,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fills yo’ soul wid sunshine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Opens up yo’ hea’t ernew.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dis yo’, Liza Jane?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Yes, dis am yo’ honey,”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cums de sweet an’ sof’en ’frain.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den yo’ go to pohin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In her ear de words o’ love:</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tickles her to def,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ makes her think she am er dove.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When yo’ hyeah her say:</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Honey, when yo’ gone it’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Allus night an’ nebbah day,”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears dat while dey’s fallin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ ear, dat lovin’ tone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin see yo’ honey</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Standin’ dah befo’ de phone.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sweetah grows de tone.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Makes er niggah neerly</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ram his head clah th’ew de phone.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze dem sugah wurds</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey sho’ly make yo’ hea’t inspah—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Lecktrifies yo’ spirit,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sots yo’ whol’ soul all er fiah!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When de day is dun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">You no mo’ kin see de</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Blazin’, dazzlin’, sinkin’ sun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ lub to ’membah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Bout yo’ courtin’ o’ de phone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ muse an’ pondah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ cabin all er lone!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="LONESUM_VALLEY_CHRISTMUS_TREE">LONESUM VALLEY CHRISTMUS TREE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bes’ ub all de Chrismus ’tainmunts</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat I axshly ebbah seed,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Was de one at Lonesum Valley</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">At de church ub Pawsun Weed.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de ol’ fo’ks an’ de chillun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dress purraded out dat night,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To de graid big Chrismus ’tainmun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to git dey Chrismus mite.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When dey’s geddahd in dat chapel,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bruddah.—? Dey was thick ez hops,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de chillun seed de candy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Smack’d dey moufs an’ lick’d dey chops.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey was He, He, an’ er lafin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er clappin’ o’ dey han’s,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ dey jaws jes’ kep’ er crackin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lak de chittlins in de pans.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de ol’ fo’ks tell yo’ honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sah I bleeb dey was de wuss.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s so ankshus fo’ dey ’freshmun’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey’s mos’ reddy fo’ to bus’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Preechah Weed wid dat dah swallow</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tail an’ ves’ ub his cut low,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ had all de flouncin’ sistahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Leggin’ fo’ to be his boh.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Hookey he puzzided;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Felt so big he thowt he’s king;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tuck er ball bat, rapp’d fo’ ordah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Said, let’s cleah ah th’oats an’ sing.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, he tuck his pussnel meedah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gib de linin’ ub de hymn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ dey sing’d de “Weepin’ Moses”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey sing’d it too, by Jim!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">At de klooshun ub dat ditty,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Deekun Jaspah put up prah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow’d his haid clah to de ceilin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dough he seed de Gates er jah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis hain’t true, I’ll eat de ’possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sech er prah yo’ nebbah hyea’d;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Scratch’d his haid an’ weep’d an’ hollahd</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell his eyes lak blud was red.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, he’s moanin’ and er tonein’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er kotchen’ ub his bref—</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spit erpun his han’s an’ rubb’d em—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Pound de bench fum right to lef’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Las’ he ’klooded an’ de sistahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Staht to sing plantashun coon.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Hookey diden’ lak it;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tol’ ’em dey was mos’ too soon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But de mos’ fun ub de evenin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Was when gibbin’ presen’s out.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’d er crack’d yo’ sides er lafin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell yo’d got er hol’ de gout.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">On de tree dey was er chicken;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wasn’t laybeld wid er name.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de dahkies hyeahd erbout it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry one put up er claim.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Gyahdnah spied de chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Floppin’ ’neef de Chrismus tree;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Made er home run wid er hollah;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">“Dat dah chicken am fo’ me!”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, sah, when he hollah’d chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Twas de same ez holl’rin fiah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ dat chicken was er stampeed</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de church an’ in de quah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum de sistahs dat had room’ticks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de aches fo’ yeahs an’ yeahs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ dat chicken was er scramblin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ a fallin’ obeah cheers.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Preechah Weed he got so ’cited</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat he run clah out his coat,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fell ergin de stobe kerwollup!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Butt his haid an’ swo’ by note.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But he jump’d up in er jiffy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Feelin’ lak he was befo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gibb er ban’ spring fo’ dat chicken,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">But by Jinks he’s mos’ too slo’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Dough he hit he’s haid er stunnah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Diden’ eben make er dent,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze, he’s so much lak de debbil,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Haid was hard ez adament.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de time de res’ was skufflin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er kickin’ right an’ lef’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Got so bunkshus an’ bumbastic</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey kood hahdly ’tain deyse’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Loudah! Loudah! Got de janglin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mo’ an’ mo’ dey ring’d dey bluf’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wuss de grabbin’ fo’ de chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den’s when dey got at it ruf.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum done pullin’ out dey razzahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er kyahvin’ fo’ de koh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de sistahs got to axin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lawd sake leeb us out de doh!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fin’ly Bruddah Moses wid er</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kinedah p’culiar kine er trick,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kotch’d de poultry, made er bee-line,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cut er reg’lah dubble quick.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den sum swo’ day had bin kunjud,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Uddahs ’clahd dey’d bin hoo-dood,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lef’ de ch’ch er swahin’ vengeance</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de wusses’ kine er mood.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="YES_WEES_GOT_ER_FLAG">YES, WEES GOT ER FLAG.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ise hyeahd while in mah ramblin’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat ah mos’ subnoxshus choon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat ebry bressed nayshun’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Got er flag excep’ de coon.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I hyeah de white fo’ks sing it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ I hyeah de niggahs, too—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De way de niggahs sing it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems dey ’cep’ de thing fo’ true.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It sut’ly am mos’ ’gustin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Way de niggahs sing de thing.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey clap dey ban’s an’ hollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sot de kentry all er ring.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I doesn’t blame de white fo’ks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ha’f ez much I do de coon</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ singin’ an’ er whis’lin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sech er “singyooaytin’” chune.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De little pickahninnies</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Why dey sing dat meetah, too!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey clap dey han’s an’ hollah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Zackly lak de ol’ fo’ks do—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ when I hyeah dem sing it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez dey dance an’ joobah pat—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I feels lak walzin’ to ’em</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ jes’ knock’n dem out dey hat.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De blood ub ah ol’ foddahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ah er cry in’ fum de groun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun! chillun, lissun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ hyeah de doleful soun’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ergin’ sech kine ub ’spreshuns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er gin sech kine ub choons,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Dat ebry race an’ nayshun’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Got er flag excep’ de coon.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey fo’git when Bruddah Linkkum</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gibb er call in sixty-one.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ fo’ks to jine de army</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebry niggah grabb’d his gun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He lef his little cabin</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">While de ole fo’ks stood in tears.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To fight fo’ dis hyeah kentry</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez true faithful volunteers.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doh de po’ ol’ niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doesn’t allus git his rights.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ his loyal kindness</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lots er kicks an’ lots ub smites.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yet ’twas ’neef dat banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ha’f er millun niggahs fought.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’p’d to win de vict’rys</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat dis mighty kentry wrought.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let all ub de niggahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Teach dey chillun all to love.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat ol’ starry banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat am floatin’ up er ’bove.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spite ub all ah trubble</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Things dat makes ah progress lagg,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membah dat Ol’ Glory</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am ah bannah, am ah flag!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun! chillun, lissun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When dis niggah’s in his grave,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let dat dah ol’ banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">O’er dis niggah ebbah wave.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Kaze dat dah ol’ banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Undah which ah foddahs fought,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Am de only banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to love dat I was taught.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="HI_MISTAH_DAHKY">HI, MISTAH DAHKY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De hoein’ time’s er cumin’—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Loafin’s nearly obeah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ er fiddlin’ an’ er drummin’,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dancin’ wid de ladies</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ er steppin’ lak er racer,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Drinkin’ Tom an’ Jerry</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sum burbon fo’ er bracer.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bin er ’joicin’ all de wintah?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spawkin’ wid de ladies</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ er cuttin’ quite er splintah?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dressed up lak er peacock</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hyah all pawted in de middle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Shakein’ lak er wilier</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ er prancin’ to de fiddle?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">See de sun er gittin higher?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pohin’ down de heatin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lak er Sodom an’ Gomire.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Showers am er fallin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de gawden craps er sproutin.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In yo’ soul is yo’ er doubtin’?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mo’ den singin’ an’ er prayin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De Mastah am requirin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In dis worrul while yo’s er stayin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spendin’ all yo’ time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Shoutin’, knockin’ down de benches,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Beddah take mo’ time fo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hoein’, fixin’ up yo’ fences.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Am de meadows lookin’ temptin’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lak er bed er feddahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Make yo’ dream lak Israel kemptin’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sympathizin’ wid yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But de fo’ks is dun er sowin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now de nex’ thing am de hoein’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In yo’ soul will yo’ be singin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ see de millins</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On de runnin’ vines er clingin’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sugah co’n er tasslin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de punkins tarnin’ yallah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seasonin’ an’ er sweetenin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ meely, gittin’ mellah.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="DEYS_ER_COL_WAVE_BRESHIN_NIGH">DEY’S ER COL’ WAVE BRESHIN’ NIGH.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Trees dey leaves er sheddin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de grasses tarnin’ brown.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Summah days is obeah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de wintah’s cumin’ roun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lonely quail er callin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid er weary lonely sigh,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sno’ will soon be fallin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Soon er fallin’ fum de sky.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Coolsum is de weddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey’s er col’ wave breshin’ nigh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look out fo’ de wintah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze it’s cumin’ by an’ by.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun at de wailin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ jes’ lissun at de moan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun at de sighin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell yo’ dat’s de wintah’s tone.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Craps dun quit er sproutin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Not er millun’s on de vine.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Haint er watah seedin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Not er portion ub er rhine.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Long time fo’ to wait</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Until de wintah leaves dis clime,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Summah cums er totein’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Roun’ de sweet ol’ millun time.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t no use er kickin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de Lawd is got control,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Makin’ ub de weddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eedah hot ah eedah col’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah ax er pussun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nebbah no whah on de spot,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wheddah dey would lak to</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hab de weddah col’ er hot.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">So jes’ well keep joggin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Long er happy sort er way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Crackin’ jokes er whislin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till de wintah goes estray.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Weddah doesn’t suit yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ well make yo’se’f content.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Larn to’cep’ de weddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Any sort er way it’s sent.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="FORCE_OF_WORDS">FORCE OF WORDS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Chicken stew</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Was all I said.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Made dat coon</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hop out o’ bed,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Butt his head</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ergin de wall</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kooden’ stan’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">De thing at all.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ dat menshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ dat talk,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Made dat coon’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eyes white ez chawk.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Looked eroun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ licked his chops</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez doh he hyeahd</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey wings flopp! flopp!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, dem wurds,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey struck dat coon</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lak er ’lectric</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Shock in June!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kooden’ sleep</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No mo’ dat night,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Rolled an’ tossed</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Until daylight.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="I_TOL_YO_SO">I TOL’ YO’ SO.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Playin’ out dah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid dat white trash’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’ back</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wood git er lash;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pay no ’tenshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whut I say,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Allus got</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sum uddah way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wished yo’ haddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">P’haps, sum day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ de wusses’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Chile in town,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Foll’rin’ all</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">De white trash ’roun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Aftah Peedah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">John and Paul,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ thing fightin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid ’em all;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den de niggah’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fus’ to fall.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Licked de ’lasses</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Off yo’ bread,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den dey knocked</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ in de head.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Called yo’ niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sich ez dat</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Said yo’ hyah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wuz lak er mat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! Dem white fo’ks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Made yo’ scat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! Dey skaid</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ mos’ to def.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ out o’ bref.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Run so fas’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dun los’ yo’ hat,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Got no idea</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whah it’s at;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to whoop</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ good fo’ dat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_PASSING_OF_NIGHT">THE PASSING OF NIGHT.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De moon’s dun sneaked</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Clah out er sight,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De stars dun quit</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey peepin’;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De shaddahs dun gone</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stole erway,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De world’s dun quit</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">It’s sleepin’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De hours dey’s slowly</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Creeped erlong</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Until de world’s in light</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ song;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De sun smiles on</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Creation’s throng—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er cross de worl’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Goes sweeping.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_TALE_O_WOE">A TALE O’ WOE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Manny am de battle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dahky’s got to fight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry tarn he’s makin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Trouble’s dah in sight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef he’s got de ’liggun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Puffec’ to de spot,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hard to keep fum cussin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Losin’ all he’s got.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">White fo’ks got de money,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">White fo’ks got de lan’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ wan’ a po’ dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hab er place to stan’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef dey miss er chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef dey miss er goose,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ thing grab er dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de calerboose.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Long ez he’s er hoein’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Diggin’ in de san’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bress yo’ soul, say, mistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">He am jes’ de man.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let him git de money</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cumin’ mos’ too fas’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">White fo’ks git to skeemin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Say it mussen’ las’.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="LULLABY">LULLABY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, Pickahninny,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Close yo’ little eyes.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Evenin’ am er ’proachin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tells yo’ sleep an’ quit yo’ cries,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mammy’s gwine to keep</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">All o’ de boogahman erway—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gyahd her little pickahninny</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till de cumin’ day.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, pickahninny,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sleep an’ take yo’ res;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sleep wid all de cumfort</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ub de birdies in dey nes’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de sun’s dun sinkin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de eas’ begin to rise,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mammy’s little pickahninny</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den kin ope’ its eyes.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, pickahninny,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mammy’s little love,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">May de gyahdin’ angels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hubbah ’roun’ de fum erbove.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid dey sof’en sweeten whispahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Keep de lull’d er sleep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">While de weary lonely hours</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Slowly onward creep.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, pickahninny,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Keep er fas’ er sleep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">While de weary, lonely hours</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Slowly onward creep.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Day will soon be breakin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sun er creepin’ ’cross de skies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mammy’s little pickahninny</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den kin ope it’s eyes.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_ECSTASY_OF_UNCLE_JOE">THE ECSTASY OF UNCLE JOE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Feel lak shoutin’ hallelooyah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Habben’ got an’ ache ner pain.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Los’ dat kahnsahn roomertism,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No mo’ hobblin’ wid dat cane.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Things look lak de Eden Gawden,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hardly bleeb dis am mah se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis am bliss in ebbry ’ticklah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tickles mah ol’ soul to def.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat snake oil sho’ did de bizzness,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Geddah wid dem herbs an’ roots.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bress de Lawd! umph! grayshus Mahstah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hardly stay in mah ol’ boots!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’way, chillun, let yo’ daddy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hab de place all to hisse’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de ol’ man’s jollyfyin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ he’s drawin’ bran’ new bref.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis ol’ frame am no mo’ shaky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doh I is mos’ eighty-eight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dem ol’ jints am jes’ ez soople’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When Ise in mah youthful state.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Feel lak lay’n erside mah ’liggun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Once mo’ dance de buck an’ wing.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Is dah ’mong yo’ doubtin’ Thomas,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Think dat I kaint do dat thing?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, I ustah cut it, chillun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When ol’ fiddlin’ Peet was ’roun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had all o’ de white an’ brac’ fo’ks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Beat, dat lived er bout de town.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo bet he was er fiddlah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Make yo’ dance yo’se’f leg bowl.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Played de sweetes’ kine o’ ditties</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat jes’ ’joiced yo’ berry soul.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look hyeah, Rastus! drap dat fiddle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ sot dat thing er chune.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ do, in spite mah ’liggun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Make out me er dancin’ coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See, de debbil’s allus skeemin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to make de Chris’shuns sin.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Usein’ chillun in his bizzness,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat’s de way he takes to win.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now, he put it in li’l Rastus</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to git dat fiddle down.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t I kooden’ r’sist tem’tayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to dance at its ol’ soun’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not dis time, oh, no! Brer Satan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kin yo’ make out me er clown.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git me dancin, lose mah ’liggun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">On de las’ day lose mah crown.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Guess I beddah git de Bible,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Read de Mahstah’s bressed Wurd.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Leeb deez hyeah mischebus raskuls,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze dey’s sum de debil’s herd.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="KEEP_ER_GOIN">KEEP ER GOIN’.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ dat’s in de race o’ life,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebah stop fo’ little strife,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum one kick yo’ on de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nuddah prick yo’ wid er thorn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Toot loudah on yo’ horn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ sortah lose de track,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ tarn fool an’ saunter back,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time to ax an’ ’quire,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Keep er headin’ fo’ de wire.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Push out in de mud an’ mire.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef de road leads ’roun’ an’ ’roun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sumtimes up an’ sumtimes down,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ fall an’ crack yo’ shin,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git up, koch yo’ secun’ win’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spruce up, try de thing ergin.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CLIMIN_UP_DE_HILL">CLIMIN’ UP DE HILL.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to climb de hill o’ fame,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bet it takes er lot o’ tussel.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It takes er lot er scratchin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ it takes er lot er hus’le.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s now an’ den er slip,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ it’s now an’ den er stumble.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’ to reach de summit</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ mus’ keep on meek an’ humble.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ climin’ up de hill,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ will git er lot er clubbin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll git er lot er knockin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ll git er lot er drubbin’!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den yo’ll mope,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den ergin yo’ll be er creepin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll git so tiad an’ weary,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wan’ to res’ an’ go to sleepin’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ climin’ fo’ de prize,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ mus’ do er lot o’ scramble,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll run into de briars,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ll strike er lot o’ bramble.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll fine er lot o’ thorns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Stead er findin’ lots o’ roses.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Keep er headin’ fo’ de summit,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dah is whah success reposes.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ mussen’ spec’ er crown</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fus’ widdout sum tribyoolayshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze dat’s de rule o’ ordah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de white an’ brackes’ nation.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kno’ it’s sumtimes up,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den ergin it’s in de valley,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den ergin yo’ go er scootin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Towards de goal yo’ go er sally.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ run on fo’ er spell,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den ergin yo’ git to slippin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ now an’ den’ll reel,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git to trippin’ an’ er tippin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But lak de ship o’ Zion,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When de waves it am er dashin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ ride right th’ew de storm,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de harbor cum er splashin’.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SISTAH_RUFFLE">SISTAH RUFFLE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">No use tawkin,’ sistah Ruffle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Am a gittin’ out de kinks;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ up to date in fashun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She out-dresses sistah Jinks;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Got a bran new dress o’ satin,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid a hot stuff ruffl’d skirt;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Way she’s lookin’ ebry dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">At her grinn’d an’ tried to flirt.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she’s gone an’ got a mobeel</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cumin’ down klah to her feet;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">One dem silks trimm’d in white kawdin,’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s a stunnah, kain’t be beet;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ her hat, oh goodness grashus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lak a flowah bed o’ bloom;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she fewmigate de breezes,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de sweetes’ kine o’ ’fewme.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, yo’ know ol’ sistah Ruffle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ustah wash erbout de town;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had a husbahn dat was leg-bowl,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ as ugly as a clown;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yes de ol’ gal we’ de goggles,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hobblin’ ’roun’ wid roomotick,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Diden’ hab ’em on dat ’kayshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She was flouncin’ double quick.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ yo’ know, she am bawlhaided,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But dat dey she we’ er wig;</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dog mah cats ef yo’ kood tell it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ could I’d dance’d a jig;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Twasn’t made fum hyah dat’s kinky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But fum dat call’d awbun hyah;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Looks so poody slick, an’ wabey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kine yo’ see de white fo’ks wah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had it done an’ roll’d in ribbon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On de pompydoro style;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had deez great big whut yo’ call ’em?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hyahpins yais yo’ right mah chile;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">At de sides she lef’ it bushy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to kibbah up her yeahs;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kose she seed de white fo’ks do it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de las’ free o’ fo’ yeahs.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yais, she had on glasses, go ’way!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dem dat habs de gol’en rim</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ a chain wuz fas’en to ’em,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cumin’ down beneef her chin;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ her bowkey, go’ way honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It wahs flowahs o’ all kine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, it look’d mos’ loud an’ spickyus,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wish’d de lawd it had bin mine.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oddah seed her when she pass’d us,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Thow’d her head clah to de cloud;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Switch’d her se’f an’ kooden’ see us,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze she’s togg’d up mos’ to loud;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den shed’ gib us, honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut yo’ call de cake wa’k gran’,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ her big feet cut no figgah;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Was’ she right? she beet de ban’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she’d pass sto’ windahs, honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She’d size up her se’f an’ smile;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Twis’ her-se’f an’ lif her trailah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cose she tho’wt she’s poody, chile;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Why, I know’d dat dah ol’ dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she haden’ braid to eat;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When it cum to shoes an’ sockin’s,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey was stranjahs to her feet.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now she needn’t be o’ spreadin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On befo’ me any ahs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de Lawd in heaben knows it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat I ’bout her doesn’t kyahs;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She jes’ lately got a penshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ it’s sortah swell’d her haid,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s a wondah diden’ bus’ it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de dahky isn’t daid.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ yo’ ’membah when she usetah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wah dat bumzeen yallah dress?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah she’s gwine to git de nex’ one,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kep’ her allus on de guess;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut I say a ’bout sum dahkies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef dey git a rag er to,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Speshly dems po’ as Jobe’s tukehy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’ll wa’k obah me an’ yo’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I jes’ feed dem kine o’ dahkies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid er big long hanel spoon;</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet dey needen’ take dis sistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ er hankshef haided coon;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze it’s bawn in all ah kin fo’ks,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To be stylish an’ be proud,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah habs dis lady, honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To sech dahkies ebah bow’d.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_GALLANT_BLACKS_OF_SAN_JUAN_HILL">THE GALLANT BLACKS OF SAN JUAN HILL.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Without a tremor or a pause,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Enlisted for their country’s cause,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Mid shout and song the gallant boys</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Charge up the hill of San Juan.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Like war-scarred veterans of old,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Made with patriot ardor bold,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Press they forward towards the goal,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Not a soldier falters.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Blood and carnage everywhere,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Detonations rend the air,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not for once do they despair,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">But press on to conquer.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See them charge with matchless splendor</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Heart to heart each one’s defender,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All praise for the part they render,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">For them is the victory.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See the starry emblem high;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">This they’ll keep or all will die.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Forward! Is their battle cry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">See them still advancing.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hell of fire ’tis their’s to greet,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Comrades falling at their feet.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Still for them to fight ’tis sweet,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">See them still advancing!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See the foe’s ranks try to rally,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Thank God! They’ve made their last tally.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ne’er again will they forth sally,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Lost their hopes forever!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Another charge! They reach the summit,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">And the prize at last they’ve won it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fighting ev’ry inch they’ve done it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Vic’try on their banner.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Columbia, thou hast won the day,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Tribute on the altar lay.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Plaudits to those brave boys pay,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">They thy brave defenders.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Heaven swing thy gates a-wide,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Forever in thy walls abide,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let those who so nobly died,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Be this, their reward.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">In the starry firmament,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Thou bright gem of government,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Brightest in the firmament,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Still thy encircling light.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">As a beacon and a sign,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">To oppressed men ever shine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till on this terrestrial ball,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">God shall end the reign of all.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 66997 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook of Plantation Echoes, by Elliott Blaine
+Henderson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
+will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
+using this eBook.
+
+Title: Plantation Echoes
+       A Collection of Original Negro Dialect Poems
+
+Author: Elliott Blaine Henderson
+
+Release Date: December 22, 2021 [eBook #66997]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+Produced by: Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+             at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+             generously made available by The Internet Archive/American
+             Libraries.)
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLANTATION ECHOES ***
+Transcriber’s Note: Henderson’s writing captures African American
+dialect of his time, but the poems contain slang words and racial
+stereotypes that the modern reader is likely to find offensive.
+
+
+
+
+
+                            Plantation Echoes
+
+                       A COLLECTION _of_ ORIGINAL
+                           NEGRO DIALECT POEMS
+
+                                  _By_
+                        ELLIOTT BLAINE HENDERSON
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+                             COLUMBUS, OHIO
+                           PRESS OF F. J. HEER
+                                  1904
+
+                  Entered According to Act of Congress
+                            in the year 1904
+
+                           BY E. B. HENDERSON
+
+               In the office of the Librarian of Congress
+                             at Washington.
