Classic Poem

Lindie, chile, fo' Lawd sake, tell me
Whut's come ovah you an' Link?
Mos' fo' weeks since he's called on you,
Time he's comin' back, I think.

'Tain't no use to cry now, Honey,
Mussy! how de chile takes on!
Mammy knows well how yo' h'a't aches,
Done felt all, chile, fo' you's bo'n.

Felt dat, when yo' Pa wus co'tin;'
Lawd! I've felt it day on day!
Honey, Sugah, hesh yo' cryin!'
Can't make out a word you say.

Oh, I see! Link's done got jealous!
Didn't I say it wan't so sma't,
Prancin' round, wid Elex Johnson,
When yon know, Link's got yo' h'a't.

I go tell him dat you love him?
Lindie, ain't you goin' med?
Tink yo' Mammy'd stoop to dat trick,
Tink I'd frow you at his head?

Wha's de dignity I taught you,
While you growed up by my side?
Didn't mean it? Dat sound bettah,
Knowed you had Virginia, pride.

Honey, chile, yo' Ma feels fo' you,
Hesh yo' cryin', brace up prim,
Don't you know dat Link is grievin'
Much fo' you as you fo' him?

Yes indeed! Link's not fo'got you,
He'll quit poutin' by an' by,
Den he'll love you mo'en evah,
'Twas dat way wid Pa an' I.

Dah, you laugh; dat's bettah, Honey,
But now mind, when Link comes back,
You leave Elex to Lize Posten,
An' jest trot on yo' own track.