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Accountability

PPaul Laurence Dunbar
Folks ain't got no right to censuah othah folks about dey habits;
Him dat giv' de squir'ls de bushtails made de bobtails fu' de rabbits.
Him dat built de gread big mountains hollered out de little valleys,
Him dat made de streets an' driveways wasn't shamed to make de alleys.

We is all constructed diff'ent, d'ain't no two of us de same;
We cain't he'p ouah likes an' dislikes, ef we'se bad we ain't to blame.
Ef we 'se good, we need n't show off, case you bet it ain't ouah doin'
We gits into su'ttain channels dat we jes' cain't he'p pu'suin'.

But we all fits into places dat no othah ones could fill,
An' we does the things we has to, big er little, good er ill.
John cain't tek de place o' Henry, Su an' Sally ain't alike;
Bass ain't nuthin' like a suckah, chub ain't nuthin' like a pike.

When you come to think about it, how it 's all planned out it 's splendid.
Nuthin 's done er evah happens, 'dout hit 's somefin' dat 's intended;
Don't keer whut you does, you has to, an' hit sholy beats de dickens,--
Viney, go put on de kittle, I got one o' mastah's chickens.

Curated by First Verse from the public domain

Discussion (1)

Lunar library Contributor•Sep 17
Hi! I really enjoyed reading your poetry. Your words create such strong emotions, but I felt they could become even more powerful with visuals.

I’m a freelance artist with 3 years of experience, and I can turn the feelings and imagery in your poems into illustrations so readers can actually see the words come to life. We could even start with one poem or a few stanzas as a small project.

I’d also love to share a few ideas on how visuals could help you reach a wider audience and create another way to benefit from your poetry.

If you’re interested, feel free to reach me here:

llunarlibrary@gmail.com
Instagram: @lunaartsoul

Warm Regards,
LunarLibrary

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Paul Laurence Dunbar

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