+
+
+
+
+Dedication
+
+
+    THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY
+    DEDICATED TO
+
+    MESSERS.
+
+      HOWARD BURBA
+      L. WALTER HARRISON
+      PROF. L. M. LAYTON
+      T. J. McCORMICK
+      OSMAN C. HOOPER
+
+    Literary Editor of the Columbus Dispatch,
+    Columbus, Ohio.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+The music of the American negro, the fresh and spontaneous expression
+of a good and care-free heart, has long been one of the most pleasing
+features of American life. It is human nature in its first vocal
+garb—original and unique, often humorous and always true to the
+sentiment of the singer. If there ever was an illustration of the close
+relationship between language and thought, it is this.
+
+What is true of the melodies of the negro as developed in the simple
+existence on the plantation is also true of that other form of singing,
+verse-making. Among the negroes there have sprung up a number of
+exponents of the wisdom, wit and humor of the race. They have caught the
+spirit of others—the humble philosophers of their kind—and they have
+employed the dialect to reproduce the thought in all its quaintness and
+originality. One of the most notable of these exponents or interpreters
+is an Ohio negro, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, who has taken high rank among
+the poets of the day. Another is Elliott Blaine Henderson, also a son of
+Ohio, whose first volume of verse is herewith presented.
+
+In much that Mr. Henderson here presents, there is the rush of expression
+and the jingle of words that are so characteristic of the negro. There is
+also humor and there is sentiment, and always that other quality which
+makes verse in these days readable—good cheer.
+
+He who correctly interprets the spirit of his race serves a good cause,
+and it is believed that Mr. Henderson will be found to have succeeded in
+his undertaking to make his people better and more widely understood.
+
+                                          E. G. BURKHAM,
+                       _Editor of the Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio_.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+    When the Moon Hangs Low                      9
+
+    Seems Dey’s No Place                        10
+
+    Good Bye, Honey, Good Bye                   12
+
+    Whut We Gwine To Do                         14
+
+    Kaze I kno’ I Kain’t Stop                   16
+
+    Dahky Whut Yo’ Doin?                        18
+
+    When De Fiah Am Kindlin’ Hot                20
+
+    Lammentation                                22
+
+    When De Summah’s Dun Cum                    23
+
+    The Coon’s Serenade                         24
+
+    Blissful Anticipations                      25
+
+    Pawson Johnson At Dinner                    27
+
+    Go ’Way, Mah Honey                          28
+
+    Brer Possum Declines                        30
+
+    I Hain’t Foolin’ Honey                      31
+
+    Sleep—                                      33
+
+    A Profuse Encomium                          34
+
+    Peepin’ Th’ew De Husk                       35
+
+    Axin’ Coon Cum Obeah                        38
+
+    Hustle—                                     38
+
+    Go Sleep                                    40
+
+    Kase De Sun Am Sinkin’                      41
+
+    Soft Falls The Night                        43
+
+    Git On Board, Chillun                       44
+
+    Uncle Ned An’ De Mockin’ Bird               46
+
+    Po’ Li’l’ Rastus                            48
+
+    Sambo’s Rain Philosophy                     50
+
+    Jes’ Keep Er Lookin’ Up                     51
+
+    Wished I’d Rode Mah Hoss                    53
+
+    Eggs! Eggs!! Eggs!!!                        54
+
+    It Am De Possum Time                        55
+
+    Stick To Your Race                          57
+
+    Memorial Day                                58
+
+    Trussy’s Visit                              60
+
+    Is Yo’ Lonesum, Honey?                      64
+
+    Larn To He’p Yo’se’f                        64
+
+    Courtin’ O’ De Phone                        66
+
+    Lonesum Valley Christmas Tree               68
+
+    Yes, Wees Got Er Flag                       72
+
+    Hi, Mistah Dahky                            75
+
+    Dey’s Er Col’ Wave Breshin’ Nigh            77
+
+    Force Of Words                              79
+
+    I Tol’ Yo’ So                               80
+
+    The Passing Of Night                        82
+
+    A Tale O’ Woe                               83
+
+    Lullaby                                     84
+
+    The Exstacy of Uncle Joe                    85
+
+    Keep Er Goin’                               87
+
+    Climin’ Up De Hill                          88
+
+    Sistah Ruffle                               90
+
+    The Gallant Blacks of San Juan Hill         93
+
+
+
+
+WHEN THE MOON HANGS LOW.
+
+
+    A straying chicken
+      Lost from home
+    Bewildered, finds
+      Itself a-roam.
+    And innocently
+      Stalks the ground,
+    Not dreaming
+      That a coon’s around.
+
+    As evening’s shadows
+      Gently fall,
+    The chicken, lonesome,
+      Gives a call.
+    A coon steals out
+      Soft in the night,
+    To catch him
+      For his appetite.
+
+    The night is still!
+      The moon is low!
+    Not e’en a zephyr
+      Seems to blow.
+    The coon with sack
+      Clutched in his hand,
+    Moves silently
+      Across the land.
+
+    The chicken gives
+      Another squawk!
+    The coon has got her
+      Like a hawk.
+    The moon now breaks
+      Forth into light,
+    The coon and chicken’s
+      Out of sight.
+
+
+
+
+SEEMS DEY’S NO PLACE.
+
+
+    Well er coon kin go to kollege
+    Git his head chucked full o’ knowledge,
+    Till he knows ez much ez Solomon de wise.
+    He kin study an’ summize,
+    Count de stars up in de skies,
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    Tawk erbout yo’ eddeekayshun
+    Gittin’ in de cullahd nayshun,
+    Gittin’ “lighten” in de head an’ sich ez dat,
+    Yo’ kin larn sah, till yo’ hat
+    On yo’ head woan’ fit exzac’,
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    Eddeekayshun am all right
+    Ef er coon kin git er sight
+    ’Stead o’ makin’ bread an’ buttah by de hoe,
+    He kood entah any do’
+    Whah he’s qualified to go.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    He doan’ allus want to hoe,
+    He wood like er little sho,
+    Fo’ to git er little sweetness out o’ life;
+    He has had er worl’ o’ strife,
+    Allus struck by trouble’s knife.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    All de coons kin cut dey pranks
+    Fo’ to git into de banks,
+    Wid de white fo’ks fo’ to handle wid dey cash
+    Dat wood sorter spile de hash,
+    Make er fraycus an’ er clash.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    All de coons kin go to Yale,
+    Larn Greek, Latin, by de bale,
+    Larn to numbah all de hyahs up in dey head;
+    Dey may read dis thing wid dread,
+    Nufin’ else kin dey be said.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+    Ez I saunter ’roun’ de town,
+    An’ I skim mah eyes eroun’,
+    Whah de white fo’ks am in business ebbry where,
+    Yo’ kain’t find er coon in dare
+    Wid de white fo’ks sellin’ ware.
+    Seems dey’s no place
+    Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.
+
+
+
+
+GOOD BYE, HONEY—GOOD BYE.
+
+
+    Gwine to leeb dis dear ol’ place,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Time’s er flyin’, I mus’ make has’e,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Hate to go, but I kain’t say no,
+    It gives mah hea’t er pang o’ woe,
+    Yo’ all’s mah fren’, not one’s mah foe,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Sistah Jane, an’ uncle Joe?
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    I hope we’ll see us all sum mo’,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    We’s gittin’ ol’, we’s gittin’ gray,
+    Ah days am dun’ fo’ makin’ hay,
+    Ah steps cum slo’ we’s wastin’ ’way,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    We’s had good times on dis ol’ place,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    We’s frollic’d in de possum chase,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    We’s picked de cotton, hoed de co’n,
+    We’s picked de berries spite o’ thorns,
+    We’s wocked at night, we’s wocked at morn,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Hain’t dat Miss Linndy, obeah dah?
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Sho’ it am; well, I declah!
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Cum an’ shake de ol’ man’s han’,
+    Gwine to leeb ol’ massa’s lan’
+    ’Deed, Miss Linndy, yo’ look gran’,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Rastus? little Rastus, chile,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Look ee dah, jes’ see him smile,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Jes’ ez natshul ez his paw,
+    De bes’ chile dat I ebbah saw,
+    Got de mannahs ub his maw,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Whah is Massa, is he ’roun’?
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    ’Pears’ I koch his footstep soun’,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    I ’fess it’s hard to leeb him now,
+    To say good bye, I doan’ kno’ how,
+    I’ll shake his han’, jes’ make er bow,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+    Mockin’ bird up in de tree?
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Yo’s sung er manny day to me.
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+    Er manny day dis hea’t o’ mine
+    Yo’s cheered it wid yo’ song divine,
+    An’ made de sunlight brighter shine,
+      Good bye, honey; good bye!
+
+
+
+
+WHAT WE GWINE TO DO?
+
+
+    Well, de way de thing am lookin’
+      To ol’ Hezzeekyah Yoon,
+    Dis kentry’s gittin’ wussah
+      Fo’ de po’ and he’pless coon.
+
+    Dey lynch him on de lef’,
+      An’ dey lynch him on de right,
+    Dey cum an’ git er niggah
+      In de day an’ in de night.
+
+    Whut we gwine to do?
+      Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?
+    Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah
+      Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?
+
+    Oh de niggah’s got er moighty
+      Tuff an’ thorny road to tread—
+    Dey’s bullets, clubs an’ razzahs
+      Allus flyin’ at his head.
+    It’s er mer’kul all de niggahs
+      Haben’ suffer’d dat same fate.
+    De string up to de lamp-pos’
+      An’ de string up to de gate.
+    When de signul’s gibbun
+      Fo’ to rally ’roun’ de flag,
+    Nebbah fo’ er minute
+      Am er niggah seed to lagg.
+
+    De niggah hain’t rebelyus
+      Though he doan’ git all things jus’;
+    He’s loyal to his kentry,
+      Nebbah habs betrayed his trus’.
+    He allus takes de bitters
+      ’Zactly lak he does de sweet,
+    He goes right on light hea’ted,
+      Wid er tew step to his feet.
+
+    Whut we gwine to do?
+      Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?
+    Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah
+      Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?
+
+
+
+
+KAZE I KNO’ I KAIN’T STOP.
+
+
+    Summah breezes blowin’,
+      An’ de sun am roas’in’ hot!
+    Jes’ right am de meadows
+      Fo’ to take ’em fo’ er cot!
+    Grasses sof’ an’ downy,
+      Am jes’ like er feddah bed!
+    Hain’t er spot dat am mo’ ’vitin’
+      Fo’ er niggah lay his head!
+
+    Ah tell yo’ whut’s de mattah,
+      Sah, de feebah’s mountain high.
+    When ah ’fleck ub ah kun’dishyun
+      Makes dis niggah sot an’ cry.
+    To hyeah de fo’ks er tawkin’
+      How de niggah’s got to fare,
+    Dey mob, dey burn an’ lynch him,
+      An’ dey skin him lak er hare.
+
+    It’s true dey’s lots er niggahs
+      Dat am wurfluss to de co’,
+    De debbul wooden’ hab ’em
+      Even inside ub his do’.
+    But de Lawd in heaven knows
+      Dat all de niggahs hain’t dat way,
+    Dey’s lots dat’s good an’ hones’
+      An’ dey nebbah goes estray.
+
+    De niggah hain’t to blame—
+      To cum hyeah he diden’ kyeah.
+    De white fo’ks, why dey made him,
+      Why dey fotch’d him obeah hyeah.
+    An’ now to knock his head off
+      Kaze he’s tryin’ to git erlong,
+    Accawdin’ to my Bible,
+      Why de whole thing ub it’s wrong.
+
+    De niggah loves dis kentry—
+      Ebbry time he’ll put up fight.
+    Fo’ it wheddah it am
+      In de wrong ah in de right.
+
+    But er niggah, kain’t stop!
+    Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!
+    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’
+    Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!
+
+    White man take it easy,
+      Am er livin’ lak er king!
+    Free ez am de buzzahd,
+      Doesn’t hab to do er thing!
+    Niggah’d lak to togg up
+      In his Sunday meetin’ dress,
+    An’ jes’ lak de white man,
+      Sot, an’ lay back, take his res’.
+
+    But er niggah, kain’t stop!
+    Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!
+    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’
+    Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!
+
+    Sumtimes git to ’fleckin’
+      Scratch dis head whah it doan’ itch!
+    Axin’ why de Lawd, sah,
+      Diden’ make dis niggah rich!
+    But dey hain’t no use to kick,
+      But jes’ keep er josslin’ ’long.
+    Now an’ den I keeps er whis’lin’
+      An’ er hummin’ at mah song.
+
+    Kaze I kno’ I kain’t stop!
+    Mus’ keep hoein’ out de crop!
+    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’
+    Till Ise’s ready, mos’ to drop!
+
+    Now an’ den I sortah
+      Git er ticklin’ in mah heel!
+    Fo’ to go to dancin’
+      At de ol’ Verginny reel!
+    Soople ez a skeedah!
+      Dance de jig fum night till morn,
+    Nebbah stop er minute, bruddah,
+      Fo’ an’ ache er fo’ er co’n!
+
+    But er niggah, kain’t stop!
+    Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!
+    Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’
+    Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!
+
+
+
+
+DAHKY, WHUT YO’ DUN?
+
+
+    Oh, but how er dollah
+      Is er moighty fren’,
+    In de dead o’ wintah,
+      Ef yo’ idle den.
+    Winds dey may be howlin’,
+      Whizzin’ th’ew de trees!
+    Needen’ worry, dahky,
+      Yo’ hain’ gwine to freez!
+
+    Summah is er flyin’,
+      Breezes gittin’ cool!
+    Beddah be er layin’
+      In yo’ wintah fuel!
+    Leaves begin to fallin’,
+      Harvestin’ is dun,
+    Birds am now er troopin’
+      Soufward wid de sun.
+
+    Hoein’ time is obeah,
+      Dahky take yo’ res’!
+    Th’ow off wockin’ hahness,
+      Don yo’ Sunday bes’!
+    Fiddles an’ de banjos—
+      Git ’em all in tune,
+    ’Nipulate de ditties
+      Gibbs de soul er boon!
+
+    In de spring an’ summah,
+      Dahky whut yo’ dun?
+    Ridin’ on de skershuns,
+      Habin’ lots o’ fun?
+    Dancin’ wid de ladies,
+      Spen’in’ all yo’ got?
+    Thinkin’ kaze it’s summah,
+      ’Twill be allus hot?
+
+    Yo’ de kine cum
+      Knockin’ on de cabin do’,
+    Fo’ to get er sistance,
+      Tell ’er tale o’ wo’.
+    Den’s de time to sho’ yo’
+      We’s no easy thing,
+    ’Videin’ fo’ yo’ stummucks
+      Wid ah hoe earnin’.
+
+    Whut yo’ needs er lesson
+      In de ’speerence school.
+    Git de realizayshun
+      Whah yo’ bin er fool.
+    Den yo’ll git de idea,
+      Dollah is yo’ fren’,
+    Larn to be mo’ kyahful
+      How yo’ money spen’.
+
+
+
+
+WHEN DE FIAH AM KINDLIN’ HOT.
+
+
+    When de sno’ it am er fallin,’
+      Winds er whizzin’ down de lanes,
+    An’ de fros’ it am er freezin’
+      Fo’ yo’ eyes erpun de panes,
+    Whut am beddah den er neslin’
+      ’Roun’ er fiah dat’s roas’in’ hot?
+    Fo’ er pickahninny dahky
+      Hain’t er mo’ enchantin’ spot.
+
+    When de breezes am er moanin’
+      An’ de sun am sinkin’ lo’,
+    An’ de gloomy clouds an’ shaddahs
+      Geddah ’roun’ erbout yo’ do’;
+    When yo’ hyeah de co’n er poppin’,
+      See de cidah all er foam,
+    In yo’ soul de joy an’ gladness
+      Seems eroun’ erbout to roam.
+
+    An’ yo’ granny am er hummin’,
+      Cat er purrin’ on de rug,
+    An’ yo’ git er sniff de burbun
+      Dat am steamin’ fum de jug—
+    Umph! de berry ’maggahnayshun
+      Makes er puson think it’s real.
+    It am glory! Hesh yo’ mouf, sah,
+      Doan’ yo’ ax me how yo’ feel.
+
+    All yo’ troubles an’ yo’ burdens
+      Seems to take de swif’es flight!
+    ’Pears yo’ berry soul am lif’ed
+      To de blissful mountain heights!
+    Whah de lan’s erflo’ wid honey,
+      Streets an’ alleys paved wid gol’,
+    An’ de simphonnies o’ heaben’s
+      Got er sweetnes’ kaint be tol’.
+
+    Yo’ kin sing de song o’ Moses,
+      Shout yo’se’f clah to de sky!
+    Pickahninny’s den in cloveah,
+      No time den to weep an’ sigh.
+    Let de sno’ keep on er fallin’,
+      Let de breezes whizz an’ moan,
+    Longs er pickahninny’s neslin’
+      ’Roun’ er hot fiah ub his own.
+
+
+
+
+LAMENTATION.
+
+
+    When de rent cums due
+      An’ yo’ haben got er dollah,
+    An’ yo’ hab to hunt
+      Fo’ er nuddah place to wollah,
+    De wintah’s dun cum,
+      An’ de coal pile’s sinkin’,
+    Dey’s nufin’ in de cupboard
+      An’ yo’ stummuck am er tinkin’,
+
+    How yo’ head wool geddahs!
+      How yo’ hunt an’ scratch!
+    Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah
+      Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!
+
+    When yo’ sot an’ ’fleck,
+      Seems befo’ yo’ keeps er bobbin’
+    De possum an’ de coon,
+      An’ de peach an’ apple cobblin’.
+    Yo’ dream bout summah,
+      Wid de joocy wattah millun,
+    Dat yo’ sotin’ in de middle
+      An’ yo’ stummuck jes’ er fillin’,
+
+    How yo’ mouf does wattah!
+      How yo’ stummuck jes’ jump!
+    An’ yo’ eyes am all er twinkle
+      An’ yo’ hump! hump! hump!
+
+    When de night cums on
+      An’ dey hain’t er nuf de kibbah,
+    While yo’ bunk an’ snooz
+      Fo’ to keep yo’ fum de shibbah,
+    De coal’s dun sinkin’
+      Till it am no mo’,
+    De weddah am at zero,
+      De worl am kibbahd in de sno’,
+
+    How yo’ head wool geddahs!
+      How yo’ hunt an’ scratch
+    Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah
+      Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!
+
+
+
+
+WHEN DE SUMMAH’S DUN CUM.
+
+
+    When de wintah’s dun gone
+      An’ de summah’s dun cum,
+    An’ de birds begin dey wahble
+      An’ de bees begin dey hum,
+    An’ de hills, de fields, de meadows
+      Wid de verdure all am green,
+    An’ de heaben’s panorama
+      Am er mos’ enchantin’ scene,
+
+    Den er niggah kin sing!
+      Den er niggah kin hum!
+    Kaze de wintah’s dun gone,
+      An’ de summah’s dun cum!
+
+    When de vines am climin’,
+      Spreadin’ beauty on de run,
+    An’ de cullahs o’ de lan’scape
+      An’ de sky dey blen’ ez one,
+    An’ de flowahs ez dey’s buddin’
+      An’ er blossom’ an’ er bloom,
+    An’ de breezes fan dey petals
+      Koch dey sweetes’ smellin’ ’fume,
+
+    How yo’ soul inspahs!
+      How yo’ hea’t does tickle!
+    Den er niggah am happy
+      Ef he haben’ got er nickel!
+
+    When de craps am wavin’
+      An’ de tassel’s on de co’n,
+    An’ de apples am er drapin’
+      An’ de sweepahtayters born,
+    An’ de cabbage am er headin’,
+      Swellin’ lak dey got de mumps,
+    An’ de passnups am er peepin’
+      Winkin’ at yo’ hine de stumps,
+
+    How er niggah kin whis’le!
+      How his soul does ’joice!
+    ’Kaze it’s time fo’ de millun
+      An’ it’s time fo’ de squash!
+
+
+
+
+THE COON’S SERENADE.
+
+
+    In de lonesum ub de night
+    When de moon’s er shinin’ bright,
+    Coon er sotin’ on er stump
+    Picks de banjo, plinkertee plump!
+    Sof’ly floats de mournful ’frain
+    ’Cross de dewy, grassy main—
+    Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!
+    Picks de coon erpun de stump!
+
+    Ebbry win’ an’ ebbry breeze,
+    Ebbry twig erpun de trees,
+    Echoes wid de plinkertee plump!
+    Ub de coon erpun de stump!
+    Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!
+    Picks de coon erpun de stump!
+
+    Ez de night glides slo’ly on,
+    An’ de moon slips down fo’ dawn,
+    An’ de veil draps fum de skies,
+    An’ de worl’ opens its eyes,
+    Dies erway de plinkertee plump!
+    Ub de coon erpun de stump!
+    Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!
+    Stops de coon erpun de stump
+
+
+
+
+BLISSFUL ANTICIPATIONS.
+
+
+    Jes’ gimme summah all de time,
+      An’ lemme take it easy.
+    Jes’ lay back in de cloveah beds
+      An’ dream whah it am breezy.
+    I doan kyeah fo’ no robe ner crown
+    Ez long ez I kin wollah ’roun’
+    An’ nebbah hab to hoe de grown’.
+      Ha! ha! yo’ thinks Ise lazy!
+    I’d spawk an’ court Miss Lissy Jane—
+      Umph! but I’d cut er spluttah!
+    I’d tell her dis, I’d tell her dat,
+      Fus’ one thing den er nuddah.
+    We’d ramble whah de wild flow’rs bloom
+    Dat fill de air wid sweet scent ’fume
+    Whah dey’s no clouds an’ dey’s no gloom!
+      We’d sot de worl’ to fiuttah!
+
+    I’d git mah banjo fum de wall
+      An’ now an’ den go plinkin’!
+    I’d make de dahky’s heels jes’ itch
+      To dance ez fas’ es winkin’!
+    I’d make her sing, I’d make her moan,
+    I’d sen’ er tone to Gabriel’s throne,
+    I’d play dem tricks befo’ unknown,
+      I’d sot de fo’ks to thinkin’!
+
+    I kno’ yo’ thinks dis dahky slo’
+      An’ tawkin’ jes’ fo’ blowin’!
+    An’ buildin’ castles in de air,
+      An’ debbilment er sowin’.
+    It’s jes, prezaxly lak I say,
+    Jes’ shows Ise ol’ an’ shows Ise gray.
+    Befo’ de Lawd! it’s almos’ day!
+      To bed! de chicken’s crowin’!
+
+
+
+
+PAWSON JOHNSON AT DINNER.
+
+
+    He’p you’se’f, mah bruddah,
+      Jes’ make yo’se’f at home!
+    ’Kaze yo’ am no stranger
+      To Siss Wiggle Sloam.
+    Go ’head on dat chicken,
+      ’Kase it tissen skace!
+    “Doan’ yo’ worry, sistah,
+      I is in no has’e!
+
+    “Lan’ sakes, Sistah Wiggle,
+      You’ treat me lak er king!
+    Ha! ha! ’skooze me, sistah,
+      One mo’ chicken wing!
+    Tote me few dem waffles,
+      Chittlins good an’ hot!
+    Ebbah thing ise eatin’
+      Trabbles to de spot!
+
+    Lawd Gawd! Sistah Wiggle,
+      I jes’ seed dat possum!
+    Hiden’ an’ er grinin’
+      ’Hine dat sunflow’r blossom!
+      ’Fo’ I’d let dat possum
+    Git out o’ mah sight,
+      Th’ow erside mah Gospel,
+    To de las’ I’d fight!
+
+    Bruddah, kain’t yo’ sortah
+      Gibb er little toas’?
+    ’Deed I kain’t, Gawd knows it,
+      Whah dey’s possum roas’!
+    Feed de lambs, mah Sistah,
+      Whut de good book say!
+    Yo’s fulfillin’ Scripshah
+      Treatin’ me dis way!”
+
+
+
+
+GO ’WAY, MAH HONEY.
