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1872–1906

THE PHOTOGRAPH

Paul Laurence Dunbar

See dis pictyah in my han’? Dat's my gal; Ai n't she purty? goodness lan’! Huh name Sal.

Dat's de very way she be — Kin’ o’ tickles me to see Huh a-smilin’ back at me. She sont me dis photygraph

Jes’ las’ week; An’ aldough hit made me laugh — My black cheek Felt somethin’ a-runnin’ queer;

Bless yo’ soul, it was a tear Jes’ f'om wishin’ she was here. Often when I‘ s all alone Layin’ here,

I git t'inkin’‘ bout my own Sallie dear; How she say dat I‘ s huh beau, An’ hit tickles me to know

Dat de gal do love me so. Some bright day I‘ s goin’ back, Fo’ de la! An’ ez sho’‘ s my face is black,

Ax huh pa Fu’ de blessed little miss Who‘ s a-smilin’ out o dis Pictyah, lak she wan'ed a kiss!

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THE PHOTOGRAPH · Paul Laurence Dunbar · Poetry Cove