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1872–1906

A WARM DAY IN WINTER

Paul Laurence Dunbar

“Sunshine on de medders, Greenness on de way; Dat‘ s de blessed reason I sing all de day.”

Look hyeah! Whut you axin’? Whut meks me so merry? ‘ Spect to see me sighin’ W'en hit's wa'm in Febawary?

‘ Long de stake an’ rider Seen a robin set; W'y hit‘ mence a-thawin’, Groun’ is monst'ous wet.

Den you stan’ dah wond'rin’, Lookin’ skeert an’ stary; I's a right to caper W'en hit's wa'm in Febawary.

Missis gone a-drivin’, Mastah gone to shoot; Ev'ry da'ky lazin’ In de sun to boot.

Qua'tah‘ s moughty pleasant, Hangin’‘ roun’ my Mary; Cou'tin’ boun’ to prospah W'en hit's wa'm in Febawary.

Cidah look so pu'ty Po'in’ f'om de jug — Don’ you see it's happy? Hyeah it laffin’ — glug?

Now's de time fu’ people Fu’ to try an’ bury All dey grief an’ sorrer, W'en hit's wa'm in Febawary.

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A WARM DAY IN WINTER · Paul Laurence Dunbar · Poetry Cove