+
+
+    Gitin’ sortah ’ristercratic
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Sistah Jane, de ol’ roommatic!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Th’ow’d erway her dress o’ mattin’!
+    Wearin’ silk an’ wearin’ satin’!
+    Right in style, de lates’ patte’n!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    Wearin’ hoops, an’ got er bustle!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    When she passed, Lawd, how dey rustle!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Umph! she stepped lak Queen o’ Sheeba.
+    Clah out dressed ol’ Sistah Feeba,
+    Hel’ her trail lak dat Miss Neeba!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    High heel shoes, she’s wearin’, too!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Look to me dey’s numbah two!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Paten’ leddah wid er buckle!
+    Hot stuff, reglah honey suckle!
+    When she pass’d, oh how fo’ks chuckle!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    Doan’ yo’ kno’ she had on powdah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    White fo’ks kooden’ looked mo’ loudah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Had her hyah smoothed down wid tallow!
+    Bangs in front was short and shallow!
+    Gibb her face er p’culiar pallow!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    Umph! she tried to tawk so proppah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Spoke dem wurds dat was er whoppah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    See her primp her mouf and tickle!
+    Made her look so pow’ful fickle!
+    Bet she diden’ hab er nickel!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+    Scan’lous ’bout sum cullahd people!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Mattahs not how ol’ an’ feeble!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+    Git on sum new bibb an’ tuckah!
+    Dey’ll out step sah! ol’ Dan Tuckah!
+    Doan’ kyah ef dey’s er co’n shuckah!
+      Go ’way, mah honey!
+
+
+
+
+BRER POSSUM DECLINES.
+
+
+    Way in de tree
+      Sots ol’ Bruddah Possum!
+    Hey, dah; I see yo’
+      Bruddah Possum, hine de blossom!
+    Yo’ needn’ ac’ so timid,
+      Ner yo’ needen’ ac’ so shy,
+    Dey’s beddah, closeah frenship
+      Fo’ er possum, closeah nigh!
+
+    Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,
+      Yo’ ac’in’ moighty ’trary;
+    Saunter down er minute!
+      Now, yo’ needen’ hab no worry,
+    Ner pusnul tooberayshuns.
+      An’ de sich, de lak er dat!
+    Cum down, yo’ needen’ boddah
+      What de bawkin’ dogs er at!
+
+    Look hyeah, Bruddah Possum,
+      Bleeb yo’ feelin’ kine o’ skeery!
+    Gittin’ tiad er coaxin’,
+      Makes me feel er little dreary!
+    Doan’ lak so much beggin’,
+      Ner I doan’ lak so much pleadin’,
+    ’Speshly to mah mine,
+      When dey’s not er bit o’ needin’.
+
+    Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,
+      Yo’ jes’ lak ol’ Bruddah Satan!
+    Think de odds er gin yo’,
+      An’ yo’ keep er fellah waitin’.
+    Well, it doesn’t mattah,
+      Ef yo’ ’sist on me er climein’,
+    Hol’ yo’ bref er minute!
+      ’Kase hyeah cums up
+    Bruddah Highmen!
+
+
+
+
+I HAIN’T FOOLIN’ HONEY.
+
+
+    Seed yo’ wid yo’ gal las’ night!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Had yo’ arms eroun’ her tight!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Umph! whut made yo’ squeeze her so?
+    Jes’ bekaze yo’ am her beau?
+    I’d bin her I’d let yo’ go!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    Seed yo’ try to steal er kiss!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    An’ she slapp’d yo’ wid her fis’!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Po’ gal kooden’ hardly speak!
+    Shocked to def wid all yo’ cheek!
+    Go way, Gumbo, yo’s er sneak!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    Yallah, too, hain’t she Gumbo?
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Reason dat yo’ love her so!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Ef she had de wooly hyah,
+    Face ez black ez ol’ pine tah!
+    Court her? bet yo’ wooden’, dah!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    Gwine to marry her, Gumbo?
+      Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!
+    What dat? say yo’ doesn’t kno’?
+      Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!
+    Ax’d her fo’ her hea’t an’ han’?
+    Bet yo’ habben’ got de san’!
+    ’Fess up, Gumbo, umph! mah lan’!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    Bet she hain’t stuck on yo’ ’tall!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Does she kiss yo’ when yo’ call?
+      Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!
+    Lan’ sakes, Gumbo, yo’ woan’ do!
+    Go ’way; no, I woan’ kiss yo’!
+    Git yo’ big foots off mah shoe!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+    I doan’ kiss no rusty coon!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+    Who, yo’ be mah chaperoon?
+      Hain’t you foolin’, honey?
+    Pick mah comp’ny, whut I do!
+    Lawd sakes, knows I doan’ want yo’!
+    Good day, home Ise long go due!
+      I hain’t foolin’, honey!
+
+
+
+
+SLEEP.
+
+
+          Sleep!
+    Cums de solemn night,
+    An’ de day’s tuck flight!
+    Not er bird ner coon
+    Am er whis-lin’ choon.
+          Sleep!
+
+          Sleep!
+    Slo’ de hours slip ’long
+    To de brooklet’s song,
+    In de sof deep hush
+    Cums de star’s sweet blush.
+          Sleep!
+
+          Sleep!
+    In er lonesum tone
+    Ez he creep erlone,
+    Cums de cricket call
+    Fum de vine clad wall.
+          Sleep!
+
+          Sleep!
+    Up de hillside steep
+    Now de moon take creep!
+    Th’ew de cab’n loft, gleam
+    On er coon in dream.
+          Sleep!
+
+
+
+
+A PROFUSE ENCOMIUM.
+
+
+    Lookin’ nice to-night, Miss Liza,
+      Yo’s out dressed ’em all to-night.
+    Wid dat ah so frusterkaytun
+      Yo’ so dazzlin’ in de light!
+    Please doan’ ’strew mah wurds fo flattah
+      Spoken incandessenly,
+    But! wid mutuallistic frankness
+      ’Cep ’em fabbrykayshenly.
+
+    “Thank you, Mistah Johnsin’,
+      Do yo’ think I look so fine?
+    ’Deed sah, Mistah Johnsin’,
+      Yo’ so asterroshus kine.
+    Woan’ yo’ sot beside me
+      An’ conversykate er while,
+    Please doan’ hab no skooples
+      Kaze Ize togged up in dis style.”
+
+    “Yo’s suppassed yo’se’f, Miss Liza,
+      Quiv-vah-kay-shah-ently gran’,
+    An’ yo’ grace dis runkshus ’kayshun
+      Lak one fum de glory lan’.
+    Ef yo’ hab no interjeckshuns
+    Kaze sech ’joicin’ frollerkayshun
+      Gibbs fellerisher-tish-shus glee.”
+
+    “’Skyoose me, Mistah Johnsin’,
+      I doan’ kyah to mingel late,
+    I wood raddah be specktay-shus
+      Sotin’ hyeah wid Mistah Gate.
+    Not dat I doan’ d’ sah yo’ tenshun
+      An’ doan’ preeshee-ate yo’ ’’ques’,
+    I prefer tran-quil-ler-kayshun
+      Sotin’ lookin’ at de res’.”
+
+    “’Cep’ mah ’pology, Miss Liza,
+      Fo’ mah troo-ser-tay-shus ’ques’.
+    I jes ax’d yo’ fo’ politeness,
+      Tho’t yo’d lak to jine de res’.”
+    “’Tain’t er bit o’ trooshun,
+      Mistah Johnsin’, not at tall!
+    I may grant yo’ axin’
+      When we ’ten’ sum uddah ball.”
+
+
+
+
+PEEPIN’ TH’EW DE HUSK.
+
+
+    Dahky, doan’ worry,
+      Kaze de wintah’s dun gone!
+    Craps am all er sproutin’
+      Soon we’ll hab de sugah co’n!
+    Den we’ll roas’ an’ stew it
+      An’ we’ll fry it in de pan,
+    Th’ow de buttah on it
+      Nufin’ fineah in de lan’!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+    See de wattah milluns
+      How dey’s cumin’ on de vine!
+    Lawd er mussy, chillun,
+      Puts yo’ teef erpun de grine!
+    Mussen’ think er bout ’em,
+      Gits mah stummuck all er jump!
+    Hea’t er fas’ah beatin’
+      An’ er thumpin’! thump! thump!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+    When de wattah milluns
+      Git kervellopd on de vine,
+    Winkin’, peepin’ at yo’,
+      How er dahky’s eyes shine!
+    An’ yo’ buss’ ’em open
+      An’ yo’ see de blushin’ red,
+    Haben’ got er minute
+      Fo’ de bressins to be said!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+    Sun ’er creepin’ higher,
+      Am ’er gittin’ pow’ful hot!
+    Hoein’ an’ er weedin’
+      Am er dahky’s tufes’ lot!
+    To de hoe er stickin’
+      Till yo’ back jes’ ache an’ ache,
+    Sun er pohin’ on yo’
+      Makes er dahky nahly bake!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+    Mo’ yo’ keeps er hoein’
+      Fas’ah seems to gro’ de grass!
+    Dahky gits to thinkin’
+      Hoein’ time will ebbah las’!
+    Weedin’ an’ er hoein’
+      Ef er dahky was to stop,
+    Sho’ ez am de gospel
+      Wooden’ git er bit o’ crop!
+
+    Hain’t er gwine to worry,
+      Needah make er bit o’ fuss!
+    Kaze de sugah co’n
+      Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!
+
+
+
+
+AXIN’, COON? CUM OBEAH.
+
+
+    Meadows lak er feddah bed,
+    Sproutin’ cloveah white an’ red,
+    Sof’ ez pillahs to de tread,
+      Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!
+
+    Milluns loafin’ in de grass,
+    Flirtin’ when er coon cum pass,
+    When er look he dat way cas’,
+      Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!
+
+    Cabbage loafin’ ’roun’ de stump,
+    Lookin’ sassy fat an’ plump,
+    Swellin’ up all in er bump,
+      Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!
+
+    Coon er wockin’ at de co’n,
+    Doh dat’s all fo’ what he’s born,
+    Wockin, night and’ wockin’ morn,
+      Hain’t got time cum obeah!
+
+
+
+
+HUSTLE.
+
+
+    Doan’ lag an’ fool
+    Erlong de way—
+        Hus’el!
+    Doan’ ’spec’ to do
+    All in er day—
+        Hus’el!
+    Things will cum
+    Out by an’ by,
+    Musen’ stop
+    To stew an’ sigh.
+    Den’s when success
+    May be nigh—
+        Hus’el!
+
+    Take no time
+    Fo’ lookin’ back—
+        Hus’el!
+    T’ see whose cumin’
+    On de track—
+        Hus’el!
+    Ebbry time
+    Yo’s losin’ groun’,
+    Time yo’ take
+    Fo’ gawkin ’roun’.
+    Ef yo’ ’spec’
+    To git er crown—
+        Hus’el!
+
+    Ef yo’ ’spec’
+    Er good co’n crop—
+        Hus’el!
+    Nebah git it
+    Ef yo’ stop—
+        Hus’el!
+    Ef yo’ ’spec’
+    De corn to gro’
+    Full co’n stawks
+    In ebbry ro’,
+    Doan’ be skaid
+    To use de hoe—
+        Hus’el!
+
+    Take no time
+    To argufy—
+        Hus’el!
+    T’ make sum fellah
+    Out er lie—
+        Hus’el!
+    Ha’f de time
+    Yo’s losin’ win’,
+    Same time doin’
+    Er little sin.
+    Aftah all
+    Yo’ nuffin in—
+        Hus’el!
+
+
+
+
+GO SLEEP.
+
+
+    Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!
+            Go sleep!
+    De boogahman koch yo’
+    Ef yo’ peep!
+            Go sleep!
+    He prowlin’ ’roun’
+      Sof’ ez er cat—
+    He kno’ whah
+      Li’l’ pickahninny’s at—
+            Go sleep!
+
+    Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!
+            Go sleep!
+    Still ez er mouse
+    When creepin’ keep—
+            Go sleep!
+    De boogahman
+      Am moighty peert!
+    He sly ol’ fox
+      Dat’s on de ’lert!
+            Go sleep!
+
+    Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!
+            Go sleep!
+    I hyeah de boogahman
+    Creep, creep creep!
+            Go sleep!
+    He kotch er hol’
+      An’ shake de do’—
+    An’ ope his mouf
+      An’ said wo’, wo’!
+            Go sleep!
+
+
+
+
+KAZE DE SUN AM SINKIN’.
+
+
+    Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,
+      Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,
+    Gone er sleepin’ an’ er doze—
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+    All de day er lookin’ gran’
+    An’ er ’fumein’ up de lan’,
+    Baskin’ now in slumbah’s stran’—
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+
+    Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,
+    Petals closed an’ shrinkin’
+    Peepahs shet an’ fas’ ersleep,
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+    Crystal brooklet glidin’ ’long
+    Chants to dem er cradle song,
+    Res’ an’ slumbah, weary throng—
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+
+    Droopy, droopy am de flow’rs,
+      Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,
+    Lull’d ersleep in fairy realm,
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+    All dey tinsels tints an’ hue
+    Dat attracts de bees an’ woo,
+    Closed dey now am all to view—
+      Kaze de sun am sinkin’!
+
+    Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,
+      Petals closed an’ shrinkin’!
+    Soon will wake wid birds an’ bees,
+      When de sun’s dun sinkin’!
+    When de sunlight mounts to view,
+    At de tech o’ mornin’s dew
+    Once mo’ will dey ope to view—
+      Kaze de sun’s dun sinkin’!
+
+
+
+
+SOFT FALLS THE NIGHT.
+
+This Poem is dedicated to MISS ANNA HALL SMITH.
+
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      And chases ’way
+    The slowly dying
+      Summer day.
+    The sun from his
+      Ethereal height,
+    Is curtained by
+      The shades of night.
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      The birds that tune
+    Their song with nature
+      In commune
+    Now hush their lays
+      Seek silent rest,
+    Within their downy
+      Leafy nests.
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      Sweet peace divine
+    In each heart comes
+      To be enshrined,
+    While angels pause
+      On earth to show’r
+    The blessings of
+      The sovereign pow’r.
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      A peaceful sleep
+    O’er earthly mortals
+      Doth now creep.
+    They rest now from
+      Their day’s pursuit—
+    The world is still,
+      The world is mute.
+
+    Soft falls the night—
+      The verdure green
+    Now glistens with
+      A dewy sheen.
+    The flowers droop,
+      Their petals close,
+    They dream away
+      In sweet repose.
+
+    Soft fades the night—
+      Lo! breaks the dawn,
+    And nature ’wakens
+      With the morn,
+    Exultingly
+      Sends up her lays,
+    Her symphonies,
+      To God in praise.
+
+
+
+
+GIT ON BOARD, CHILLUN.
+
+
+    De Gospel train am er scootin’ down de rail!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    Fas’ah den er ship wid er ruddah an’ er sail!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    De Lawd in heaben am de steam an’ de pow’r!
+    He run dat train forty millun miles an’ hour!
+    Jes’ es stroke ub de throttle
+    Sends her clah to heaben’s tow’r!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+    No sinnah tribe kin ebbah ride on dat train!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    De debil ner his imps ef day’s cut loose fum dey chain!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    None but de lams ub de good Lawd’s fol’
+    Kin ride dat train to de streets o’ gol’,
+    Wid de ’liggun lak an’ ocean obeahflowin’ in yo’ soul!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+    She’s jes’ lak lightnin’ an’ de quibbah o’ de eye!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    Ez she’s puffin’ an’ er steamin’ in er trabblin’ to de sky!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    She’s limited, too, an’ she goes clah th’ew!
+    She’s got no time fo’ to fool wid yo’!
+    Yo’ mus’ git on board, when de time cums, doo!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+    Dat train hain’t skeddul fo’ de secun’ time.
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    Fo’ to cum an’ fotch yo’ to de heabenly clime!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    She goes straight on an’ she doan’ tarn back!
+    When she once git start why she hain’t gwine to slack!
+    Till she runs in heab’n on de right side track!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+    De debil ner his imps kaint wreck dat ol’ train!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    Ez she’s dashin’ an’ er steamin’ o’er de mountains an’ de plain!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+    She sticks to de rail lak de hyah on yo’ back!
+    An’ she nebbah was known fo’ to jump fum de track!
+    Kaze de Lawd’s at de throttle an’ he sho’ got de knac’!
+      Git on board, chillun!
+
+
+
+
+UNCLE NED AN’ DE MOCKIN’ BIRD.
+
+
+    Bruddah Mocking Bird,
+    Yo’s moighty lazy.
+    Yo’ doan’ do nufin’
+      But sing dat song,
+      Till de daylight’s gone
+      An’ de night cum ’long.
+    Er coon has got to hoe an’ hoe,
+    Till de sinkin’ sun
+      Tells de day to go.
+
+    Lawd, but yo’ sing
+      So pow’ful sweet!
+    Perched up dah,
+      In yo’ leafy seat.
+    Is yo’ lonesum?
+    Does yo’ hea’t feel sad?
+    ’Pears to me
+      Dat yo’ soul feels glad.
+
+    Ez Ise wockin’ hard,
+      Sweet ez de cloveah
+    Yo’ song
+      Floats obeah,
+    Way in de co’nfield
+      Whah de medlark sings,
+    Up in de bough
+      Ub de tree it clings.
+
+    Yo’ nebah wock
+      But yo’ bread is sho’,
+    Out in de yahd;
+      ’Fo’ ebbry do’,
+    Sum kine han’
+      Th’ows de little crum!
+    Kaze dey kno’ fo’ sho’
+      Dat yo’ boun’ to cum.
+
+    De good Samaritan
+      Part dey play.
+      Let yo’ go ’way?
+    Hungry? No!
+      Dey nebah wood,
+    Kase de Lawd wood say
+      Dat dey wasn’t good.
+
+    I kinedah lak
+      To hyeah yo’ sing,
+    Ef yo’ is too lazy
+      To flop yo’ wing,
+    Sing on,
+      Fill de worl’ wid song.
+    I mus’ be gittin’
+      Mah wock er long.
+
+
+
+
+PO’ LI’L’ RASTUS.
+
+
+    Little Rastus feelin’ blue—
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Out o’ sorts an’ gloomy, too!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Broke his little hobby hoss.
+    Makes de little fellah cross.
+    Doan’ cry, honey, ’tain’ much loss.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+    He jes’ wo’ out, rompin’ ’roun’,
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Git up, honey, fum de groun’.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Look ee dah, dun spiled yo’ dress,
+    An’ it am yo’ Sunday bes’,
+    Now hain’t yo’ er poody mess!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+    Whut dat stickin’ on yo’ han’?
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Yo’ bin in de ’lasses can.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Whut dat whut de Bible say
+    ’Bout de chile dat steal dat ’way?
+    He’ll go whah de bad man stay!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+    Dat ol’ bad man am er sight.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Cum er sneakin’ ’roun’ at night.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Cum an’ koch yo’ when yo’ sleep,
+    Den he take er great big leap!
+    Down er hol’ dat’s way down deep!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+    Cum hyeah, little wooly head.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Gwine to tuck yo’ way to bed.
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+    Look ee dah, de day dun gone!
+    Shaddahs streamin’ th’ew de co’n,
+    Sleep until de sunlight dawn!
+      Po’ li’l’ Rastus!
+
+
+
+
+SAMBO’S RAIN PHILOSOPHY.
+
+
+    Whut’s de use o’ raisin’
+      ’Bout de weddah, cain?
+    Kase dey’s wid de sunshine
+      Mixed in clouds an’ rain;
+    Jes’ ez well be lafin’,
+      ’Joicin’ in yo’ soul.
+    Frettin’ an’ er stewin’
+      Makes yo’ gray an’ ol’.
+
+    Mussen’ ’spec’ to allus
+      Git things jes’ yo’ way.
+    Keep yo’ eye kock’d open
+      On er beddah day.
+    Learn to ’cep’ de weddah
+      Ez de Lawd control,
+    In time will be shinin’
+      Sunshine bright an’ gold.
+
+    Lawd am boun’ to sen’ de
+      Changes now an’ den,
+    Kaze He knows whut’s beddah
+      Fo’ yo’ in de en’.
+    Fus’ He sends de sunshine,
+      Nex’ He sends de rain,
+    To gibb life an’ viggah
+      To de gol’en grain.
+
+    It’s de rainy weddah,
+      Buds de flowahs out,
+    Makes de wattahmilluns
+      An’ de ’tayters sprout;
+    It’s de rainy weddah
+      Makes de fahmahs shout;
+    Drives erway de famine,
+      Drives erway de drout.
+
+
+
+
+JES’ KEEP ER LOOKIN’ UP.
+
+
+    Ef yo’ fren’s dey all fo’sake yo’,
+      Think yo’ gwine flat to de wall,
+    Salt an’ peppah nebbah’ll save yo’
+      Fum an ebbah las’in’ fall.
+
+    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,
+      You’ll keep allus lookin’ up,
+    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels
+      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!
+    Ef yo’ habben’ got er dollah,
+      An’ no place to lay yo’ head,
+    An’ de meadows an’ de co’n fields
+      Only places fo’ yo’ bed;
+
+    Ef de fo’ks am cuttin’ capeahs
+      ’Fo’ yo’ puttin’ on dey airs,
+    Wid dey silks an’ wid dey satins,
+      An’ all uddah kine o’ wares.
+
+    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,
+      Yo’ll keep allus lookin up,
+    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels
+      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!
+    Dey may tramp erpun yo’ feelin’s,
+      Dey may kick yo’ on de co’n,
+    An’ may tarn dey nose up at yo’
+      Ez dey pass yo’ in dey scorn;
+
+    Smiles dey nebbah may hab fo’ yo’,
+      Bes’ yo’ll git will be er frown,
+    An’ sum wurds mos’ harshly spoken,
+      Kaze dey think dat yo’ is down.
+
+    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,
+      Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,
+    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels
+      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!
+    Ef fo’ bread yo’ ax er bruddah,
+      An’ instead yo’ git er stone,
+    An’ yo’ ax fo’ consullayshun,
+      An’ yo’ bahly git er groan,
+
+    An’ sum knock yo’ off yo’ shins,
+      An’ think yo’ nebah gwine to rise,
+    Swah to God dey nebbah dun it,
+      Meekly tell all kine o’ lies;
+    Let ’em go on hykerflootin’,
+      Ebbry dog sho’ habs his day;
+    Dey am uddah months, mah bruddah,
+      Jes’ es pleasant, ez am May.
+
+    Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,
+      Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,
+    ’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels
+      Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!
+
+
+
+
+WISHED I’D RODE MAH HOSS.
+
+
+    Rode on dat ah ’lectric kyah!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    No musstake it raised mah hyah!
+      Oddah bin er long!
+    Nebbah seed sech runnin’ son!
+      Swo’ we’s flyin’ to de sun!
+    Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+    Gee! dat thing did split de ah!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    Nuffin’ wid it kin compah!
+      Oddah bin er long!
+    Ebbry thing wuz blurred in sight!
+      Dus’ flew higher den er kite!
+    Kooden’ tell de lef’ fum right!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+    When she struck eroun’ de kyerve,
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    It unstrung mah ebbry nerve!
+      Oh, but I did squirm!
+    Oh, she kyahd us down de line!
+      No hobo kood stuck behine!
+    Ef he had he’d gone stone bline!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+    Now an’ den she sortah reel!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    Stirred me up fum head to heel!
+      Lawd but I did quake!
+    Tawk erbout er pow’ful prah!
+      I sho’ made one den an’ dah!
+    Strain was mo’ den I kood bah!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+    Once I hyeahd er moighty crack!
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+    Tho’t she’s gwine to leeb de track,
+      Oddah seed me, Chile!
+    I felt mos’ prekareyus, son!
+      I hain’t tawkin’ jes’ fo’ fun!
+    Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun,
+      Wished I’d rode mah hoss!
+
+
+
+
+EGGS! EGGS!! EGGS!!!
+
+
+    When I ’fleck o’ Eastah cum,
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Gits mah whol’ soul all er hum.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    When de chickens flopp dey wings,
+    Roostah cro’, de pullets sings,
+    Gib me ’bove all uddah things—
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+
+    When de little chicks er creep,
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Run kerfrolic peep! peep! peep!!
