Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SERENADE AT THE CABIN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SERENADE AT THE CABIN, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, my little sadie sue, I's a-serenadin'
Last Line: My little, light-complected sadie sue!
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Dancing & Dancers; Love; Singing & Singers


Oh, my little Sadie Sue, I's a-serenadin' you --
Fer you's de onliest lady-love o' mine;
De White Folk's dance done over, I has still a chune er two
Below your winder's mohnin'-glory-vine.
Your good ole mammy's gyarden is, fer shore, a ha'nted place,
Dis midnight whilse I's cropin' 'mongst de bloom;
Yit de moon dah 'bove de chimbly ain' no fairer dan de face
What's hidin' 'hind de curtain o' your room.

Chorus

Den wake, my colored blonde with eyes o' blue,
An' lips ez red ez roses renshed with dew;
Yo' hair ez fair an' fine
Ez de skeins o' June sunshine,
My little, light-complected Sadie Sue!

In de "Gran's" old dinin'-hall, playin' fer de White Folk's ball,
I watch deir pick o' ladies ez dey glide,
An' says I, "My Sadie Sue she 'ud shorely best you all
Ef she 'uz here a-waltzin' by my side!"
Den I laugh all to myse'f-like, ez I swipe de twangin' strings
An' shet my eyes in sweetest dreams o' you, --
Fer you're my heart's own music dat forever beats an' sings --
My soul's own serenade -- my Sadie Sue!

Chorus

Den wake, my colored blonde with eyes o' blue,
An' lips ez red ez roses renshed with dew;
Yo' hair ez fair an' fine
Ez de skeins o' June sunshine,
My little, light-complected Sadie Sue!





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