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1872–1906

JILTED

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Lucy done gone back on me, Dat's de way wif life. Evaht'ing was movin’ free, T'ought I had my wife.

Den some dahky comes along, Sings my gal a little song, Since den, evaht'ing' s gone wrong, Evah day dey‘ s strife.

Did n't answeh me to-day, Wen I called huh name, Would you t'ink she‘ d ac’ dat way Wen I ai n't to blame?

Dat‘ s de way dese women do, Wen dey fin's a fellow true, Den dey‘ buse him thoo an’ thoo; Well, hit‘ s all de same.

Somep'n' s wrong erbout my lung, An’ I‘ s glad hit‘ s so. Doctah says‘ at I‘ ll die young, Well, I wants to go!

Whut‘ s de use o’ livin’ hyeah, Wen de gal you loves so deah, Goes back on you clean an’ cleah — I sh'd like to know?

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JILTED · Paul Laurence Dunbar · Poetry Cove