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Appetite gits sort impressed,
+    Wood go good, roas’ chicken breas’,
+    Still goes beddah, nebahless.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+
+    When eroun’ de ol’ fiah place
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Eggs look yo’ squah in de face,
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Git ’em fryin’ in de pan,
+    Soun’ lak music o’ de ban’,
+    Chillun? Whee! But hain’t dey gran’.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+
+    Eat ’em poach ’er eat ’em bile,
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    Make yo’ hit yo’ granny, chile.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+    When yo’ eat ’em scramble, son,
+    Feel dat yo’ kood lif er ton,
+    Er brack bar yo’ kood out run.
+      Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!
+
+
+
+
+IT AM DE POSSUM TIME.
+
+
+    Weddah gittin’ chilly,
+      Fros’ er fallin’ on de vine!
+    Leaves er tarnin’ yallah,
+      Now de possum time is fine!
+
+    Hickahnuts er fallin’,
+      Wid er thud, thud, thudd!
+    Poppin’ an’ er crackin’
+      An’ er bus’in out de bud!
+
+    It am de possum time!
+    Yes, it am de possum time!
+    It am de time er niggah
+    Fo’ de coon to go to clime!
+
+    Crickets all er hollah
+      Tell er niggah it’s de fall!
+    Ripenin’ am de ’simmons
+      Fo’ de great an’ fo’ de small!
+    Niggah jes’ er waitin’
+      Fo’ de fallin’ o’ de sno’,
+    Fo’ to chase de rabbit
+      Ez he’s wingin’ on de go!
+
+    It am de possum time!
+    Yes, it am de possum time!
+    It am de time er niggah
+    Fo’ de coon to go to clime!
+
+    When de sun’s dun sinkin’
+      Cums de shinin’ o’ de moon,
+    Niggah’ll take de wahpaf
+      Fo’ to go to tree de coon!
+    Wid de dogs er bahkin’
+      All er chasein’, all er romp!
+    Sniffin’ at de grasses
+      An’ er scratchin’ at de stump!
+
+    It am de possum time!
+    Yes, it am de possum time!
+    It am de time er niggah
+    Fo’ de coon to go to clime!
+
+
+
+
+STICK TO YOUR RACE!
+
+
+    Umph! how some cullahd fo’ks wan’ to be white.
+    Bekaze dey am brack dey doan’ nebah seem right.
+    Dey’s shame ub dey cullah; dey’s shame ub dey race;
+    Dat’s why dey wood lak to be white in de face.
+
+    Bekaze dey kain’t bleech out, O, how dey deplore,
+    Fo’ to be cullahd to dem’s sech er bore.
+    To think de Lawd sent dem all into dis lan’
+    Wif hyah dat am kinky an’ faces dat’s tan.
+
+    Fus’ to de lef an’ den nex’ to de right,
+    Dey look to see if dey am sumfin’ in sight
+    To make dem bleech white, gib dem cheeks ub de rose
+    An’ sumfin’ to gib dem a high Roman noze.
+
+    Dey’s kickin’ an fussin’ an’ raisin turmoil
+    Bekaze dey kain’t git hol’ de right kine ub oil
+    To take way de kinky effect dey kaint bah,
+    An’ make it jes’ lak de white folk’s auburn hyah.
+
+    Dey use mutton sooit an’ tallow, an’ lard,
+    Oh Lward er Mussy! but don’t dey try hard!
+    To make it look wabey an’ glossy an’ slick.
+    Den paht in de middle dey am right to de quick.
+    Ef dey hain’t no hope, why dey go git a wig.
+    It mus’ be made fum white fok’s hyah, too, by jig.
+    Umph; who; Miss Sukie? why she wooden’ dah
+    To wah a wig made fum a coon’s nappy hyah.
+
+    Whut’s de use er kickin’
+    Bekaze o’ sech rot?
+    Bekaze yo’ kain’t bleech,
+    An’ turn white on de spot!
+
+    Ef yo’ hyah’s kinky,
+    Yo’s brack ez de tar,
+    Thank de good Lawd
+    Dat yo’s jes’ lak yo’ are.
+
+
+
+
+MEMORIAL DAY.
+
+
+    To sound of muffled drums to-day,
+      With slow and solemn tread;
+    The soldiers march with banners draped
+      Where dwell heroic dead.
+
+    The blue, the gray of this fair realm
+      Assemble o’er this land,
+    Recount the deeds of valiant men
+      As one vast mourning band.
+
+    The rich, the poor, the high, the low,
+      Observe this sacred day.
+    For all alike in days gone by
+      Have laid some friend away.
+    For death the mighty reaper comes
+      To rich as well as poor.
+    Unwelcome guest though he may be,
+      He comes to every door.
+
+    To deck the graves of dear loved ones
+      Beneath luxuriant bow’rs,
+    Countless willing loving hands
+      Pluck nature’s tender flow’rs.
+    The tokens of a reverent love
+      For friends of that blest vale,
+    A love the ravages of time
+      Can never change nor pale.
+
+    This day recalls much of the past—
+      The nation’s bloody wars,
+    The sacrifice of noble lives—
+      To make dominant the stripes and stars.
+    In philosophic narrative,
+      In eulogy and praise,
+    In honor of heroic dead
+      The speaker’s voice doth raise.
+
+    And for the country’s honor fought
+      The black man once a slave.
+    Encouched within the history’s folds
+      The statement, “he was brave!”
+    Within the marching ranks to-day
+      Are remnants of the freed
+    Who fought and bled upon the field
+      When ’twas the country’s need.
+
+
+
+
+TRUSSY’S VISIT.
+
+
+    Bress mah life! why, dis hain’t Trussey?
+      Go ’way Chile! whut dat yo’ say?
+    Yo’ hain’t fiddlin’ Peedah’s sonny—
+      Who’d er tho’t it, any way!
+
+    Ax me ef I knowed yo’ daddy—
+      Knowed each uddah yeahs ergo.
+    Me an’ him hab bof togeddah,
+      Hoed er many ’taytah ro’.
+
+    Res’ yo’ duddin’s! take de sofa,
+      Make yo’se’f jes’ lak yo’ home.
+    ’Cep’ mos’ free mah hooskerpalty,
+      Plenty time eroun’ to roam.
+
+    See, hyeah, Dina, am dem chittlins
+      An’ dem hog feet th’ew er bile?
+    Who yo’ think we got fo’ dinnah?
+      Ol’ fren’ Fiddlin’ Peedah’s chile!
+
+    Well, sah, I hain’t seed yo’ daddy
+      Since dat fight at Possum Trot.
+    Dog mah socks, we bof togeddah,
+      Whoop’d de debbil on de spot!
+
+    Still er libbin’ down in Guinea?
+      Why, dat’s my ol’ rompin’ groun’.
+    Hain’t er spot, ner nook, ner crebbice
+      Dat I doan’ know ’bout dat town.
+
+    Ready, Dinah? Bress de Lawd! umph!
+      Mah ol’ lady am er sight.
+    Kin she cook? Whut? Doan’ yo’ staht me!
+      She kin sho’ put things up right!
+
+    Walk out, Trussy; go pertaykin’
+      Ub de bes’ de ol’ man’s got!
+    Kose tain’t much, but prob’ly sumfin’s
+      Dah will kinedah tech de spot!
+
+    Go ’head, say de bressins, Trussy,
+      Fo’ de Lawd sakes cut ’em short.
+    Lemme pos’ yo’ fo’ yo’ staht in,
+      Doan’ yo’ preach an’ try to e’ort—
+
+    “Make us thankful, Heab’nly Faddah,
+      Fo’ dis hyeah pussipyus spread;
+    Hyeah deez few mos’ feeble ’spreshyuns
+      Dat yo’ umble sahvunt shed.
+
+    “Gibb us wid ah daily bread, sah!
+      Chicken, an’ all sech ez dat!
+    Th’ow in now an’ den er possum,
+      Coon wid plenty lean an’ fat!
+
+    “Po’ dy bressins on dis family—
+      Put mo’ chickens on dey roos’;
+    Things git skace, dey needs er he’pin’,
+      Len’ er ban’, gibb ’em er boos’.”
+
+    Jump in, Trussy; git to business!
+      Ebbry fellah fo’ himse’f.
+    Whut’s hyeah fo’ us on dis table’s
+      Nuf to take er possum’s bref.
+
+    Ha! ha! Trussy, dem ol’ hog feet
+      Sots dis ol’ soul all er chune!
+    Ha! ha! Dina? look at Trussy
+      Kock dat lef’ eye at dat coon!
+
+    Yo’ hain’t full kin to yo’ daddy
+      Ef yo’ doesn’t lak de coon;
+    Possum, chicken, sweepahtaytahs.
+      An’ de sumpshus musherroon.
+
+    Tell us ’bout ol’ Tootsy Tadpole.
+      Slipshod Beebe, Feeby Scott!
+    Susan Rhinehole. Sukie Slowup,
+      Husky Botts, de res’ de lot.
+
+    Does I ’membah Slimmy Twostep?
+      Who? dat dah ol’ onry cuss?
+    Usetah hug de stove when happy,
+      In church raised all kine o’ fuss?
+
+    Gibb him mo’ coon dumplin’s, Dina!
+      Sakes! he’s jes’ fell into eat.
+    Tote him few dem frizzlin’ passnups,
+      Lecktrifies yo’ to yo’ feet!
+
+    Whah’s ol’ Susan Peecock, Trussy?
+      Is de debbil got her yet?
+    Sakes o’ lie! she’s got mo’ husban’s
+      Den yo’s fingers got, I’ll bet!
+
+    Cum on wid dem pig tails, Dina!
+      Doan’ be primpin’ in de glass!
+    Mussen’ make de ol’ man wait so,
+      Yo’ look poody nuf to pass.
+
+    Bress de Lawd! whee! glory! glory!
+      No joke, dem am sizzlin’ hot!
+    Lissen at de res’ dem fellahs
+      Prayin’ an’ singin’ in de pot!
+
+    Go ’way, Fido! see hyeah, Dina!
+      Kick dat debbil out de do’!
+    Ebbry time he sniffs dem chittlins
+      He’s er hangin’ ’roun’ hyeah, sho’.
+
+    See hyeah, chile! yo’ hain’t th’ew eatin’,
+      Rake mo’ dumplin’s on yo’ plate!
+    Go dem flapp jacks, sum dat grabey,
+      Eat ’long in de mopein’ gait.
+
+    Pass de ol’ man few dem biskits;
+      B’lieve I’ll take sum poke chops, too!
+    Little mo’ dat drap down coffee,
+      Nuddah dose dat bullyun stew.
+
+    Go on in de pollah, Trussy,
+      Ef yo’ got ernuf to eat.
+    I’ll be th’ew in jes’ er minute,
+      Den we’ll go an’ thrash sum wheat.
+
+
+
+
+IS YO’ LONESUM, HONEY?
+
+
+    Ez de twilight fall,
+    An’ de koo-koo call,
+    An’ yo’ doan’ hyeah ’tall
+    Dis hyeah coon’s foot fall,
+        Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?
+
+    Ez de moon creep high,
+    In de starlit sky,
+    An’ yo’ sot an’ sigh,
+    Kaze I doan’ cum nigh,
+        Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?
+
+    Ez de night creep on,
+    Till de sun brings dawn,
+    Ez yo’ wake an’ yawn
+    In de cool ob de morn,
+        Still, yo’ lonesum, honey?
+
+
+
+
+LARN TO HE’P YO’SE’F.
+
+
+    Bruddah Dahky, ef yo’d win,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Mussen’ stop fo’ knocks on shin,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Stop yo’ whinin’, try an’ try,
+    Take no time to weep an’ sigh.
+    Dah’s whahin’ yo’ success lie.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Yo’ mus’ fus’ prove yo’s er man.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Try’n to ’skewt sum noble plan,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Oh, de white fo’ks knows yo’s brave,
+    Fo’ dis freedom lan’ to save,
+    Dat yo’ fit on lan’ an’ wave.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    All de white fo’ks hain’t yo’ foe.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Dey will gibb yo’ plenty, sho’.
+        Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.
+    All er long dey’s bin mos’ kine,
+    He’p’d yo’ ’long er many line,
+    Is to all dis yo’ stone bline?
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Dah’s Abe Linkum, Phillips, too,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Bet yo’ life dey fit fo’ yo’.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Thousands mo’ dat I kood name,
+    ’Mong dem, men o’ nashnul fame,
+    Fo’ yo’ dahky dun de same.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Sum de white fo’ks moighty mean,
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Likewise sum de brack fo’ks seem
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Ebbry race got p’culiar way,
+    Guess it all goes in de play;
+    Live in hopes dey’ll change sum day.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Yo’ kin shout an’ yo’ kin sing.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Think yo’s ’neef de mahstah’s wing.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    But yo’ll nebah git er crown
+    Ef yo’ sot an’ fool eroun’,
+    Dis am Gospul true an’ soun’.
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+
+    Dahky, stop dat little song—
+        Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    Gimme Jesus, take worl’ ’long,
+      Larn to he’p yo’se’f.
+    T ry to grip sum o’ dis lan’,
+    Den yo’ll feel mo’ lak er man;
+    Yo’ am boun’ to git sum san’,
+        Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.
+
+
+
+
+COURTIN’ O’ DE PHONE.
+
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      When er sotin’ lone,
+    Yo’ kin call yo’ honey—
+      Go to courtin’ o’ de phone.
+    Drives erway de shaddahs,
+      Makes yo’ quit yo’ fret an’ stew,
+    Fills yo’ soul wid sunshine,
+      Opens up yo’ hea’t ernew.
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      Dis yo’, Liza Jane?
+    “Yes, dis am yo’ honey,”
+      Cums de sweet an’ sof’en ’frain.
+    Den yo’ go to pohin’
+      In her ear de words o’ love:
+    Tickles her to def,
+      An’ makes her think she am er dove.
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      When yo’ hyeah her say:
+    “Honey, when yo’ gone it’s
+      Allus night an’ nebbah day,”
+    ’Pears dat while dey’s fallin’
+      In yo’ ear, dat lovin’ tone,
+    Yo’ kin see yo’ honey
+      Standin’ dah befo’ de phone.
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      Sweetah grows de tone.
+    Makes er niggah neerly
+      Ram his head clah th’ew de phone.
+    Kaze dem sugah wurds
+      Dey sho’ly make yo’ hea’t inspah—
+    ’Lecktrifies yo’ spirit,
+      Sots yo’ whol’ soul all er fiah!
+
+    Jingahling! jingahling!
+      When de day is dun,
+    You no mo’ kin see de
+      Blazin’, dazzlin’, sinkin’ sun,
+    How yo’ lub to ’membah
+      ’Bout yo’ courtin’ o’ de phone,
+    Ez yo’ muse an’ pondah
+      In yo’ cabin all er lone!
+
+
+
+
+LONESUM VALLEY CHRISTMUS TREE.
+
+
+    Bes’ ub all de Chrismus ’tainmunts
+      Dat I axshly ebbah seed,
+    Was de one at Lonesum Valley
+      At de church ub Pawsun Weed.
+
+    All de ol’ fo’ks an’ de chillun
+      Dress purraded out dat night,
+    To de graid big Chrismus ’tainmun’
+      Fo’ to git dey Chrismus mite.
+
+    When dey’s geddahd in dat chapel,
+      Bruddah.—? Dey was thick ez hops,
+    When de chillun seed de candy,
+      Smack’d dey moufs an’ lick’d dey chops.
+
+    Dey was He, He, an’ er lafin’
+      An’ er clappin’ o’ dey han’s,
+    An’ dey jaws jes’ kep’ er crackin’,
+      Lak de chittlins in de pans.
+
+    An’ de ol’ fo’ks tell yo’ honey,
+      Sah I bleeb dey was de wuss.
+    Dey’s so ankshus fo’ dey ’freshmun’s
+      Dey’s mos’ reddy fo’ to bus’.
+
+    Preechah Weed wid dat dah swallow
+      Tail an’ ves’ ub his cut low,
+    Jes’ had all de flouncin’ sistahs
+      Leggin’ fo’ to be his boh.
+
+    Bruddah Hookey he puzzided;
+      Felt so big he thowt he’s king;
+    Tuck er ball bat, rapp’d fo’ ordah,
+      Said, let’s cleah ah th’oats an’ sing.
+
+    Well, he tuck his pussnel meedah,
+      Gib de linin’ ub de hymn,
+    An’ dey sing’d de “Weepin’ Moses”
+      An’ dey sing’d it too, by Jim!
+
+    At de klooshun ub dat ditty,
+      Deekun Jaspah put up prah,
+    Th’ow’d his haid clah to de ceilin’
+      Dough he seed de Gates er jah.
+
+    Dis hain’t true, I’ll eat de ’possum,
+      Sech er prah yo’ nebbah hyea’d;
+    Scratch’d his haid an’ weep’d an’ hollahd
+      Tell his eyes lak blud was red.
+
+    Oh, he’s moanin’ and er tonein’
+      An’ er kotchen’ ub his bref—
+    Spit erpun his han’s an’ rubb’d em—
+      Pound de bench fum right to lef’.
+
+    Las’ he ’klooded an’ de sistahs
+      Staht to sing plantashun coon.
+    Bruddah Hookey diden’ lak it;
+      Tol’ ’em dey was mos’ too soon.
+
+    But de mos’ fun ub de evenin’
+      Was when gibbin’ presen’s out.
+    Yo’d er crack’d yo’ sides er lafin’
+      Tell yo’d got er hol’ de gout.
+
+    On de tree dey was er chicken;
+      Wasn’t laybeld wid er name.
+    When de dahkies hyeahd erbout it
+      Ebbry one put up er claim.
+
+    Bruddah Gyahdnah spied de chicken
+      Floppin’ ’neef de Chrismus tree;
+    Made er home run wid er hollah;
+      “Dat dah chicken am fo’ me!”
+
+    Well, sah, when he hollah’d chicken
+      ’Twas de same ez holl’rin fiah,
+    Fo’ dat chicken was er stampeed
+      In de church an’ in de quah.
+
+    Sum de sistahs dat had room’ticks
+      An’ de aches fo’ yeahs an’ yeahs,
+    Fo’ dat chicken was er scramblin’
+      An’ a fallin’ obeah cheers.
+
+    Preechah Weed he got so ’cited
+      Dat he run clah out his coat,
+    Fell ergin de stobe kerwollup!
+      Butt his haid an’ swo’ by note.
+
+    But he jump’d up in er jiffy,
+      Feelin’ lak he was befo’,
+    Gibb er ban’ spring fo’ dat chicken,
+      But by Jinks he’s mos’ too slo’.
+
+    ’Dough he hit he’s haid er stunnah,
+      Diden’ eben make er dent,
+    Kaze, he’s so much lak de debbil,
+      Haid was hard ez adament.
+
+    All de time de res’ was skufflin’
+      An’ er kickin’ right an’ lef’,
+    Got so bunkshus an’ bumbastic
+      Dey kood hahdly ’tain deyse’f.
+
+    Loudah! Loudah! Got de janglin’
+      Mo’ an’ mo’ dey ring’d dey bluf’,
+    Wuss de grabbin’ fo’ de chicken
+      Den’s when dey got at it ruf.
+
+    Sum done pullin’ out dey razzahs
+      An’ er kyahvin’ fo’ de koh.
+    All de sistahs got to axin’
+      Lawd sake leeb us out de doh!
+
+    Fin’ly Bruddah Moses wid er
+      Kinedah p’culiar kine er trick,
+    Kotch’d de poultry, made er bee-line,
+      Cut er reg’lah dubble quick.
+
+    Den sum swo’ day had bin kunjud,
+      Uddahs ’clahd dey’d bin hoo-dood,
+    Lef’ de ch’ch er swahin’ vengeance
+      In de wusses’ kine er mood.
+
+
+
+
+YES, WEES GOT ER FLAG.
+
+
+    Ise hyeahd while in mah ramblin’s
+      Dat ah mos’ subnoxshus choon,
+    Dat ebry bressed nayshun’s
+      Got er flag excep’ de coon.
+    I hyeah de white fo’ks sing it,
+      An’ I hyeah de niggahs, too—
+    De way de niggahs sing it
+      Seems dey ’cep’ de thing fo’ true.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    It sut’ly am mos’ ’gustin’
+      Way de niggahs sing de thing.
+    Dey clap dey ban’s an’ hollah
+      Sot de kentry all er ring.
+    I doesn’t blame de white fo’ks
+      Ha’f ez much I do de coon
+    Fo’ singin’ an’ er whis’lin’
+      Sech er “singyooaytin’” chune.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    De little pickahninnies
+      Why dey sing dat meetah, too!
+    Dey clap dey han’s an’ hollah,
+      ’Zackly lak de ol’ fo’ks do—
+    An’ when I hyeah dem sing it
+      Ez dey dance an’ joobah pat—
+    I feels lak walzin’ to ’em
+      An’ jes’ knock’n dem out dey hat.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    De blood ub ah ol’ foddahs
+      Ah er cry in’ fum de groun’.
+    Lissun! chillun, lissun!
+      Doan’ yo’ hyeah de doleful soun’?
+    Ergin’ sech kine ub ’spreshuns
+      An’ er gin sech kine ub choons,
+    “Dat ebry race an’ nayshun’s
+      Got er flag excep’ de coon.”
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    Dey fo’git when Bruddah Linkkum
+      Gibb er call in sixty-one.
+    Fo’ fo’ks to jine de army
+      Ebry niggah grabb’d his gun!
+    He lef his little cabin
+      While de ole fo’ks stood in tears.
+    To fight fo’ dis hyeah kentry
+      Ez true faithful volunteers.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    Doh de po’ ol’ niggah
+      Doesn’t allus git his rights.
+    Fo’ his loyal kindness
+      Lots er kicks an’ lots ub smites.
+    Yet ’twas ’neef dat banner
+      Ha’f er millun niggahs fought.
+    He’p’d to win de vict’rys
+      Dat dis mighty kentry wrought.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    Let all ub de niggahs
+      Teach dey chillun all to love.
+    Dat ol’ starry banner
+      Dat am floatin’ up er ’bove.
+    Spite ub all ah trubble
+      Things dat makes ah progress lagg,
+    ’Membah dat Ol’ Glory
+      Am ah bannah, am ah flag!
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+    Lissun! chillun, lissun!
+      When dis niggah’s in his grave,
+    Let dat dah ol’ banner
+      O’er dis niggah ebbah wave.
+    ’Kaze dat dah ol’ banner
+      Undah which ah foddahs fought,
+    Am de only banner
+      Fo’ to love dat I was taught.
+
+        Yes wees got er flag!
+          It’s de red! de white! de blue!
+        It’s de only one to which
+          De niggahs should be true!
+
+
+
+
+HI, MISTAH DAHKY.
+
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    De hoein’ time’s er cumin’—
+    Loafin’s nearly obeah
+    Fo’ er fiddlin’ an’ er drummin’,
+    Dancin’ wid de ladies
+    An’ er steppin’ lak er racer,
+    Drinkin’ Tom an’ Jerry
+    An’ sum burbon fo’ er bracer.
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    Bin er ’joicin’ all de wintah?
+    Spawkin’ wid de ladies
+    An’ er cuttin’ quite er splintah?
+    Dressed up lak er peacock
+    Hyah all pawted in de middle,
+    Shakein’ lak er wilier
+    Jes’ er prancin’ to de fiddle?
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    See de sun er gittin higher?
+    Pohin’ down de heatin’
+    Lak er Sodom an’ Gomire.
+    Showers am er fallin’
+    An’ de gawden craps er sproutin.
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    In yo’ soul is yo’ er doubtin’?
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    Mo’ den singin’ an’ er prayin’,
+    De Mastah am requirin’
+    In dis worrul while yo’s er stayin’,
+    Spendin’ all yo’ time
+    Shoutin’, knockin’ down de benches,
+    Beddah take mo’ time fo’
+    Hoein’, fixin’ up yo’ fences.
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    Am de meadows lookin’ temptin’?
+    Lak er bed er feddahs
+    Make yo’ dream lak Israel kemptin’?
+    Sympathizin’ wid yo’
+    But de fo’ks is dun er sowin’.
