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1872–1906

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Air a-gittin’ cool an’ coolah, Frost a-comin’ in de night, Hicka’ nuts an’ wa'nuts fallin’, Possum keepin’ out o’ sight.

Tu'key struttin’ in de ba'nya' d, Nary step so proud ez his; Keep on struttin’, Mistah Tu'key, Yo’ do’ know whut time it is.

Cidah press commence a-squeakin’ Eatin’ apples sto'ed away, Chillun swa'min’‘ roun’ lak ho'nets, Huntin’ aigs ermung de hay.

Mistah Tu'key keep on gobblin’ At de geese a-flyin’ souf, Oomph! dat bird do’ know whut's comin’; Ef he did he‘ d shet his mouf.

Pumpkin gittin’ good an’ yallah Mek me open up my eyes; Seems lak it's a-lookin’ at me Jes’ a-la'in’ dah sayin’ “Pies.”

Tu'key gobbler gwine‘ roun’ blowin’, Gwine‘ roun’ gibbin’ sass an’ slack; Keep on talkin’, Mistah Tu'key, You ai n't seed no almanac.

Fa'mer walkin’ th'oo de ba'nya' d Seein’ how things is comin’ on, Sees ef all de fowls is fatt'nin’ — Good times comin’ sho‘ s you bo'n.

Hyeahs dat tu'key gobbler braggin’, Den his face break in a smile — Nebbah min’, you sassy rascal, He‘ s gwine nab you atter while.

Choppin’ suet in de kitchen, Stonin’ raisins in de hall, Beef a-cookin’ fu’ de mince meat, Spices groun’ — I smell‘ em all.

Look hyeah, Tu'key, stop dat gobblin’, You ain’ luned de sense ob feah, You ol’ fool, yo’ naik‘ s in dangah, Do’ you know Thanksgibbin‘ s hyeah?

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