The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance - Page Text Content

BC: Here is the first book published by Paul Laurence Dunbar

FC: Paul Laurence Dunbar

1: Howdy, Honey, Howdy DO' a-stan'in' on a jar, fiah a-shinin' thoo, Ol' folks drowsin' 'roun' de place, wide awake is Lou, W'en I tap, she answah, an' I see huh 'mence to grin, "Howdy, honey, howdy, won't you step right in?"

2: A Choice They please me not-- these solemn songs That hint of sermons covered up. | 'T is true the world should heed its wrongs, But in a poem let me sup, Not simples brewed to cure or ease, | Humanity's confessed disease, But the spirit-wine of a singing line, Or a dew-drop in a honey cup!

4: Confirmation He was a poet who wrote clever verses, And folks said he had a fine poetical taste; But his father, a practical farmer, accused him Of letting the strength of his arm go to waste. He called on his sweetheart each Saturday evening, As pretty a maiden as ever man faced, And there he confirmed the old man's accusation By letting the strength of his arm go to waist. | Old I have seen peoples come and go Alike the Ocean'd ebb and flow; I have seen kingdoms rise and fall Like springtime shadows on a wall. I have seen houses rendered great That grew from life's debased estate, And all, all, all is change I see, So, dearest God, take me, take me.

5: Distinction "I am but clay," the sinner plead, Who fed each vain desire. "Not only clay," another said, "But worse, for thou art mire."