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    Now de nex’ thing am de hoein’.
+
+    Hi, mistah dahky!
+    In yo’ soul will yo’ be singin’
+    When yo’ see de millins
+    On de runnin’ vines er clingin’?
+    Sugah co’n er tasslin’
+    An’ de punkins tarnin’ yallah,
+    Seasonin’ an’ er sweetenin’
+    Gittin’ meely, gittin’ mellah.
+
+
+
+
+DEY’S ER COL’ WAVE BRESHIN’ NIGH.
+
+
+    Trees dey leaves er sheddin’,
+      An’ de grasses tarnin’ brown.
+    Summah days is obeah,
+      An’ de wintah’s cumin’ roun’
+    Lonely quail er callin’,
+      Wid er weary lonely sigh,
+    Sno’ will soon be fallin’,
+      Soon er fallin’ fum de sky.
+
+    Coolsum is de weddah,
+      Dey’s er col’ wave breshin’ nigh.
+    Look out fo’ de wintah,
+      Kaze it’s cumin’ by an’ by.
+    Lissun at de wailin’,
+      An’ jes’ lissun at de moan,
+    Lissun at de sighin’
+      Tell yo’ dat’s de wintah’s tone.
+
+    Craps dun quit er sproutin’,
+      Not er millun’s on de vine.
+    Haint er watah seedin’,
+      Not er portion ub er rhine.
+    Long time fo’ to wait
+      Until de wintah leaves dis clime,
+    Summah cums er totein’
+      ’Roun’ de sweet ol’ millun time.
+
+    Hain’t no use er kickin’
+      Kaze de Lawd is got control,
+    Makin’ ub de weddah
+      Eedah hot ah eedah col’.
+    Nebbah ax er pussun,
+      Nebbah no whah on de spot,
+    Wheddah dey would lak to
+      Hab de weddah col’ er hot.
+
+    So jes’ well keep joggin’
+      ’Long er happy sort er way,
+    Crackin’ jokes er whislin’
+      Till de wintah goes estray.
+    Weddah doesn’t suit yo’,
+      Jes’ well make yo’se’f content.
+    Larn to’cep’ de weddah
+      Any sort er way it’s sent.
+
+
+
+
+FORCE OF WORDS.
+
+
+    Chicken stew
+      Was all I said.
+    Made dat coon
+      Hop out o’ bed,
+    Butt his head
+      Ergin de wall
+    Kooden’ stan’
+      De thing at all.
+
+    Jes’ dat menshun,
+      Jes’ dat talk,
+    Made dat coon’s
+      Eyes white ez chawk.
+    Looked eroun’
+      An’ licked his chops
+    Ez doh he hyeahd
+      Dey wings flopp! flopp!
+
+    Well, dem wurds,
+      Dey struck dat coon
+    Lak er ’lectric
+      Shock in June!
+    Kooden’ sleep
+      No mo’ dat night,
+    Rolled an’ tossed
+      Until daylight.
+
+
+
+
+I TOL’ YO’ SO.
+
+
+    Playin’ out dah
+      Wid dat white trash’,
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Dat yo’ back
+      Wood git er lash;
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Pay no ’tenshun
+      Whut I say,
+    Allus got
+      Sum uddah way,
+    Wished yo’ haddah,
+      P’haps, sum day.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+
+    Yo’ de wusses’
+      Chile in town,
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Foll’rin’ all
+      De white trash ’roun’
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Aftah Peedah,
+      John and Paul,
+    Fus’ thing fightin’
+      Wid ’em all;
+    Den de niggah’s
+      Fus’ to fall.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+
+    Licked de ’lasses
+      Off yo’ bread,
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Den dey knocked
+      Yo’ in de head.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Called yo’ niggah
+      Sich ez dat
+      Said yo’ hyah
+      Wuz lak er mat.
+    Umph! Dem white fo’ks
+      Made yo’ scat.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+
+    Umph! Dey skaid
+      Yo’ mos’ to def.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Look ee dah,
+      Yo’ out o’ bref.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+    Run so fas’
+      Dun los’ yo’ hat,
+    Got no idea
+      Whah it’s at;
+    Gwine to whoop
+      Yo’ good fo’ dat.
+          I tol’ yo’ so.
+
+
+
+
+THE PASSING OF NIGHT.
+
+
+    De moon’s dun sneaked
+      Clah out er sight,
+    De stars dun quit
+      Dey peepin’;
+    De shaddahs dun gone
+      Stole erway,
+    De world’s dun quit
+      It’s sleepin’.
+
+    De hours dey’s slowly
+      Creeped erlong
+    Until de world’s in light
+      An’ song;
+    De sun smiles on
+      Creation’s throng—
+    Er cross de worl’
+      Goes sweeping.
+
+
+
+
+A TALE O’ WOE.
+
+
+    Manny am de battle
+      Dahky’s got to fight.
+    Ebbry tarn he’s makin’
+      Trouble’s dah in sight.
+    Ef he’s got de ’liggun
+      Puffec’ to de spot,
+    Hard to keep fum cussin’
+      Losin’ all he’s got.
+
+    White fo’ks got de money,
+      White fo’ks got de lan’,
+    Doan’ wan’ a po’ dahky
+      Hab er place to stan’.
+    Ef dey miss er chicken
+      Ef dey miss er goose,
+    Fus’ thing grab er dahky
+      Fo’ de calerboose.
+
+    Long ez he’s er hoein’,
+      Diggin’ in de san’,
+    Bress yo’ soul, say, mistah,
+      He am jes’ de man.
+    Let him git de money
+      Cumin’ mos’ too fas’,
+    White fo’ks git to skeemin’,
+      Say it mussen’ las’.
+
+
+
+
+LULLABY.
+
+
+    Pickahninny, Pickahninny,
+      Close yo’ little eyes.
+    Evenin’ am er ’proachin’,
+      Tells yo’ sleep an’ quit yo’ cries,
+    Mammy’s gwine to keep
+      All o’ de boogahman erway—
+    Gyahd her little pickahninny
+      Till de cumin’ day.
+
+    Pickahninny, pickahninny,
+      Sleep an’ take yo’ res;
+    Sleep wid all de cumfort
+      Ub de birdies in dey nes’.
+    When de sun’s dun sinkin’,
+      In de eas’ begin to rise,
+    Mammy’s little pickahninny
+      Den kin ope’ its eyes.
+
+    Pickahninny, pickahninny,
+      Mammy’s little love,
+    May de gyahdin’ angels
+      Hubbah ’roun’ de fum erbove.
+    Wid dey sof’en sweeten whispahs
+      Keep de lull’d er sleep,
+    While de weary lonely hours
+      Slowly onward creep.
+
+    Pickahninny, pickahninny,
+      Keep er fas’ er sleep,
+    While de weary, lonely hours
+      Slowly onward creep.
+    Day will soon be breakin’,
+      Sun er creepin’ ’cross de skies,
+    Mammy’s little pickahninny
+      Den kin ope it’s eyes.
+
+
+
+
+THE ECSTASY OF UNCLE JOE.
+
+
+    Feel lak shoutin’ hallelooyah,
+      Habben’ got an’ ache ner pain.
+    Los’ dat kahnsahn roomertism,
+      No mo’ hobblin’ wid dat cane.
+
+    Things look lak de Eden Gawden,
+      Hardly bleeb dis am mah se’f.
+    Dis am bliss in ebbry ’ticklah,
+      Tickles mah ol’ soul to def.
+
+    Dat snake oil sho’ did de bizzness,
+      Geddah wid dem herbs an’ roots.
+    Bress de Lawd! umph! grayshus Mahstah!
+      Hardly stay in mah ol’ boots!
+
+    Go ’way, chillun, let yo’ daddy
+      Hab de place all to hisse’f.
+    Kaze de ol’ man’s jollyfyin’
+      An’ he’s drawin’ bran’ new bref.
+
+    Dis ol’ frame am no mo’ shaky,
+      Doh I is mos’ eighty-eight.
+    Dem ol’ jints am jes’ ez soople’s
+      When Ise in mah youthful state.
+
+    Feel lak lay’n erside mah ’liggun,
+      Once mo’ dance de buck an’ wing.
+    Is dah ’mong yo’ doubtin’ Thomas,
+      Think dat I kaint do dat thing?
+
+    Oh, I ustah cut it, chillun,
+      When ol’ fiddlin’ Peet was ’roun’.
+    Had all o’ de white an’ brac’ fo’ks
+      Beat, dat lived er bout de town.
+
+    An’ yo bet he was er fiddlah,
+      Make yo’ dance yo’se’f leg bowl.
+    Played de sweetes’ kine o’ ditties
+      Dat jes’ ’joiced yo’ berry soul.
+
+    Look hyeah, Rastus! drap dat fiddle,
+      Doan’ yo’ sot dat thing er chune.
+    Ef yo’ do, in spite mah ’liggun,
+      Make out me er dancin’ coon.
+
+    See, de debbil’s allus skeemin’
+      Fo’ to make de Chris’shuns sin.
+    Usein’ chillun in his bizzness,
+      Dat’s de way he takes to win.
+
+    Now, he put it in li’l Rastus
+      Fo’ to git dat fiddle down.
+    Tho’t I kooden’ r’sist tem’tayshun
+      Fo’ to dance at its ol’ soun’.
+
+    Not dis time, oh, no! Brer Satan,
+      Kin yo’ make out me er clown.
+    Git me dancin, lose mah ’liggun
+      On de las’ day lose mah crown.
+
+    Guess I beddah git de Bible,
+      Read de Mahstah’s bressed Wurd.
+    Leeb deez hyeah mischebus raskuls,
+      Kaze dey’s sum de debil’s herd.
+
+
+
+
+KEEP ER GOIN’.
+
+
+    Yo’ dat’s in de race o’ life,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Nebah stop fo’ little strife,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Sum one kick yo’ on de co’n,
+    Nuddah prick yo’ wid er thorn,
+    Toot loudah on yo’ horn,
+        Keep er goin’!
+
+    Ef yo’ sortah lose de track,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Doan’ tarn fool an’ saunter back,
+        Keep er goin’!
+
+    Take no time to ax an’ ’quire,
+    Keep er headin’ fo’ de wire.
+    Push out in de mud an’ mire.
+        Keep er goin’!
+
+    Ef de road leads ’roun’ an’ ’roun’,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Sumtimes up an’ sumtimes down,
+        Keep er goin’!
+    Ef yo’ fall an’ crack yo’ shin,
+    Git up, koch yo’ secun’ win’.
+    Spruce up, try de thing ergin.
+        Keep er goin’!
+
+
+
+
+CLIMIN’ UP DE HILL.
+
+
+    Fo’ to climb de hill o’ fame,
+      Bet it takes er lot o’ tussel.
+    It takes er lot er scratchin’
+      An’ it takes er lot er hus’le.
+    It’s now an’ den er slip,
+      An’ it’s now an’ den er stumble.
+    Ef yo’ ’spec’ to reach de summit
+      Yo’ mus’ keep on meek an’ humble.
+
+    Ez yo’ climin’ up de hill,
+      Yo’ will git er lot er clubbin’,
+    Yo’ll git er lot er knockin’,
+      An’ yo’ll git er lot er drubbin’!
+    Now an’ den yo’ll mope,
+      Den ergin yo’ll be er creepin’.
+    Yo’ll git so tiad an’ weary,
+      Wan’ to res’ an’ go to sleepin’.
+
+    Ez yo’ climin’ fo’ de prize,
+      Yo’ mus’ do er lot o’ scramble,
+    Yo’ll run into de briars,
+      An’ yo’ll strike er lot o’ bramble.
+    Yo’ll fine er lot o’ thorns
+      ’Stead er findin’ lots o’ roses.
+    Keep er headin’ fo’ de summit,
+      Dah is whah success reposes.
+
+    Yo’ mussen’ spec’ er crown
+      Fus’ widdout sum tribyoolayshun,
+    Kaze dat’s de rule o’ ordah
+      Fo’ de white an’ brackes’ nation.
+    Yo’ kno’ it’s sumtimes up,
+      Den ergin it’s in de valley,
+    Den ergin yo’ go er scootin’
+      Towards de goal yo’ go er sally.
+
+    Yo’ run on fo’ er spell,
+      Den ergin yo’ git to slippin’,
+    Yo’ now an’ den’ll reel,
+      Git to trippin’ an’ er tippin’,
+    But lak de ship o’ Zion,
+      When de waves it am er dashin’
+    Yo’ ride right th’ew de storm,
+      In de harbor cum er splashin’.
+
+
+
+
+SISTAH RUFFLE.
+
+
+    No use tawkin,’ sistah Ruffle
+    Am a gittin’ out de kinks;
+    Gittin’ up to date in fashun,
+    She out-dresses sistah Jinks;
+    Got a bran new dress o’ satin,
+    Wid a hot stuff ruffl’d skirt;
+    Way she’s lookin’ ebry dahky
+    At her grinn’d an’ tried to flirt.
+
+    An’ she’s gone an’ got a mobeel
+    Cumin’ down klah to her feet;
+    One dem silks trimm’d in white kawdin,’
+    It’s a stunnah, kain’t be beet;
+    An’ her hat, oh goodness grashus!
+    Lak a flowah bed o’ bloom;
+    An’ she fewmigate de breezes,
+    Wid de sweetes’ kine o’ ’fewme.
+
+    Oh, yo’ know ol’ sistah Ruffle,
+    Ustah wash erbout de town;
+    Had a husbahn dat was leg-bowl,
+    Jes’ as ugly as a clown;
+    Yes de ol’ gal we’ de goggles,
+    Hobblin’ ’roun’ wid roomotick,
+    Diden’ hab ’em on dat ’kayshun,
+    She was flouncin’ double quick.
+
+    Doan’ yo’ know, she am bawlhaided,
+    But dat dey she we’ er wig;
+    Dog mah cats ef yo’ kood tell it,
+    Ef yo’ could I’d dance’d a jig;
+    Twasn’t made fum hyah dat’s kinky,
+    But fum dat call’d awbun hyah;
+    Looks so poody slick, an’ wabey,
+    Kine yo’ see de white fo’ks wah.
+
+    Had it done an’ roll’d in ribbon,
+    On de pompydoro style;
+    Had deez great big whut yo’ call ’em?
+    Hyahpins yais yo’ right mah chile;
+    At de sides she lef’ it bushy
+    Fo’ to kibbah up her yeahs;
+    Kose she seed de white fo’ks do it
+    Fo’ de las’ free o’ fo’ yeahs.
+
+    Yais, she had on glasses, go ’way!
+    Dem dat habs de gol’en rim
+    An’ a chain wuz fas’en to ’em,
+    Cumin’ down beneef her chin;
+    An’ her bowkey, go’ way honey!
+    It wahs flowahs o’ all kine,
+    Oh, it look’d mos’ loud an’ spickyus,
+    Wish’d de lawd it had bin mine.
+
+    Oddah seed her when she pass’d us,
+    Thow’d her head clah to de cloud;
+    Switch’d her se’f an’ kooden’ see us,
+    Kaze she’s togg’d up mos’ to loud;
+    Now an’ den shed’ gib us, honey,
+    Whut yo’ call de cake wa’k gran’,
+    An’ her big feet cut no figgah;
+    Was’ she right? she beet de ban’.
+
+    When she’d pass sto’ windahs, honey,
+    She’d size up her se’f an’ smile;
+    Twis’ her-se’f an’ lif her trailah,
+    Cose she tho’wt she’s poody, chile;
+    Why, I know’d dat dah ol’ dahky
+    When she haden’ braid to eat;
+    When it cum to shoes an’ sockin’s,
+    Dey was stranjahs to her feet.
+
+    Now she needn’t be o’ spreadin’
+    On befo’ me any ahs,
+    Kaze de Lawd in heaben knows it,
+    Dat I ’bout her doesn’t kyahs;
+    She jes’ lately got a penshun,
+    An’ it’s sortah swell’d her haid,
+    It’s a wondah diden’ bus’ it,
+    An’ de dahky isn’t daid.
+
+    Doan’ yo’ ’membah when she usetah
+    Wah dat bumzeen yallah dress?
+    Whah she’s gwine to git de nex’ one,
+    Kep’ her allus on de guess;
+    Whut I say a ’bout sum dahkies,
+    Ef dey git a rag er to,
+    ’Speshly dems po’ as Jobe’s tukehy,
+    Dey’ll wa’k obah me an’ yo’.
+
+    I jes’ feed dem kine o’ dahkies,
+    Wid er big long hanel spoon;
+    Bet dey needen’ take dis sistah,
+    Fo’ er hankshef haided coon;
+    Kaze it’s bawn in all ah kin fo’ks,
+    To be stylish an’ be proud,
+    Nebbah habs dis lady, honey,
+    To sech dahkies ebah bow’d.
+
+
+
+
+THE GALLANT BLACKS OF SAN JUAN HILL.
+
+
+    Without a tremor or a pause,
+        Enlisted for their country’s cause,
+    ’Mid shout and song the gallant boys
+        Charge up the hill of San Juan.
+
+    Like war-scarred veterans of old,
+        Made with patriot ardor bold,
+    Press they forward towards the goal,
+        Not a soldier falters.
+
+    Blood and carnage everywhere,
+        Detonations rend the air,
+    Not for once do they despair,
+        But press on to conquer.
+
+    See them charge with matchless splendor
+        Heart to heart each one’s defender,
+    All praise for the part they render,
+        For them is the victory.
+
+    See the starry emblem high;
+        This they’ll keep or all will die.
+    Forward! Is their battle cry,
+        See them still advancing.
+
+    Hell of fire ’tis their’s to greet,
+        Comrades falling at their feet.
+    Still for them to fight ’tis sweet,
+        See them still advancing!
+
+    See the foe’s ranks try to rally,
+        Thank God! They’ve made their last tally.
+    Ne’er again will they forth sally,
+        Lost their hopes forever!
+
+    Another charge! They reach the summit,
+        And the prize at last they’ve won it,
+    Fighting ev’ry inch they’ve done it,
+        Vic’try on their banner.
+
+    Columbia, thou hast won the day,
+        Tribute on the altar lay.
+    Plaudits to those brave boys pay,
+        They thy brave defenders.
+
+    Heaven swing thy gates a-wide,
+        Forever in thy walls abide,
+    Let those who so nobly died,
+        Be this, their reward.
+
+    In the starry firmament,
+        Thou bright gem of government,
+    Brightest in the firmament,
+        Still thy encircling light.
+
+    As a beacon and a sign,
+        To oppressed men ever shine,
+    Till on this terrestrial ball,
+        God shall end the reign of all.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLANTATION ECHOES ***
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+
+<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Plantation Echoes, by Elliott Blaine Henderson</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
+at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you
+are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the
+country where you are located before using this eBook.
+</div>
+
+<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Plantation Echoes</p>
+<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0;'>A Collection of Original Negro Dialect Poems</p>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Elliott Blaine Henderson</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: December 22, 2021 [eBook #66997]</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div>
+
+<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Charlene Taylor and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)</div>
+
+<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PLANTATION ECHOES ***</div>
+
+<div class="transnote">
+
+<p>Transcriber’s Note: Henderson’s writing captures African American dialect
+of his time, but the poems contain slang words and racial stereotypes
+that the modern reader is likely to find offensive.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[1]</span></p>
+
+<h1>Plantation Echoes</h1>
+
+<p class="titlepage">A COLLECTION <i>of</i> ORIGINAL<br />
+NEGRO DIALECT POEMS</p>
+
+<p class="titlepage"><i>By</i><br />
+<span class="smcap">Elliott Blaine Henderson</span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter titlepage" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/printer.jpg" width="200" height="75" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="titlepage"><span class="smcap">Columbus, Ohio</span><br />
+PRESS OF F. J. HEER<br />
+1904</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span></p>
+
+<p class="titlepage smaller">Entered According to Act of Congress<br />
+in the year 1904</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">BY E. B. HENDERSON</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">In the office of the Librarian of Congress<br />
+at Washington.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span></p>
+
+<div class="box">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak gothic">Dedication</h2>
+
+<p class="center smaller">THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY<br />
+DEDICATED TO</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">MESSERS.</p>
+
+<p class="center">HOWARD BURBA<br />
+L. WALTER HARRISON<br />
+PROF. L. M. LAYTON<br />
+T. J. McCORMICK<br />
+OSMAN C. HOOPER</p>
+
+<p class="center smaller">Literary Editor of the Columbus Dispatch,<br />
+Columbus, Ohio.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">INTRODUCTION</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="dropcap">The music of the American negro, the fresh and spontaneous
+expression of a good and care-free heart, has
+long been one of the most pleasing features of American
+life. It is human nature in its first vocal garb—original
+and unique, often humorous and always true to the sentiment
+of the singer. If there ever was an illustration of the close
+relationship between language and thought, it is this.</p>
+
+<p>What is true of the melodies of the negro as developed
+in the simple existence on the plantation is also true of that
+other form of singing, verse-making. Among the negroes
+there have sprung up a number of exponents of the wisdom,
+wit and humor of the race. They have caught the spirit of
+others—the humble philosophers of their kind—and they
+have employed the dialect to reproduce the thought in all its
+quaintness and originality. One of the most notable of these
+exponents or interpreters is an Ohio negro, Paul Lawrence
+Dunbar, who has taken high rank among the poets of the day.
