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1872–1906

A FLORIDA NIGHT

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Win’ a-blowin’ gentle so de san’ lay low, San’ a little heavy f'om de rain, All de pa'ms a-wavin’ an’ a-weavin’ slow, Sighin’ lak a sinnah-soul in pain.

Alligator grinnin’ by de ol’ lagoon, Mockin’ - bird a-singin’ to be big full moon. ‘ Skeeter go a-skimmin’ to his fightin’ chune ( Lizy Ann's a-waitin’ in de lane! ).

Moccasin a-sleepin’ in de cyprus swamp; Need n't wake de gent'man, not fu’ me. Mule, you need n't wake him w'en you switch an’ stomp, Fightin’ off a‘ skeeter er a flea.

Florida is lovely, she's de fines’ lan’ Evah seed de sunlight f'om de Mastah's han’, ‘ Ceptin’ fu’ de varmints an’ huh fleas an’ san’ An’ de nights w'en Lizy Ann ain’ free.

Moon‘ s a-kinder shaddered on de melon patch; No one ai n't a-watchin’ ez I go. Climbin’ of de fence so‘ s not to click de latch Meks my gittin’ in a little slow.

Watermelon smilin’ as it say, “I’ s free;” Alligator boomin’, but I let him be, Florida, oh, Florida‘ s de lan’ fu’ me — ( Lizy Ann a-singin’ sweet an’ low ).

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A FLORIDA NIGHT · Paul Laurence Dunbar · Poetry Cove