October 30. Story of the Day: A Man of Words

This version of the traditional rhyme comes from Negro Folk Rhymes by Thomas Talley.

This is Roud 19103: A Man of Words. You can compare a traditional British version from Lang's Nursery Rhymes, and also a children's game.

Looking for more stories? Click here for previous Stories-of-the-Day.


A MAN OF WORDS

A man o' words an' not o' deeds,
Is lak a gyarden full o' weeds.

De weeds 'gin to grow
Lak a gyarden full o' snow.

De snow 'gin to fly
Lak a eagle in de sky.

De sky 'gin to roar
Lak a hammer on yō' door.

De door 'gin to crack
Lak a hick'ry on yō' back.

Yō' back 'gin to smart
Lak a knife in yō' heart.

Yō' heart 'gin to fail
Lak a boat widout a sail.

De boat 'gin to sink
Lak a bottle full o' ink.

Dat ink, it won't write
Neider black nor white.

Dat man o' words an' not o' deeds,
Is lak a gyarden full o' weeds.



(photo by Mike Mozart)



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