+Another is Elliott Blaine Henderson, also a son of Ohio, whose
+first volume of verse is herewith presented.</p>
+
+<p>In much that Mr. Henderson here presents, there is the
+rush of expression and the jingle of words that are so characteristic
+of the negro. There is also humor and there is
+sentiment, and always that other quality which makes verse
+in these days readable—good cheer.</p>
+
+<p>He who correctly interprets the spirit of his race serves a
+good cause, and it is believed that Mr. Henderson will be
+found to have succeeded in his undertaking to make his people
+better and more widely understood.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><span class="smcap">E. G. Burkham</span>,<br />
+<i>Editor of the Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio</i>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<table summary="Contents">
+  <tr>
+    <td>When the Moon Hangs Low</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHEN_THE_MOON_HANGS_LOW">9</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Seems Dey’s No Place</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SEEMS_DEYS_NO_PLACE">10</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Good Bye, Honey, Good Bye</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GOOD_BYE_HONEYGOOD_BYE">12</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Whut We Gwine To Do</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHAT_WE_GWINE_TO_DO">14</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Kaze I kno’ I Kain’t Stop</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#KAZE_I_KNO_I_KAINT_STOP">16</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dahky Whut Yo’ Doin?</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#DAHKY_WHUT_YO_DUN">18</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>When De Fiah Am Kindlin’ Hot</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHEN_DE_FIAH_AM_KINDLIN_HOT">20</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lammentation</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LAMENTATION">22</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>When De Summah’s Dun Cum</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WHEN_DE_SUMMAHS_DUN_CUM">23</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>The Coon’s Serenade</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_COONS_SERENADE">24</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Blissful Anticipations</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#BLISSFUL_ANTICIPATIONS">25</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Pawson Johnson At Dinner</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PAWSON_JOHNSON_AT_DINNER">27</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Go ’Way, Mah Honey</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GO_WAY_MAH_HONEY">28</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Brer Possum Declines</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#BRER_POSSUM_DECLINES">30</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I Hain’t Foolin’ Honey</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#I_HAINT_FOOLIN_HONEY">31</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sleep—</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SLEEP">33</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A Profuse Encomium</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_PROFUSE_ENCOMIUM">34</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Peepin’ Th’ew De Husk</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PEEPIN_THEW_DE_HUSK">35</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Axin’ Coon Cum Obeah</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#AXIN_COON_CUM_OBEAH">38</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hustle—</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#HUSTLE">38</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Go Sleep</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GO_SLEEP">40</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Kase De Sun Am Sinkin’</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#KAZE_DE_SUN_AM_SINKIN">41</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Soft Falls The Night</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SOFT_FALLS_THE_NIGHT">43</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Git On Board, Chillun</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#GIT_ON_BOARD_CHILLUN">44</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Uncle Ned An’ De Mockin’ Bird</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#UNCLE_NED_AN_DE_MOCKIN_BIRD">46</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Po’ Li’l’ Rastus</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PO_LIL_RASTUS">48</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sambo’s Rain Philosophy</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SAMBOS_RAIN_PHILOSOPHY">50</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Jes’ Keep Er Lookin’ Up</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#JES_KEEP_ER_LOOKIN_UP">51</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Wished I’d Rode Mah Hoss</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#WISHED_ID_RODE_MAH_HOSS">53</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Eggs! Eggs!! Eggs!!!</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#EGGS_EGGS_EGGS">54</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>It Am De Possum Time</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#IT_AM_DE_POSSUM_TIME">55</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Stick To Your Race</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#STICK_TO_YOUR_RACE">57</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Memorial Day</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#MEMORIAL_DAY">58</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Trussy’s Visit</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#TRUSSYS_VISIT">60</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Is Yo’ Lonesum, Honey?</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#IS_YO_LONESUM_HONEY">64</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Larn To He’p Yo’se’f</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LARN_TO_HEP_YOSEF">64</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Courtin’ O’ De Phone</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#COURTIN_O_DE_PHONE">66</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lonesum Valley Christmas Tree</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LONESUM_VALLEY_CHRISTMUS_TREE">68</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Yes, Wees Got Er Flag</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#YES_WEES_GOT_ER_FLAG">72</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Hi, Mistah Dahky</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#HI_MISTAH_DAHKY">75</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Dey’s Er Col’ Wave Breshin’ Nigh</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#DEYS_ER_COL_WAVE_BRESHIN_NIGH">77</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Force Of Words</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#FORCE_OF_WORDS">79</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>I Tol’ Yo’ So</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#I_TOL_YO_SO">80</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>The Passing Of Night</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_PASSING_OF_NIGHT">82</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>A Tale O’ Woe</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#A_TALE_O_WOE">83</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Lullaby</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#LULLABY">84</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>The Exstacy of Uncle Joe</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_ECSTASY_OF_UNCLE_JOE">85</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Keep Er Goin’</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#KEEP_ER_GOIN">87</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Climin’ Up De Hill</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#CLIMIN_UP_DE_HILL">88</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>Sistah Ruffle</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#SISTAH_RUFFLE">90</a></td>
+  </tr>
+  <tr>
+    <td>The Gallant Blacks of San Juan Hill</td>
+    <td class="tdpg"><a href="#THE_GALLANT_BLACKS_OF_SAN_JUAN_HILL">93</a></td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" />
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHEN_THE_MOON_HANGS_LOW">WHEN THE MOON HANGS LOW.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">A straying chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lost from home</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bewildered, finds</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Itself a-roam.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">And innocently</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stalks the ground,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not dreaming</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">That a coon’s around.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">As evening’s shadows</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gently fall,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The chicken, lonesome,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gives a call.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">A coon steals out</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Soft in the night,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To catch him</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">For his appetite.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">The night is still!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The moon is low!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not e’en a zephyr</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems to blow.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The coon with sack</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Clutched in his hand,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Moves silently</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Across the land.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">The chicken gives</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Another squawk!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The coon has got her</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Like a hawk.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The moon now breaks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Forth into light,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The coon and chicken’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Out of sight.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SEEMS_DEYS_NO_PLACE">SEEMS DEY’S NO PLACE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well er coon kin go to kollege</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git his head chucked full o’ knowledge,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till he knows ez much ez Solomon de wise.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He kin study an’ summize,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Count de stars up in de skies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tawk erbout yo’ eddeekayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ in de cullahd nayshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ “lighten” in de head an’ sich ez dat,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin larn sah, till yo’ hat</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On yo’ head woan’ fit exzac’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Eddeekayshun am all right</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef er coon kin git er sight</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Stead o’ makin’ bread an’ buttah by de hoe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He kood entah any do’</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah he’s qualified to go.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">He doan’ allus want to hoe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He wood like er little sho,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to git er little sweetness out o’ life;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He has had er worl’ o’ strife,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Allus struck by trouble’s knife.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de coons kin cut dey pranks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to git into de banks,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de white fo’ks fo’ to handle wid dey cash</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat wood sorter spile de hash,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Make er fraycus an’ er clash.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de coons kin go to Yale,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Larn Greek, Latin, by de bale,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Larn to numbah all de hyahs up in dey head;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey may read dis thing wid dread,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nufin’ else kin dey be said.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez I saunter ’roun’ de town,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ I skim mah eyes eroun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah de white fo’ks am in business ebbry where,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kain’t find er coon in dare</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de white fo’ks sellin’ ware.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seems dey’s no place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de eddeekayted coon.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="GOOD_BYE_HONEYGOOD_BYE">GOOD BYE, HONEY—GOOD BYE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to leeb dis dear ol’ place,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Time’s er flyin’, I mus’ make has’e,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hate to go, but I kain’t say no,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It gives mah hea’t er pang o’ woe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ all’s mah fren’, not one’s mah foe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sistah Jane, an’ uncle Joe?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I hope we’ll see us all sum mo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s gittin’ ol’, we’s gittin’ gray,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ah days am dun’ fo’ makin’ hay,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ah steps cum slo’ we’s wastin’ ’way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s had good times on dis ol’ place,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s frollic’d in de possum chase,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s picked de cotton, hoed de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s picked de berries spite o’ thorns,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’s wocked at night, we’s wocked at morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t dat Miss Linndy, obeah dah?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sho’ it am; well, I declah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum an’ shake de ol’ man’s han’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to leeb ol’ massa’s lan’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Deed, Miss Linndy, yo’ look gran’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Rastus? little Rastus, chile,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah, jes’ see him smile,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ ez natshul ez his paw,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De bes’ chile dat I ebbah saw,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Got de mannahs ub his maw,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah is Massa, is he ’roun’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears’ I koch his footstep soun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I ’fess it’s hard to leeb him now,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To say good bye, I doan’ kno’ how,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’ll shake his han’, jes’ make er bow,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mockin’ bird up in de tree?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s sung er manny day to me.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er manny day dis hea’t o’ mine</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s cheered it wid yo’ song divine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ made de sunlight brighter shine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Good bye, honey; good bye!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHAT_WE_GWINE_TO_DO">WHAT WE GWINE TO DO?</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, de way de thing am lookin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To ol’ Hezzeekyah Yoon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis kentry’s gittin’ wussah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de po’ and he’pless coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey lynch him on de lef’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey lynch him on de right,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey cum an’ git er niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de day an’ in de night.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut we gwine to do?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh de niggah’s got er moighty</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tuff an’ thorny road to tread—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s bullets, clubs an’ razzahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Allus flyin’ at his head.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s er mer’kul all de niggahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Haben’ suffer’d dat same fate.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De string up to de lamp-pos’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de string up to de gate.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de signul’s gibbun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to rally ’roun’ de flag,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah fo’ er minute</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am er niggah seed to lagg.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De niggah hain’t rebelyus</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Though he doan’ git all things jus’;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’s loyal to his kentry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nebbah habs betrayed his trus’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He allus takes de bitters</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Zactly lak he does de sweet,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He goes right on light hea’ted,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid er tew step to his feet.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut we gwine to do?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t dey no whah in de lan’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t dey fo’ de niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Not er kin’ an’ he’pin’ han’?</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="KAZE_I_KNO_I_KAINT_STOP">KAZE I KNO’ I KAIN’T STOP.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Summah breezes blowin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sun am roas’in’ hot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ right am de meadows</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to take ’em fo’ er cot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Grasses sof’ an’ downy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am jes’ like er feddah bed!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er spot dat am mo’ ’vitin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ er niggah lay his head!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ah tell yo’ whut’s de mattah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sah, de feebah’s mountain high.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When ah ’fleck ub ah kun’dishyun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes dis niggah sot an’ cry.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To hyeah de fo’ks er tawkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How de niggah’s got to fare,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey mob, dey burn an’ lynch him,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey skin him lak er hare.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s true dey’s lots er niggahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat am wurfluss to de co’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De debbul wooden’ hab ’em</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Even inside ub his do’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But de Lawd in heaven knows</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat all de niggahs hain’t dat way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s lots dat’s good an’ hones’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey nebbah goes estray.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De niggah hain’t to blame—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To cum hyeah he diden’ kyeah.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De white fo’ks, why dey made him,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Why dey fotch’d him obeah hyeah.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ now to knock his head off</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze he’s tryin’ to git erlong,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Accawdin’ to my Bible,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Why de whole thing ub it’s wrong.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De niggah loves dis kentry—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry time he’ll put up fight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ it wheddah it am</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de wrong ah in de right.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But er niggah, kain’t stop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">White man take it easy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am er livin’ lak er king!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Free ez am de buzzahd,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doesn’t hab to do er thing!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Niggah’d lak to togg up</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In his Sunday meetin’ dress,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ jes’ lak de white man,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sot, an’ lay back, take his res’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But er niggah, kain’t stop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sumtimes git to ’fleckin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Scratch dis head whah it doan’ itch!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Axin’ why de Lawd, sah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Diden’ make dis niggah rich!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But dey hain’t no use to kick,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">But jes’ keep er josslin’ ’long.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den I keeps er whis’lin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er hummin’ at mah song.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze I kno’ I kain’t stop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ out de crop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till Ise’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den I sortah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git er ticklin’ in mah heel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to go to dancin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">At de ol’ Verginny reel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soople ez a skeedah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dance de jig fum night till morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah stop er minute, bruddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ an’ ache er fo’ er co’n!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But er niggah, kain’t stop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mus’ keep hoein’ at de crop!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out de weeds mus’ keep er pullin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till he’s ready, mos’ to drop!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="DAHKY_WHUT_YO_DUN">DAHKY, WHUT YO’ DUN?</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, but how er dollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Is er moighty fren’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de dead o’ wintah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ idle den.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Winds dey may be howlin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whizzin’ th’ew de trees!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Needen’ worry, dahky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ hain’ gwine to freez!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Summah is er flyin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Breezes gittin’ cool!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Beddah be er layin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ wintah fuel!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Leaves begin to fallin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Harvestin’ is dun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Birds am now er troopin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Soufward wid de sun.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hoein’ time is obeah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dahky take yo’ res’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow off wockin’ hahness,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Don yo’ Sunday bes’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fiddles an’ de banjos—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git ’em all in tune,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Nipulate de ditties</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gibbs de soul er boon!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de spring an’ summah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dahky whut yo’ dun?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ridin’ on de skershuns,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Habin’ lots o’ fun?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dancin’ wid de ladies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Spen’in’ all yo’ got?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Thinkin’ kaze it’s summah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Twill be allus hot?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ de kine cum</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Knockin’ on de cabin do’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to get er sistance,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell ’er tale o’ wo’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den’s de time to sho’ yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">We’s no easy thing,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Videin’ fo’ yo’ stummucks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid ah hoe earnin’.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut yo’ needs er lesson</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de ’speerence school.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git de realizayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whah yo’ bin er fool.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den yo’ll git de idea,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dollah is yo’ fren’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Larn to be mo’ kyahful</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ money spen’.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHEN_DE_FIAH_AM_KINDLIN_HOT">WHEN DE FIAH AM KINDLIN’ HOT.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de sno’ it am er fallin,’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Winds er whizzin’ down de lanes,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de fros’ it am er freezin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ yo’ eyes erpun de panes,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut am beddah den er neslin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Roun’ er fiah dat’s roas’in’ hot?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ er pickahninny dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t er mo’ enchantin’ spot.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de breezes am er moanin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sun am sinkin’ lo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de gloomy clouds an’ shaddahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Geddah ’roun’ erbout yo’ do’;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ hyeah de co’n er poppin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">See de cidah all er foam,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In yo’ soul de joy an’ gladness</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems eroun’ erbout to roam.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ granny am er hummin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cat er purrin’ on de rug,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ git er sniff de burbun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat am steamin’ fum de jug—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! de berry ’maggahnayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes er puson think it’s real.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am glory! Hesh yo’ mouf, sah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ ax me how yo’ feel.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All yo’ troubles an’ yo’ burdens</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems to take de swif’es flight!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears yo’ berry soul am lif’ed</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To de blissful mountain heights!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah de lan’s erflo’ wid honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Streets an’ alleys paved wid gol’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de simphonnies o’ heaben’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Got er sweetnes’ kaint be tol’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin sing de song o’ Moses,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Shout yo’se’f clah to de sky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny’s den in cloveah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No time den to weep an’ sigh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let de sno’ keep on er fallin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Let de breezes whizz an’ moan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Longs er pickahninny’s neslin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Roun’ er hot fiah ub his own.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="LAMENTATION">LAMENTATION.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de rent cums due</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ haben got er dollah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ hab to hunt</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ er nuddah place to wollah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De wintah’s dun cum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de coal pile’s sinkin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s nufin’ in de cupboard</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ stummuck am er tinkin’,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ head wool geddahs!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ hunt an’ scratch!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ sot an’ ’fleck,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems befo’ yo’ keeps er bobbin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De possum an’ de coon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de peach an’ apple cobblin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ dream bout summah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid de joocy wattah millun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’ sotin’ in de middle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ stummuck jes’ er fillin’,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ mouf does wattah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ stummuck jes’ jump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ eyes am all er twinkle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ hump! hump! hump!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de night cums on</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey hain’t er nuf de kibbah,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">While yo’ bunk an’ snooz</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to keep yo’ fum de shibbah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De coal’s dun sinkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till it am no mo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De weddah am at zero,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">De worl am kibbahd in de sno’,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ head wool geddahs!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ hunt an’ scratch</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to skibbah up er dollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Beats de ol’ Sam Patch!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WHEN_DE_SUMMAHS_DUN_CUM">WHEN DE SUMMAH’S DUN CUM.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de wintah’s dun gone</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de summah’s dun cum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de birds begin dey wahble</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de bees begin dey hum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de hills, de fields, de meadows</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid de verdure all am green,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de heaben’s panorama</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am er mos’ enchantin’ scene,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den er niggah kin sing!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den er niggah kin hum!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de wintah’s dun gone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de summah’s dun cum!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de vines am climin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Spreadin’ beauty on de run,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de cullahs o’ de lan’scape</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sky dey blen’ ez one,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de flowahs ez dey’s buddin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er blossom’ an’ er bloom,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de breezes fan dey petals</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Koch dey sweetes’ smellin’ ’fume,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ soul inspahs!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How yo’ hea’t does tickle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den er niggah am happy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef he haben’ got er nickel!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de craps am wavin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de tassel’s on de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de apples am er drapin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sweepahtayters born,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de cabbage am er headin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Swellin’ lak dey got de mumps,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de passnups am er peepin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Winkin’ at yo’ hine de stumps,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">How er niggah kin whis’le!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How his soul does ’joice!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Kaze it’s time fo’ de millun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ it’s time fo’ de squash!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_COONS_SERENADE">THE COON’S SERENADE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de lonesum ub de night</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de moon’s er shinin’ bright,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Coon er sotin’ on er stump</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Picks de banjo, plinkertee plump!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sof’ly floats de mournful ’frain</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Cross de dewy, grassy main—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Picks de coon erpun de stump!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry win’ an’ ebbry breeze,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry twig erpun de trees,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Echoes wid de plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ub de coon erpun de stump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Picks de coon erpun de stump!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de night glides slo’ly on,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de moon slips down fo’ dawn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de veil draps fum de skies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de worl’ opens its eyes,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dies erway de plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ub de coon erpun de stump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Plinktee! plinktee! plinkertee plump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Stops de coon erpun de stump</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="BLISSFUL_ANTICIPATIONS">BLISSFUL ANTICIPATIONS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ gimme summah all de time,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ lemme take it easy.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ lay back in de cloveah beds</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dream whah it am breezy.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I doan kyeah fo’ no robe ner crown</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez long ez I kin wollah ’roun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ nebbah hab to hoe de grown’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ha! ha! yo’ thinks Ise lazy!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d spawk an’ court Miss Lissy Jane—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Umph! but I’d cut er spluttah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d tell her dis, I’d tell her dat,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fus’ one thing den er nuddah.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">We’d ramble whah de wild flow’rs bloom</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat fill de air wid sweet scent ’fume</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah dey’s no clouds an’ dey’s no gloom!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">We’d sot de worl’ to fiuttah!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d git mah banjo fum de wall</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ now an’ den go plinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d make de dahky’s heels jes’ itch</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To dance ez fas’ es winkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d make her sing, I’d make her moan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d sen’ er tone to Gabriel’s throne,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d play dem tricks befo’ unknown,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I’d sot de fo’ks to thinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I kno’ yo’ thinks dis dahky slo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ tawkin’ jes’ fo’ blowin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ buildin’ castles in de air,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ debbilment er sowin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s jes, prezaxly lak I say,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ shows Ise ol’ an’ shows Ise gray.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Befo’ de Lawd! it’s almos’ day!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To bed! de chicken’s crowin’!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="PAWSON_JOHNSON_AT_DINNER">PAWSON JOHNSON AT DINNER.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’p you’se’f, mah bruddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ make yo’se’f at home!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Kaze yo’ am no stranger</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To Siss Wiggle Sloam.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’head on dat chicken,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Kase it tissen skace!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Doan’ yo’ worry, sistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I is in no has’e!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Lan’ sakes, Sistah Wiggle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">You’ treat me lak er king!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ha! ha! ’skooze me, sistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">One mo’ chicken wing!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tote me few dem waffles,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Chittlins good an’ hot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbah thing ise eatin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Trabbles to de spot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd Gawd! Sistah Wiggle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I jes’ seed dat possum!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hiden’ an’ er grinin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Hine dat sunflow’r blossom!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Fo’ I’d let dat possum</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git out o’ mah sight,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Th’ow erside mah Gospel,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To de las’ I’d fight!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah, kain’t yo’ sortah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gibb er little toas’?</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Deed I kain’t, Gawd knows it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whah dey’s possum roas’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Feed de lambs, mah Sistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whut de good book say!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s fulfillin’ Scripshah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Treatin’ me dis way!”</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="GO_WAY_MAH_HONEY">GO ’WAY, MAH HONEY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gitin’ sortah ’ristercratic</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sistah Jane, de ol’ roommatic!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow’d erway her dress o’ mattin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wearin’ silk an’ wearin’ satin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Right in style, de lates’ patte’n!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wearin’ hoops, an’ got er bustle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she passed, Lawd, how dey rustle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! she stepped lak Queen o’ Sheeba.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Clah out dressed ol’ Sistah Feeba,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hel’ her trail lak dat Miss Neeba!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">High heel shoes, she’s wearin’, too!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look to me dey’s numbah two!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Paten’ leddah wid er buckle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hot stuff, reglah honey suckle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she pass’d, oh how fo’ks chuckle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ yo’ kno’ she had on powdah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">White fo’ks kooden’ looked mo’ loudah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had her hyah smoothed down wid tallow!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bangs in front was short and shallow!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gibb her face er p’culiar pallow!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! she tried to tawk so proppah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spoke dem wurds dat was er whoppah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">See her primp her mouf and tickle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Made her look so pow’ful fickle!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet she diden’ hab er nickel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Scan’lous ’bout sum cullahd people!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mattahs not how ol’ an’ feeble!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git on sum new bibb an’ tuckah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’ll out step sah! ol’ Dan Tuckah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ kyah ef dey’s er co’n shuckah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way, mah honey!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="BRER_POSSUM_DECLINES">BRER POSSUM DECLINES.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Way in de tree</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sots ol’ Bruddah Possum!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hey, dah; I see yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bruddah Possum, hine de blossom!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ needn’ ac’ so timid,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ner yo’ needen’ ac’ so shy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s beddah, closeah frenship</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ er possum, closeah nigh!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ ac’in’ moighty ’trary;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Saunter down er minute!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Now, yo’ needen’ hab no worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ner pusnul tooberayshuns.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sich, de lak er dat!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum down, yo’ needen’ boddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">What de bawkin’ dogs er at!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look hyeah, Bruddah Possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bleeb yo’ feelin’ kine o’ skeery!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ tiad er coaxin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes me feel er little dreary!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ lak so much beggin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ner I doan’ lak so much pleadin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Speshly to mah mine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When dey’s not er bit o’ needin’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hey, dah, Bruddah Possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ jes’ lak ol’ Bruddah Satan!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Think de odds er gin yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ keep er fellah waitin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, it doesn’t mattah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ ’sist on me er climein’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hol’ yo’ bref er minute!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Kase hyeah cums up</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Highmen!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="I_HAINT_FOOLIN_HONEY">I HAIN’T FOOLIN’ HONEY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seed yo’ wid yo’ gal las’ night!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had yo’ arms eroun’ her tight!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! whut made yo’ squeeze her so?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ bekaze yo’ am her beau?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d bin her I’d let yo’ go!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seed yo’ try to steal er kiss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she slapp’d yo’ wid her fis’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Po’ gal kooden’ hardly speak!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Shocked to def wid all yo’ cheek!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go way, Gumbo, yo’s er sneak!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yallah, too, hain’t she Gumbo?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Reason dat yo’ love her so!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef she had de wooly hyah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Face ez black ez ol’ pine tah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Court her? bet yo’ wooden’, dah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to marry her, Gumbo?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">What dat? say yo’ doesn’t kno’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ax’d her fo’ her hea’t an’ han’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet yo’ habben’ got de san’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Fess up, Gumbo, umph! mah lan’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet she hain’t stuck on yo’ ’tall!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Does she kiss yo’ when yo’ call?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stop yo’ foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lan’ sakes, Gumbo, yo’ woan’ do!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’way; no, I woan’ kiss yo’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git yo’ big foots off mah shoe!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I doan’ kiss no rusty coon!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Who, yo’ be mah chaperoon?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t you foolin’, honey?</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pick mah comp’ny, whut I do!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd sakes, knows I doan’ want yo’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Good day, home Ise long go due!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t foolin’, honey!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SLEEP">SLEEP.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cums de solemn night,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de day’s tuck flight!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not er bird ner coon</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Am er whis-lin’ choon.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Slo’ de hours slip ’long</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To de brooklet’s song,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de sof deep hush</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cums de star’s sweet blush.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In er lonesum tone</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez he creep erlone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cums de cricket call</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fum de vine clad wall.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Up de hillside steep</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now de moon take creep!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ew de cab’n loft, gleam</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On er coon in dream.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">Sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_PROFUSE_ENCOMIUM">A PROFUSE ENCOMIUM.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lookin’ nice to-night, Miss Liza,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’s out dressed ’em all to-night.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid dat ah so frusterkaytun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ so dazzlin’ in de light!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Please doan’ ’strew mah wurds fo flattah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Spoken incandessenly,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But! wid mutuallistic frankness</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Cep ’em fabbrykayshenly.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Thank you, Mistah Johnsin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Do yo’ think I look so fine?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Deed sah, Mistah Johnsin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ so asterroshus kine.