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1872–1906

HOPE

Paul Laurence Dunbar

De dog go howlin’‘ long de road, De night come shiverin’ down; My back is tiahed of its load, I cai n't be fu’ f'om town.

No mattah ef de way is long, My haht is swellin’ wid a song, No mattah‘ bout de frownin’ skies, I'll soon be home to see my Lize.

My shadder staggah on de way, It's monstous col’ to-night; But I kin hyeah my honey say “W'y bless me if de sight

O’ you ai n't good fu’ my so’ eyes.” ( Dat talk's dis lak my lady Lize ) I's so'y case de way was long But Lawd you bring me love an’ song.

No mattah ef de way is long, An’ ef I trimbles so’ I knows de fiah's burnin’ strong, Behime my Lizy's do’.

An’ daih my res’ an’ joy shell be, Whaih my ol’ wife's awaitin’ me — Why what I keer fu’ stingin’ blas’, I see huh windah light at las’.

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HOPE · Paul Laurence Dunbar · Poetry Cove