Paul Laurence Dunbar

After a Visit

I be'n down in ole Kentucky

Fur a week er two, an' say,

'Twuz ez hard ez breakin' oxen

Fur to tear myse'f away.

Allus argerin' 'bout fren'ship

An' yer hospitality—

Y' ain't no right to talk about it

Tell you be'n down there to see.


See jest how they give you welcome

To the best that's in the land,

Feel the sort o' grip they give you

When they take you by the hand.

Hear 'em say, "We're glad to have you,

Better stay a week er two;"

An' the way they treat you makes you

Feel that ev'ry word is true.


Feed you tell you hear the buttons

Crackin' on yore Sunday vest;

Haul you roun' to see the wonders

Tell you have to cry for rest.

Drink yer health an' pet an' praise you

Tell you git to feel ez great

Ez the Sheriff o' the county

Er the Gov'ner o' the State.


Wife, she sez I must be crazy

'Cause I go on so, an' Nelse

He 'lows, "Goodness gracious! daddy,

Cain't you talk about nuthin' else?"

Well, pleg-gone it, I'm jes' tickled,

Bein' tickled ain't no sin;

I be'n down in ole Kentucky,

An' I want o' go ag'in