A WARM DAY IN WINTER

By 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.