Paul Laurence Dunbar Poems

OH, I des received a letter f'om de sweetest little gal;
Oh, my; oh, my.
She's my lovely little sweetheart an' her name is Sal:
...

When I was young I longed for Love,
And held his glory far above
All other earthly things. I cried:
...

The world is a snob, and the man who wins
Is the chap for its money's worth:
And the lust for success causes half of the sins
...

OH, I haven't got long to live, for we all
Die soon, e'en those who live longest;
And the poorest and weakest are taking their chance
...

I.
BEYOND the years the answer lies,
Beyond where brood the grieving skies
And Night drops tears.
...

THE night is dewy as a maiden's mouth,
The skies are bright as are a maiden's eyes,
Soft as a maiden's breath the wind that flies
...

Love me. I care not what the circling years
To me may do.
If, but in spite of time and tears,
You prove but true.
...

ERE sleep comes down to soothe the weary eyes,
Which all the day with ceaseless care have sought
The magic gold which from the seeker flies;
...

Thou art my lute, by thee I sing,--
My being is attuned to thee.
Thou settest all my words a-wing,
And meltest me to melody.
...

'SUNSHINE on de medders,
Greenness on de way;
Dat's de blessed reason
I sing all de day.'
...