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Woan’ yo’ sot beside me</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ conversykate er while,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Please doan’ hab no skooples</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze Ize togged up in dis style.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Yo’s suppassed yo’se’f, Miss Liza,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Quiv-vah-kay-shah-ently gran’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ grace dis runkshus ’kayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lak one fum de glory lan’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ hab no interjeckshuns</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze sech ’joicin’ frollerkayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gibbs fellerisher-tish-shus glee.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“’Skyoose me, Mistah Johnsin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I doan’ kyah to mingel late,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I wood raddah be specktay-shus</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sotin’ hyeah wid Mistah Gate.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not dat I doan’ d’ sah yo’ tenshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ doan’ preeshee-ate yo’ ’’ques’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I prefer tran-quil-ler-kayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sotin’ lookin’ at de res’.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“’Cep’ mah ’pology, Miss Liza,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ mah troo-ser-tay-shus ’ques’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I jes ax’d yo’ fo’ politeness,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tho’t yo’d lak to jine de res’.”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“’Tain’t er bit o’ trooshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mistah Johnsin’, not at tall!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I may grant yo’ axin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When we ’ten’ sum uddah ball.”</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="PEEPIN_THEW_DE_HUSK">PEEPIN’ TH’EW DE HUSK.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dahky, doan’ worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de wintah’s dun gone!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Craps am all er sproutin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Soon we’ll hab de sugah co’n!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den we’ll roas’ an’ stew it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ we’ll fry it in de pan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow de buttah on it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nufin’ fineah in de lan’!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See de wattah milluns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How dey’s cumin’ on de vine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd er mussy, chillun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Puts yo’ teef erpun de grine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ think er bout ’em,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gits mah stummuck all er jump!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hea’t er fas’ah beatin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er thumpin’! thump! thump!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de wattah milluns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git kervellopd on de vine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Winkin’, peepin’ at yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">How er dahky’s eyes shine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ buss’ ’em open</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ see de blushin’ red,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Haben’ got er minute</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de bressins to be said!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sun ’er creepin’ higher,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am ’er gittin’ pow’ful hot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hoein’ an’ er weedin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am er dahky’s tufes’ lot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To de hoe er stickin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till yo’ back jes’ ache an’ ache,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sun er pohin’ on yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes er dahky nahly bake!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mo’ yo’ keeps er hoein’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fas’ah seems to gro’ de grass!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dahky gits to thinkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hoein’ time will ebbah las’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Weedin’ an’ er hoein’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef er dahky was to stop,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sho’ ez am de gospel</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wooden’ git er bit o’ crop!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er gwine to worry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Needah make er bit o’ fuss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de sugah co’n</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Will soon be peepin’ th’ew de huss!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="AXIN_COON_CUM_OBEAH">AXIN’, COON? CUM OBEAH.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Meadows lak er feddah bed,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sproutin’ cloveah white an’ red,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sof’ ez pillahs to de tread,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Milluns loafin’ in de grass,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Flirtin’ when er coon cum pass,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When er look he dat way cas’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cabbage loafin’ ’roun’ de stump,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lookin’ sassy fat an’ plump,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Swellin’ up all in er bump,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Axin’, coon? Cum obeah!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Coon er wockin’ at de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doh dat’s all fo’ what he’s born,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wockin, night and’ wockin’ morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hain’t got time cum obeah!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="HUSTLE">HUSTLE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ lag an’ fool</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Erlong de way—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ ’spec’ to do</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All in er day—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Things will cum</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out by an’ by,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Musen’ stop</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To stew an’ sigh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den’s when success</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">May be nigh—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ lookin’ back—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">T’ see whose cumin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On de track—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s losin’ groun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Time yo’ take</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ gawkin ’roun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To git er crown—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er good co’n crop—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebah git it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ stop—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De corn to gro’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Full co’n stawks</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In ebbry ro’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ be skaid</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To use de hoe—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To argufy—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">T’ make sum fellah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out er lie—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ha’f de time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s losin’ win’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Same time doin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er little sin.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Aftah all</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ nuffin in—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Hus’el!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="GO_SLEEP">GO SLEEP.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De boogahman koch yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ peep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He prowlin’ ’roun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sof’ ez er cat—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He kno’ whah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Li’l’ pickahninny’s at—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Still ez er mouse</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When creepin’ keep—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De boogahman</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am moighty peert!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He sly ol’ fox</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat’s on de ’lert!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go sleep, li’l’ pickahninny!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I hyeah de boogahman</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Creep, creep creep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He kotch er hol’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ shake de do’—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ ope his mouf</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ said wo’, wo’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent8">Go sleep!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="KAZE_DE_SUN_AM_SINKIN">KAZE DE SUN AM SINKIN’.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gone er sleepin’ an’ er doze—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de day er lookin’ gran’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ er ’fumein’ up de lan’,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Baskin’ now in slumbah’s stran’—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Peepahs shet an’ fas’ ersleep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Crystal brooklet glidin’ ’long</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Chants to dem er cradle song,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Res’ an’ slumbah, weary throng—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy am de flow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lull’d ersleep in fairy realm,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All dey tinsels tints an’ hue</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat attracts de bees an’ woo,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Closed dey now am all to view—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun am sinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Droopy, droopy, am de flow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Petals closed an’ shrinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soon will wake wid birds an’ bees,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When de sun’s dun sinkin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de sunlight mounts to view,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">At de tech o’ mornin’s dew</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Once mo’ will dey ope to view—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de sun’s dun sinkin’!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SOFT_FALLS_THE_NIGHT">SOFT FALLS THE NIGHT.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">This Poem is dedicated to <span class="smcap">Miss Anna Hall Smith</span>.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">And chases ’way</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The slowly dying</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Summer day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The sun from his</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ethereal height,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Is curtained by</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The shades of night.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The birds that tune</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Their song with nature</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In commune</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now hush their lays</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seek silent rest,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Within their downy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Leafy nests.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sweet peace divine</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In each heart comes</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To be enshrined,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">While angels pause</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">On earth to show’r</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The blessings of</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The sovereign pow’r.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">A peaceful sleep</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">O’er earthly mortals</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doth now creep.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">They rest now from</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Their day’s pursuit—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The world is still,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The world is mute.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft falls the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The verdure green</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now glistens with</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">A dewy sheen.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The flowers droop,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Their petals close,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">They dream away</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In sweet repose.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soft fades the night—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lo! breaks the dawn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">And nature ’wakens</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">With the morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Exultingly</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sends up her lays,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Her symphonies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To God in praise.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="GIT_ON_BOARD_CHILLUN">GIT ON BOARD, CHILLUN.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De Gospel train am er scootin’ down de rail!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fas’ah den er ship wid er ruddah an’ er sail!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De Lawd in heaben am de steam an’ de pow’r!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He run dat train forty millun miles an’ hour!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ es stroke ub de throttle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sends her clah to heaben’s tow’r!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">No sinnah tribe kin ebbah ride on dat train!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De debil ner his imps ef day’s cut loose fum dey chain!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">None but de lams ub de good Lawd’s fol’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kin ride dat train to de streets o’ gol’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de ’liggun lak an’ ocean obeahflowin’ in yo’ soul!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">She’s jes’ lak lightnin’ an’ de quibbah o’ de eye!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez she’s puffin’ an’ er steamin’ in er trabblin’ to de sky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She’s limited, too, an’ she goes clah th’ew!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She’s got no time fo’ to fool wid yo’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ mus’ git on board, when de time cums, doo!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat train hain’t skeddul fo’ de secun’ time.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to cum an’ fotch yo’ to de heabenly clime!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She goes straight on an’ she doan’ tarn back!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she once git start why she hain’t gwine to slack!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till she runs in heab’n on de right side track!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De debil ner his imps kaint wreck dat ol’ train!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez she’s dashin’ an’ er steamin’ o’er de mountains an’ de plain!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She sticks to de rail lak de hyah on yo’ back!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she nebbah was known fo’ to jump fum de track!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de Lawd’s at de throttle an’ he sho’ got de knac’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git on board, chillun!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="UNCLE_NED_AN_DE_MOCKIN_BIRD">UNCLE NED AN’ DE MOCKIN’ BIRD.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Mocking Bird,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s moighty lazy.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ doan’ do nufin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">But sing dat song,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till de daylight’s gone</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de night cum ’long.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er coon has got to hoe an’ hoe,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till de sinkin’ sun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tells de day to go.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd, but yo’ sing</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">So pow’ful sweet!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Perched up dah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ leafy seat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Is yo’ lonesum?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Does yo’ hea’t feel sad?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears to me</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat yo’ soul feels glad.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez Ise wockin’ hard,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sweet ez de cloveah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ song</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Floats obeah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Way in de co’nfield</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whah de medlark sings,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Up in de bough</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ub de tree it clings.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ nebah wock</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">But yo’ bread is sho’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out in de yahd;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Fo’ ebbry do’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum kine han’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Th’ows de little crum!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze dey kno’ fo’ sho’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat yo’ boun’ to cum.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De good Samaritan</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Part dey play.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Let yo’ go ’way?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hungry? No!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey nebah wood,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kase de Lawd wood say</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat dey wasn’t good.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I kinedah lak</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To hyeah yo’ sing,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ is too lazy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To flop yo’ wing,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sing on,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fill de worl’ wid song.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I mus’ be gittin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mah wock er long.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="PO_LIL_RASTUS">PO’ LI’L’ RASTUS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Little Rastus feelin’ blue—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Out o’ sorts an’ gloomy, too!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Broke his little hobby hoss.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Makes de little fellah cross.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ cry, honey, ’tain’ much loss.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">He jes’ wo’ out, rompin’ ’roun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git up, honey, fum de groun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah, dun spiled yo’ dress,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ it am yo’ Sunday bes’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now hain’t yo’ er poody mess!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut dat stickin’ on yo’ han’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ bin in de ’lasses can.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut dat whut de Bible say</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Bout de chile dat steal dat ’way?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’ll go whah de bad man stay!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat ol’ bad man am er sight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum er sneakin’ ’roun’ at night.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum an’ koch yo’ when yo’ sleep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den he take er great big leap!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Down er hol’ dat’s way down deep!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum hyeah, little wooly head.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to tuck yo’ way to bed.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah, de day dun gone!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Shaddahs streamin’ th’ew de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sleep until de sunlight dawn!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Po’ li’l’ Rastus!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SAMBOS_RAIN_PHILOSOPHY">SAMBO’S RAIN PHILOSOPHY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut’s de use o’ raisin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Bout de weddah, cain?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kase dey’s wid de sunshine</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mixed in clouds an’ rain;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ ez well be lafin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Joicin’ in yo’ soul.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Frettin’ an’ er stewin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes yo’ gray an’ ol’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ ’spec’ to allus</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git things jes’ yo’ way.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Keep yo’ eye kock’d open</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">On er beddah day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Learn to ’cep’ de weddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez de Lawd control,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In time will be shinin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sunshine bright an’ gold.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lawd am boun’ to sen’ de</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Changes now an’ den,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze He knows whut’s beddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ yo’ in de en’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ He sends de sunshine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nex’ He sends de rain,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To gibb life an’ viggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To de gol’en grain.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s de rainy weddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Buds de flowahs out,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Makes de wattahmilluns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de ’tayters sprout;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s de rainy weddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes de fahmahs shout;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Drives erway de famine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drives erway de drout.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="JES_KEEP_ER_LOOKIN_UP">JES’ KEEP ER LOOKIN’ UP.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ fren’s dey all fo’sake yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Think yo’ gwine flat to de wall,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Salt an’ peppah nebbah’ll save yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fum an ebbah las’in’ fall.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">You’ll keep allus lookin’ up,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ habben’ got er dollah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ no place to lay yo’ head,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de meadows an’ de co’n fields</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Only places fo’ yo’ bed;</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef de fo’ks am cuttin’ capeahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Fo’ yo’ puttin’ on dey airs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid dey silks an’ wid dey satins,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ all uddah kine o’ wares.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ll keep allus lookin up,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey may tramp erpun yo’ feelin’s,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey may kick yo’ on de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ may tarn dey nose up at yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez dey pass yo’ in dey scorn;</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Smiles dey nebbah may hab fo’ yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bes’ yo’ll git will be er frown,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sum wurds mos’ harshly spoken,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze dey think dat yo’ is down.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef fo’ bread yo’ ax er bruddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ instead yo’ git er stone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ ax fo’ consullayshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ bahly git er groan,</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sum knock yo’ off yo’ shins,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ think yo’ nebah gwine to rise,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Swah to God dey nebbah dun it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Meekly tell all kine o’ lies;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let ’em go on hykerflootin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry dog sho’ habs his day;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey am uddah months, mah bruddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ es pleasant, ez am May.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ got de right stuff in yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ll keep allus lookin’ up,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membrin’ sum de worl’s bes’ jewels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Drunk fum dis same bittah cup!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="WISHED_ID_RODE_MAH_HOSS">WISHED I’D RODE MAH HOSS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Rode on dat ah ’lectric kyah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">No musstake it raised mah hyah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Oddah bin er long!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah seed sech runnin’ son!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Swo’ we’s flyin’ to de sun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gee! dat thing did split de ah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nuffin’ wid it kin compah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Oddah bin er long!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry thing wuz blurred in sight!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dus’ flew higher den er kite!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kooden’ tell de lef’ fum right!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she struck eroun’ de kyerve,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It unstrung mah ebbry nerve!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Oh, but I did squirm!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, she kyahd us down de line!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No hobo kood stuck behine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef he had he’d gone stone bline!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den she sortah reel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Stirred me up fum head to heel!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lawd but I did quake!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tawk erbout er pow’ful prah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I sho’ made one den an’ dah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Strain was mo’ den I kood bah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Once I hyeahd er moighty crack!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t she’s gwine to leeb de track,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Oddah seed me, Chile!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I felt mos’ prekareyus, son!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I hain’t tawkin’ jes’ fo’ fun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t dis dahky’s days was dun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wished I’d rode mah hoss!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="EGGS_EGGS_EGGS">EGGS! EGGS!! EGGS!!!</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When I ’fleck o’ Eastah cum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gits mah whol’ soul all er hum.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de chickens flopp dey wings,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Roostah cro’, de pullets sings,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gib me ’bove all uddah things—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de little chicks er creep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Run kerfrolic peep! peep! peep!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Appetite gits sort impressed,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wood go good, roas’ chicken breas’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Still goes beddah, nebahless.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When eroun’ de ol’ fiah place</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Eggs look yo’ squah in de face,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git ’em fryin’ in de pan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Soun’ lak music o’ de ban’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Chillun? Whee! But hain’t dey gran’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Eat ’em poach ’er eat ’em bile,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Make yo’ hit yo’ granny, chile.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ eat ’em scramble, son,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Feel dat yo’ kood lif er ton,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er brack bar yo’ kood out run.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eggs! eggs!! eggs!!!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="IT_AM_DE_POSSUM_TIME">IT AM DE POSSUM TIME.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Weddah gittin’ chilly,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fros’ er fallin’ on de vine!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Leaves er tarnin’ yallah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Now de possum time is fine!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hickahnuts er fallin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid er thud, thud, thudd!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Poppin’ an’ er crackin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er bus’in out de bud!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yes, it am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de time er niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de coon to go to clime!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Crickets all er hollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell er niggah it’s de fall!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ripenin’ am de ’simmons</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de great an’ fo’ de small!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Niggah jes’ er waitin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de fallin’ o’ de sno’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to chase de rabbit</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez he’s wingin’ on de go!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yes, it am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de time er niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de coon to go to clime!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de sun’s dun sinkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cums de shinin’ o’ de moon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Niggah’ll take de wahpaf</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to go to tree de coon!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de dogs er bahkin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">All er chasein’, all er romp!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sniffin’ at de grasses</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er scratchin’ at de stump!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yes, it am de possum time!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It am de time er niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de coon to go to clime!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="STICK_TO_YOUR_RACE">STICK TO YOUR RACE!</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! how some cullahd fo’ks wan’ to be white.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze dey am brack dey doan’ nebah seem right.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s shame ub dey cullah; dey’s shame ub dey race;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat’s why dey wood lak to be white in de face.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze dey kain’t bleech out, O, how dey deplore,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to be cullahd to dem’s sech er bore.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To think de Lawd sent dem all into dis lan’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wif hyah dat am kinky an’ faces dat’s tan.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ to de lef an’ den nex’ to de right,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey look to see if dey am sumfin’ in sight</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To make dem bleech white, gib dem cheeks ub de rose</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sumfin’ to gib dem a high Roman noze.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s kickin’ an fussin’ an’ raisin turmoil</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze dey kain’t git hol’ de right kine ub oil</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To take way de kinky effect dey kaint bah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ make it jes’ lak de white folk’s auburn hyah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey use mutton sooit an’ tallow, an’ lard,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh Lward er Mussy! but don’t dey try hard!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To make it look wabey an’ glossy an’ slick.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den paht in de middle dey am right to de quick.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef dey hain’t no hope, why dey go git a wig.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It mus’ be made fum white fok’s hyah, too, by jig.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph; who; Miss Sukie? why she wooden’ dah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To wah a wig made fum a coon’s nappy hyah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut’s de use er kickin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze o’ sech rot?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bekaze yo’ kain’t bleech,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ turn white on de spot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ hyah’s kinky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’s brack ez de tar,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Thank de good Lawd</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’s jes’ lak yo’ are.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="MEMORIAL_DAY">MEMORIAL DAY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">To sound of muffled drums to-day,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">With slow and solemn tread;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The soldiers march with banners draped</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Where dwell heroic dead.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">The blue, the gray of this fair realm</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Assemble o’er this land,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Recount the deeds of valiant men</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">As one vast mourning band.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">The rich, the poor, the high, the low,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Observe this sacred day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">For all alike in days gone by</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Have laid some friend away.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">For death the mighty reaper comes</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To rich as well as poor.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Unwelcome guest though he may be,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">He comes to every door.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">To deck the graves of dear loved ones</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Beneath luxuriant bow’rs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Countless willing loving hands</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Pluck nature’s tender flow’rs.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The tokens of a reverent love</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">For friends of that blest vale,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">A love the ravages of time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Can never change nor pale.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">This day recalls much of the past—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The nation’s bloody wars,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">The sacrifice of noble lives—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">To make dominant the stripes and stars.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In philosophic narrative,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In eulogy and praise,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In honor of heroic dead</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The speaker’s voice doth raise.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">And for the country’s honor fought</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The black man once a slave.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Encouched within the history’s folds</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">The statement, “he was brave!”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Within the marching ranks to-day</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Are remnants of the freed</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Who fought and bled upon the field</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When ’twas the country’s need.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="TRUSSYS_VISIT">TRUSSY’S VISIT.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bress mah life! why, dis hain’t Trussey?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go ’way Chile! whut dat yo’ say?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ hain’t fiddlin’ Peedah’s sonny—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Who’d er tho’t it, any way!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ax me ef I knowed yo’ daddy—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Knowed each uddah yeahs ergo.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Me an’ him hab bof togeddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hoed er many ’taytah ro’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Res’ yo’ duddin’s! take de sofa,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Make yo’se’f jes’ lak yo’ home.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Cep’ mos’ free mah hooskerpalty,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Plenty time eroun’ to roam.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See, hyeah, Dina, am dem chittlins</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dem hog feet th’ew er bile?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Who yo’ think we got fo’ dinnah?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ol’ fren’ Fiddlin’ Peedah’s chile!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, sah, I hain’t seed yo’ daddy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Since dat fight at Possum Trot.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dog mah socks, we bof togeddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whoop’d de debbil on de spot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Still er libbin’ down in Guinea?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Why, dat’s my ol’ rompin’ groun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t er spot, ner nook, ner crebbice</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat I doan’ know ’bout dat town.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ready, Dinah? Bress de Lawd! umph!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mah ol’ lady am er sight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kin she cook? Whut? Doan’ yo’ staht me!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">She kin sho’ put things up right!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Walk out, Trussy; go pertaykin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ub de bes’ de ol’ man’s got!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kose tain’t much, but prob’ly sumfin’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dah will kinedah tech de spot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’head, say de bressins, Trussy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de Lawd sakes cut ’em short.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lemme pos’ yo’ fo’ yo’ staht in,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ preach an’ try to e’ort—</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Make us thankful, Heab’nly Faddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ dis hyeah pussipyus spread;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hyeah deez few mos’ feeble ’spreshyuns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat yo’ umble sahvunt shed.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Gibb us wid ah daily bread, sah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Chicken, an’ all sech ez dat!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow in now an’ den er possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Coon wid plenty lean an’ fat!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Po’ dy bressins on dis family—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Put mo’ chickens on dey roos’;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Things git skace, dey needs er he’pin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Len’ er ban’, gibb ’em er boos’.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jump in, Trussy; git to business!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry fellah fo’ himse’f.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut’s hyeah fo’ us on dis table’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nuf to take er possum’s bref.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ha! ha! Trussy, dem ol’ hog feet</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sots dis ol’ soul all er chune!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ha! ha! Dina? look at Trussy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kock dat lef’ eye at dat coon!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ hain’t full kin to yo’ daddy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ doesn’t lak de coon;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Possum, chicken, sweepahtaytahs.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de sumpshus musherroon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tell us ’bout ol’ Tootsy Tadpole.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Slipshod Beebe, Feeby Scott!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Susan Rhinehole. Sukie Slowup,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Husky Botts, de res’ de lot.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Does I ’membah Slimmy Twostep?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Who? dat dah ol’ onry cuss?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Usetah hug de stove when happy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In church raised all kine o’ fuss?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gibb him mo’ coon dumplin’s, Dina!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sakes! he’s jes’ fell into eat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tote him few dem frizzlin’ passnups,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lecktrifies yo’ to yo’ feet!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah’s ol’ Susan Peecock, Trussy?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Is de debbil got her yet?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sakes o’ lie! she’s got mo’ husban’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den yo’s fingers got, I’ll bet!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cum on wid dem pig tails, Dina!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ be primpin’ in de glass!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ make de ol’ man wait so,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ look poody nuf to pass.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bress de Lawd! whee! glory! glory!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No joke, dem am sizzlin’ hot!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissen at de res’ dem fellahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Prayin’ an’ singin’ in de pot!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’way, Fido! see hyeah, Dina!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kick dat debbil out de do’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry time he sniffs dem chittlins</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">He’s er hangin’ ’roun’ hyeah, sho’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See hyeah, chile! yo’ hain’t th’ew eatin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Rake mo’ dumplin’s on yo’ plate!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go dem flapp jacks, sum dat grabey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eat ’long in de mopein’ gait.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pass de ol’ man few dem biskits;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">B’lieve I’ll take sum poke chops, too!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Little mo’ dat drap down coffee,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nuddah dose dat bullyun stew.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go on in de pollah, Trussy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef yo’ got ernuf to eat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’ll be th’ew in jes’ er minute,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den we’ll go an’ thrash sum wheat.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="IS_YO_LONESUM_HONEY">IS YO’ LONESUM, HONEY?</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de twilight fall,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de koo-koo call,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ doan’ hyeah ’tall</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis hyeah coon’s foot fall,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de moon creep high,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de starlit sky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo’ sot an’ sigh,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze I doan’ cum nigh,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Is yo’ lonesum, Honey?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez de night creep on,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till de sun brings dawn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ wake an’ yawn</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In de cool ob de morn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Still, yo’ lonesum, honey?</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="LARN_TO_HEP_YOSEF">LARN TO HE’P YO’SE’F.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Dahky, ef yo’d win,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mussen’ stop fo’ knocks on shin,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Stop yo’ whinin’, try an’ try,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time to weep an’ sigh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dah’s whahin’ yo’ success lie.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ mus’ fus’ prove yo’s er man.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Try’n to ’skewt sum noble plan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, de white fo’ks knows yo’s brave,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ dis freedom lan’ to save,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’ fit on lan’ an’ wave.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de white fo’ks hain’t yo’ foe.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey will gibb yo’ plenty, sho’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All er long dey’s bin mos’ kine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’p’d yo’ ’long er many line,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Is to all dis yo’ stone bline?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dah’s Abe Linkum, Phillips, too,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet yo’ life dey fit fo’ yo’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Thousands mo’ dat I kood name,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Mong dem, men o’ nashnul fame,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ yo’ dahky dun de same.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum de white fo’ks moighty mean,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Likewise sum de brack fo’ks seem</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry race got p’culiar way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Guess it all goes in de play;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Live in hopes dey’ll change sum day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin shout an’ yo’ kin sing.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Think yo’s ’neef de mahstah’s wing.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But yo’ll nebah git er crown</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ sot an’ fool eroun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis am Gospul true an’ soun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dahky, stop dat little song—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gimme Jesus, take worl’ ’long,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Larn to he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">T ry to grip sum o’ dis lan’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den yo’ll feel mo’ lak er man;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ am boun’ to git sum san’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Ef yo’ he’p yo’se’f.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="COURTIN_O_DE_PHONE">COURTIN’ O’ DE PHONE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When er sotin’ lone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin call yo’ honey—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Go to courtin’ o’ de phone.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Drives erway de shaddahs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Makes yo’ quit yo’ fret an’ stew,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fills yo’ soul wid sunshine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Opens up yo’ hea’t ernew.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dis yo’, Liza Jane?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Yes, dis am yo’ honey,”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cums de sweet an’ sof’en ’frain.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den yo’ go to pohin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In her ear de words o’ love:</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tickles her to def,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ makes her think she am er dove.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When yo’ hyeah her say:</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Honey, when yo’ gone it’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Allus night an’ nebbah day,”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Pears dat while dey’s fallin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ ear, dat lovin’ tone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kin see yo’ honey</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Standin’ dah befo’ de phone.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sweetah grows de tone.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Makes er niggah neerly</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ram his head clah th’ew de phone.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze dem sugah wurds</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey sho’ly make yo’ hea’t inspah—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Lecktrifies yo’ spirit,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sots yo’ whol’ soul all er fiah!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jingahling! jingahling!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When de day is dun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">You no mo’ kin see de</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Blazin’, dazzlin’, sinkin’ sun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">How yo’ lub to ’membah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Bout yo’ courtin’ o’ de phone,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ muse an’ pondah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In yo’ cabin all er lone!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="LONESUM_VALLEY_CHRISTMUS_TREE">LONESUM VALLEY CHRISTMUS TREE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bes’ ub all de Chrismus ’tainmunts</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat I axshly ebbah seed,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Was de one at Lonesum Valley</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">At de church ub Pawsun Weed.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de ol’ fo’ks an’ de chillun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dress purraded out dat night,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To de graid big Chrismus ’tainmun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to git dey Chrismus mite.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When dey’s geddahd in dat chapel,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bruddah.—? Dey was thick ez hops,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de chillun seed de candy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Smack’d dey moufs an’ lick’d dey chops.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey was He, He, an’ er lafin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er clappin’ o’ dey han’s,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ dey jaws jes’ kep’ er crackin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lak de chittlins in de pans.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de ol’ fo’ks tell yo’ honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sah I bleeb dey was de wuss.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’s so ankshus fo’ dey ’freshmun’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey’s mos’ reddy fo’ to bus’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Preechah Weed wid dat dah swallow</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tail an’ ves’ ub his cut low,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ had all de flouncin’ sistahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Leggin’ fo’ to be his boh.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Hookey he puzzided;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Felt so big he thowt he’s king;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tuck er ball bat, rapp’d fo’ ordah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Said, let’s cleah ah th’oats an’ sing.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, he tuck his pussnel meedah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gib de linin’ ub de hymn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ dey sing’d de “Weepin’ Moses”</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ dey sing’d it too, by Jim!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">At de klooshun ub dat ditty,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Deekun Jaspah put up prah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Th’ow’d his haid clah to de ceilin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dough he seed de Gates er jah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis hain’t true, I’ll eat de ’possum,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sech er prah yo’ nebbah hyea’d;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Scratch’d his haid an’ weep’d an’ hollahd</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell his eyes lak blud was red.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, he’s moanin’ and er tonein’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er kotchen’ ub his bref—</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spit erpun his han’s an’ rubb’d em—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Pound de bench fum right to lef’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Las’ he ’klooded an’ de sistahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Staht to sing plantashun coon.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Hookey diden’ lak it;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tol’ ’em dey was mos’ too soon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But de mos’ fun ub de evenin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Was when gibbin’ presen’s out.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’d er crack’d yo’ sides er lafin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell yo’d got er hol’ de gout.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">On de tree dey was er chicken;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wasn’t laybeld wid er name.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de dahkies hyeahd erbout it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebbry one put up er claim.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bruddah Gyahdnah spied de chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Floppin’ ’neef de Chrismus tree;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Made er home run wid er hollah;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">“Dat dah chicken am fo’ me!”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, sah, when he hollah’d chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Twas de same ez holl’rin fiah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ dat chicken was er stampeed</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de church an’ in de quah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum de sistahs dat had room’ticks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de aches fo’ yeahs an’ yeahs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ dat chicken was er scramblin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ a fallin’ obeah cheers.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Preechah Weed he got so ’cited</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat he run clah out his coat,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fell ergin de stobe kerwollup!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Butt his haid an’ swo’ by note.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">But he jump’d up in er jiffy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Feelin’ lak he was befo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gibb er ban’ spring fo’ dat chicken,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">But by Jinks he’s mos’ too slo’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Dough he hit he’s haid er stunnah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Diden’ eben make er dent,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze, he’s so much lak de debbil,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Haid was hard ez adament.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de time de res’ was skufflin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er kickin’ right an’ lef’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Got so bunkshus an’ bumbastic</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey kood hahdly ’tain deyse’f.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Loudah! Loudah! Got de janglin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mo’ an’ mo’ dey ring’d dey bluf’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wuss de grabbin’ fo’ de chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den’s when dey got at it ruf.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum done pullin’ out dey razzahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er kyahvin’ fo’ de koh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All de sistahs got to axin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lawd sake leeb us out de doh!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fin’ly Bruddah Moses wid er</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kinedah p’culiar kine er trick,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kotch’d de poultry, made er bee-line,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cut er reg’lah dubble quick.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den sum swo’ day had bin kunjud,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Uddahs ’clahd dey’d bin hoo-dood,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lef’ de ch’ch er swahin’ vengeance</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de wusses’ kine er mood.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="YES_WEES_GOT_ER_FLAG">YES, WEES GOT ER FLAG.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ise hyeahd while in mah ramblin’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat ah mos’ subnoxshus choon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat ebry bressed nayshun’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Got er flag excep’ de coon.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I hyeah de white fo’ks sing it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ I hyeah de niggahs, too—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De way de niggahs sing it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Seems dey ’cep’ de thing fo’ true.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">It sut’ly am mos’ ’gustin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Way de niggahs sing de thing.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey clap dey ban’s an’ hollah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sot de kentry all er ring.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I doesn’t blame de white fo’ks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ha’f ez much I do de coon</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ singin’ an’ er whis’lin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sech er “singyooaytin’” chune.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De little pickahninnies</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Why dey sing dat meetah, too!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey clap dey han’s an’ hollah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Zackly lak de ol’ fo’ks do—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ when I hyeah dem sing it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez dey dance an’ joobah pat—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I feels lak walzin’ to ’em</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ jes’ knock’n dem out dey hat.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De blood ub ah ol’ foddahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ah er cry in’ fum de groun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun! chillun, lissun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ hyeah de doleful soun’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ergin’ sech kine ub ’spreshuns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ er gin sech kine ub choons,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">“Dat ebry race an’ nayshun’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Got er flag excep’ de coon.”</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey fo’git when Bruddah Linkkum</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Gibb er call in sixty-one.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ fo’ks to jine de army</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ebry niggah grabb’d his gun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He lef his little cabin</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">While de ole fo’ks stood in tears.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To fight fo’ dis hyeah kentry</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ez true faithful volunteers.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doh de po’ ol’ niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doesn’t allus git his rights.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ his loyal kindness</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Lots er kicks an’ lots ub smites.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yet ’twas ’neef dat banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ha’f er millun niggahs fought.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">He’p’d to win de vict’rys</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat dis mighty kentry wrought.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let all ub de niggahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Teach dey chillun all to love.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat ol’ starry banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat am floatin’ up er ’bove.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spite ub all ah trubble</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Things dat makes ah progress lagg,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Membah dat Ol’ Glory</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Am ah bannah, am ah flag!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun! chillun, lissun!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When dis niggah’s in his grave,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let dat dah ol’ banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">O’er dis niggah ebbah wave.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Kaze dat dah ol’ banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Undah which ah foddahs fought,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Am de only banner</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to love dat I was taught.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent4">Yes wees got er flag!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">It’s de red! de white! de blue!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">It’s de only one to which</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">De niggahs should be true!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="HI_MISTAH_DAHKY">HI, MISTAH DAHKY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De hoein’ time’s er cumin’—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Loafin’s nearly obeah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ er fiddlin’ an’ er drummin’,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dancin’ wid de ladies</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ er steppin’ lak er racer,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Drinkin’ Tom an’ Jerry</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ sum burbon fo’ er bracer.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bin er ’joicin’ all de wintah?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spawkin’ wid de ladies</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ er cuttin’ quite er splintah?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dressed up lak er peacock</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hyah all pawted in de middle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Shakein’ lak er wilier</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ er prancin’ to de fiddle?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">See de sun er gittin higher?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pohin’ down de heatin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lak er Sodom an’ Gomire.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Showers am er fallin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de gawden craps er sproutin.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In yo’ soul is yo’ er doubtin’?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mo’ den singin’ an’ er prayin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De Mastah am requirin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In dis worrul while yo’s er stayin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spendin’ all yo’ time</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Shoutin’, knockin’ down de benches,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Beddah take mo’ time fo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hoein’, fixin’ up yo’ fences.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Am de meadows lookin’ temptin’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lak er bed er feddahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Make yo’ dream lak Israel kemptin’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sympathizin’ wid yo’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But de fo’ks is dun er sowin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now de nex’ thing am de hoein’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hi, mistah dahky!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">In yo’ soul will yo’ be singin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When yo’ see de millins</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On de runnin’ vines er clingin’?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sugah co’n er tasslin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de punkins tarnin’ yallah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Seasonin’ an’ er sweetenin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ meely, gittin’ mellah.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="DEYS_ER_COL_WAVE_BRESHIN_NIGH">DEY’S ER COL’ WAVE BRESHIN’ NIGH.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Trees dey leaves er sheddin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de grasses tarnin’ brown.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Summah days is obeah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ de wintah’s cumin’ roun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lonely quail er callin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid er weary lonely sigh,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sno’ will soon be fallin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Soon er fallin’ fum de sky.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Coolsum is de weddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey’s er col’ wave breshin’ nigh.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look out fo’ de wintah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze it’s cumin’ by an’ by.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun at de wailin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ jes’ lissun at de moan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lissun at de sighin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tell yo’ dat’s de wintah’s tone.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Craps dun quit er sproutin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Not er millun’s on de vine.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Haint er watah seedin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Not er portion ub er rhine.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Long time fo’ to wait</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Until de wintah leaves dis clime,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Summah cums er totein’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Roun’ de sweet ol’ millun time.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hain’t no use er kickin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze de Lawd is got control,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Makin’ ub de weddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eedah hot ah eedah col’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah ax er pussun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Nebbah no whah on de spot,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wheddah dey would lak to</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hab de weddah col’ er hot.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">So jes’ well keep joggin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Long er happy sort er way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Crackin’ jokes er whislin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till de wintah goes estray.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Weddah doesn’t suit yo’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ well make yo’se’f content.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Larn to’cep’ de weddah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Any sort er way it’s sent.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="FORCE_OF_WORDS">FORCE OF WORDS.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Chicken stew</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Was all I said.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Made dat coon</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hop out o’ bed,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Butt his head</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ergin de wall</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kooden’ stan’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">De thing at all.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ dat menshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Jes’ dat talk,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Made dat coon’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Eyes white ez chawk.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Looked eroun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ licked his chops</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez doh he hyeahd</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey wings flopp! flopp!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Well, dem wurds,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey struck dat coon</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lak er ’lectric</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Shock in June!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kooden’ sleep</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No mo’ dat night,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Rolled an’ tossed</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Until daylight.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="I_TOL_YO_SO">I TOL’ YO’ SO.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Playin’ out dah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid dat white trash’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat yo’ back</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wood git er lash;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pay no ’tenshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whut I say,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Allus got</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sum uddah way,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wished yo’ haddah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">P’haps, sum day.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ de wusses’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Chile in town,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Foll’rin’ all</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">De white trash ’roun’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Aftah Peedah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">John and Paul,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ thing fightin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wid ’em all;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den de niggah’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fus’ to fall.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Licked de ’lasses</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Off yo’ bread,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den dey knocked</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ in de head.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Called yo’ niggah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sich ez dat</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Said yo’ hyah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wuz lak er mat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! Dem white fo’ks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Made yo’ scat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Umph! Dey skaid</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ mos’ to def.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look ee dah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ out o’ bref.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Run so fas’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dun los’ yo’ hat,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Got no idea</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Whah it’s at;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gwine to whoop</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ good fo’ dat.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent6">I tol’ yo’ so.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_PASSING_OF_NIGHT">THE PASSING OF NIGHT.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De moon’s dun sneaked</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Clah out er sight,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De stars dun quit</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dey peepin’;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De shaddahs dun gone</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Stole erway,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De world’s dun quit</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">It’s sleepin’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">De hours dey’s slowly</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Creeped erlong</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Until de world’s in light</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ song;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">De sun smiles on</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Creation’s throng—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Er cross de worl’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Goes sweeping.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="A_TALE_O_WOE">A TALE O’ WOE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Manny am de battle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dahky’s got to fight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ebbry tarn he’s makin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Trouble’s dah in sight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef he’s got de ’liggun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Puffec’ to de spot,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hard to keep fum cussin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Losin’ all he’s got.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">White fo’ks got de money,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">White fo’ks got de lan’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ wan’ a po’ dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hab er place to stan’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef dey miss er chicken</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ef dey miss er goose,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fus’ thing grab er dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de calerboose.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Long ez he’s er hoein’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Diggin’ in de san’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bress yo’ soul, say, mistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">He am jes’ de man.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let him git de money</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Cumin’ mos’ too fas’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">White fo’ks git to skeemin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Say it mussen’ las’.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="LULLABY">LULLABY.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, Pickahninny,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Close yo’ little eyes.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Evenin’ am er ’proachin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tells yo’ sleep an’ quit yo’ cries,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mammy’s gwine to keep</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">All o’ de boogahman erway—</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gyahd her little pickahninny</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Till de cumin’ day.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, pickahninny,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sleep an’ take yo’ res;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sleep wid all de cumfort</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Ub de birdies in dey nes’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When de sun’s dun sinkin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de eas’ begin to rise,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mammy’s little pickahninny</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den kin ope’ its eyes.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, pickahninny,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Mammy’s little love,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">May de gyahdin’ angels</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hubbah ’roun’ de fum erbove.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid dey sof’en sweeten whispahs</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Keep de lull’d er sleep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">While de weary lonely hours</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Slowly onward creep.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Pickahninny, pickahninny,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Keep er fas’ er sleep,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">While de weary, lonely hours</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Slowly onward creep.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Day will soon be breakin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Sun er creepin’ ’cross de skies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Mammy’s little pickahninny</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den kin ope it’s eyes.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_ECSTASY_OF_UNCLE_JOE">THE ECSTASY OF UNCLE JOE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Feel lak shoutin’ hallelooyah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Habben’ got an’ ache ner pain.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Los’ dat kahnsahn roomertism,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">No mo’ hobblin’ wid dat cane.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Things look lak de Eden Gawden,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hardly bleeb dis am mah se’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis am bliss in ebbry ’ticklah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Tickles mah ol’ soul to def.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat snake oil sho’ did de bizzness,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Geddah wid dem herbs an’ roots.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bress de Lawd! umph! grayshus Mahstah!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hardly stay in mah ol’ boots!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Go ’way, chillun, let yo’ daddy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Hab de place all to hisse’f.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de ol’ man’s jollyfyin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ he’s drawin’ bran’ new bref.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dis ol’ frame am no mo’ shaky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doh I is mos’ eighty-eight.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dem ol’ jints am jes’ ez soople’s</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When Ise in mah youthful state.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Feel lak lay’n erside mah ’liggun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Once mo’ dance de buck an’ wing.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Is dah ’mong yo’ doubtin’ Thomas,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Think dat I kaint do dat thing?</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, I ustah cut it, chillun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When ol’ fiddlin’ Peet was ’roun’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had all o’ de white an’ brac’ fo’ks</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Beat, dat lived er bout de town.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ yo bet he was er fiddlah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Make yo’ dance yo’se’f leg bowl.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Played de sweetes’ kine o’ ditties</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat jes’ ’joiced yo’ berry soul.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Look hyeah, Rastus! drap dat fiddle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Doan’ yo’ sot dat thing er chune.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ do, in spite mah ’liggun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Make out me er dancin’ coon.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See, de debbil’s allus skeemin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to make de Chris’shuns sin.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Usein’ chillun in his bizzness,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dat’s de way he takes to win.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now, he put it in li’l Rastus</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to git dat fiddle down.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Tho’t I kooden’ r’sist tem’tayshun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ to dance at its ol’ soun’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not dis time, oh, no! Brer Satan,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kin yo’ make out me er clown.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git me dancin, lose mah ’liggun</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">On de las’ day lose mah crown.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Guess I beddah git de Bible,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Read de Mahstah’s bressed Wurd.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Leeb deez hyeah mischebus raskuls,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Kaze dey’s sum de debil’s herd.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="KEEP_ER_GOIN">KEEP ER GOIN’.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ dat’s in de race o’ life,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebah stop fo’ little strife,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sum one kick yo’ on de co’n,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nuddah prick yo’ wid er thorn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Toot loudah on yo’ horn,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ sortah lose de track,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ tarn fool an’ saunter back,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Take no time to ax an’ ’quire,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Keep er headin’ fo’ de wire.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Push out in de mud an’ mire.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef de road leads ’roun’ an’ ’roun’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Sumtimes up an’ sumtimes down,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ fall an’ crack yo’ shin,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Git up, koch yo’ secun’ win’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Spruce up, try de thing ergin.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Keep er goin’!</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CLIMIN_UP_DE_HILL">CLIMIN’ UP DE HILL.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to climb de hill o’ fame,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Bet it takes er lot o’ tussel.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It takes er lot er scratchin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ it takes er lot er hus’le.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s now an’ den er slip,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ it’s now an’ den er stumble.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ ’spec’ to reach de summit</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ mus’ keep on meek an’ humble.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ climin’ up de hill,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ will git er lot er clubbin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll git er lot er knockin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ll git er lot er drubbin’!</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den yo’ll mope,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den ergin yo’ll be er creepin’.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll git so tiad an’ weary,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Wan’ to res’ an’ go to sleepin’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ez yo’ climin’ fo’ de prize,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Yo’ mus’ do er lot o’ scramble,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll run into de briars,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">An’ yo’ll strike er lot o’ bramble.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ll fine er lot o’ thorns</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">’Stead er findin’ lots o’ roses.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Keep er headin’ fo’ de summit,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Dah is whah success reposes.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ mussen’ spec’ er crown</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fus’ widdout sum tribyoolayshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze dat’s de rule o’ ordah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Fo’ de white an’ brackes’ nation.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ kno’ it’s sumtimes up,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den ergin it’s in de valley,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Den ergin yo’ go er scootin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Towards de goal yo’ go er sally.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ run on fo’ er spell,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Den ergin yo’ git to slippin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ now an’ den’ll reel,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Git to trippin’ an’ er tippin’,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But lak de ship o’ Zion,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">When de waves it am er dashin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yo’ ride right th’ew de storm,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">In de harbor cum er splashin’.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="SISTAH_RUFFLE">SISTAH RUFFLE.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">No use tawkin,’ sistah Ruffle</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Am a gittin’ out de kinks;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Gittin’ up to date in fashun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She out-dresses sistah Jinks;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Got a bran new dress o’ satin,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid a hot stuff ruffl’d skirt;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Way she’s lookin’ ebry dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">At her grinn’d an’ tried to flirt.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she’s gone an’ got a mobeel</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cumin’ down klah to her feet;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">One dem silks trimm’d in white kawdin,’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s a stunnah, kain’t be beet;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ her hat, oh goodness grashus!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Lak a flowah bed o’ bloom;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ she fewmigate de breezes,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid de sweetes’ kine o’ ’fewme.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, yo’ know ol’ sistah Ruffle,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ustah wash erbout de town;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had a husbahn dat was leg-bowl,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Jes’ as ugly as a clown;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yes de ol’ gal we’ de goggles,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hobblin’ ’roun’ wid roomotick,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Diden’ hab ’em on dat ’kayshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She was flouncin’ double quick.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ yo’ know, she am bawlhaided,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But dat dey she we’ er wig;</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dog mah cats ef yo’ kood tell it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef yo’ could I’d dance’d a jig;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Twasn’t made fum hyah dat’s kinky,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">But fum dat call’d awbun hyah;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Looks so poody slick, an’ wabey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kine yo’ see de white fo’ks wah.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had it done an’ roll’d in ribbon,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On de pompydoro style;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Had deez great big whut yo’ call ’em?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hyahpins yais yo’ right mah chile;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">At de sides she lef’ it bushy</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ to kibbah up her yeahs;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kose she seed de white fo’ks do it</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ de las’ free o’ fo’ yeahs.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Yais, she had on glasses, go ’way!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dem dat habs de gol’en rim</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ a chain wuz fas’en to ’em,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cumin’ down beneef her chin;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ her bowkey, go’ way honey!</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It wahs flowahs o’ all kine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oh, it look’d mos’ loud an’ spickyus,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wish’d de lawd it had bin mine.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Oddah seed her when she pass’d us,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Thow’d her head clah to de cloud;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Switch’d her se’f an’ kooden’ see us,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze she’s togg’d up mos’ to loud;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now an’ den shed’ gib us, honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut yo’ call de cake wa’k gran’,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ her big feet cut no figgah;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Was’ she right? she beet de ban’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she’d pass sto’ windahs, honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She’d size up her se’f an’ smile;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Twis’ her-se’f an’ lif her trailah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Cose she tho’wt she’s poody, chile;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Why, I know’d dat dah ol’ dahky</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When she haden’ braid to eat;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">When it cum to shoes an’ sockin’s,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey was stranjahs to her feet.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Now she needn’t be o’ spreadin’</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">On befo’ me any ahs,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze de Lawd in heaben knows it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dat I ’bout her doesn’t kyahs;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">She jes’ lately got a penshun,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ it’s sortah swell’d her haid,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">It’s a wondah diden’ bus’ it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">An’ de dahky isn’t daid.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Doan’ yo’ ’membah when she usetah</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wah dat bumzeen yallah dress?</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whah she’s gwine to git de nex’ one,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kep’ her allus on de guess;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Whut I say a ’bout sum dahkies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ef dey git a rag er to,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Speshly dems po’ as Jobe’s tukehy,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Dey’ll wa’k obah me an’ yo’.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I jes’ feed dem kine o’ dahkies,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Wid er big long hanel spoon;</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Bet dey needen’ take dis sistah,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fo’ er hankshef haided coon;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Kaze it’s bawn in all ah kin fo’ks,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To be stylish an’ be proud,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Nebbah habs dis lady, honey,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To sech dahkies ebah bow’d.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/divider.jpg" width="200" height="40" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="THE_GALLANT_BLACKS_OF_SAN_JUAN_HILL">THE GALLANT BLACKS OF SAN JUAN HILL.</h2>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Without a tremor or a pause,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Enlisted for their country’s cause,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">’Mid shout and song the gallant boys</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Charge up the hill of San Juan.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Like war-scarred veterans of old,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Made with patriot ardor bold,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Press they forward towards the goal,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Not a soldier falters.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Blood and carnage everywhere,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Detonations rend the air,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Not for once do they despair,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">But press on to conquer.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See them charge with matchless splendor</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Heart to heart each one’s defender,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">All praise for the part they render,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">For them is the victory.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See the starry emblem high;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">This they’ll keep or all will die.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Forward! Is their battle cry,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">See them still advancing.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Hell of fire ’tis their’s to greet,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Comrades falling at their feet.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Still for them to fight ’tis sweet,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">See them still advancing!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">See the foe’s ranks try to rally,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Thank God! They’ve made their last tally.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Ne’er again will they forth sally,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Lost their hopes forever!</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Another charge! They reach the summit,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">And the prize at last they’ve won it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Fighting ev’ry inch they’ve done it,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Vic’try on their banner.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Columbia, thou hast won the day,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Tribute on the altar lay.</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Plaudits to those brave boys pay,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">They thy brave defenders.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Heaven swing thy gates a-wide,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Forever in thy walls abide,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Let those who so nobly died,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Be this, their reward.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">In the starry firmament,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Thou bright gem of government,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Brightest in the firmament,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">Still thy encircling light.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">As a beacon and a sign,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">To oppressed men ever shine,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Till on this terrestrial ball,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent4">God shall end the reign of all.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
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