|
|
Compare this poem to Singer's situation in THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER HOURS CONTINUING LONG Walt Whitman (1819–1892) . Hours continuing long, sore and heavy-hearted, Hours of the dusk, when I withdraw to a lonesome and unfrequented spot, seating myself, leaning my face in my hands; Hours sleepless, deep in the night, when I go forth, speeding swiftly the country roads, or through the city streets, or pacing miles and miles, stifling plaintive cries; Hours discouraged, distracted—for the one I cannot content myself without, soon I saw him content himself without me; Hours when I am forgotten, (O weeks and months are passing, but I believe I am never to forget!) Sullen and suffering hours! (I am ashamed—but it is useless—I am what I am;) Hours of my torment—I wonder if other men ever have the like, out of the like feelings? Is there even one other like me—distracted—his friend, his lover, lost to him? Is he too as I am now? Does he still rise in the morning, dejected, thinking who is lost to him? and at night, awaking, think who is lost? Does he too harbor his friendship silent and endless? harbor his anguish and passion? Does some stray reminder, or the casual mention of a name, bring the fit back upon him, taciturn and deprest? Does he see himself reflected in me? In these hours, does he see the face of his hours reflected? -1900 Compare the following song-poem to Blount's situation in THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER BROTHER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME? They used to tell me I was building a dream. And so I followed the mob When there was earth to plow Or guns to bear I was always there Right on the job. They used to tell me I was building a dream With peace and glory ahead. Why should I be standing in line Just waiting for bread? Once I built a railroad I made it run Made it race against time. Once I built a railroad Now it's done Brother, can you spare a dime? Once I built a tower up to the sun Brick and rivet and lime. Once I built a tower, Now it's done. Brother, can you spare a dime? Once in khaki suits Gee we looked swell Full of that yankee doodle dee dum. Half a million boots went sloggin' through hell And I was the kid with the drum! Say don't you remember? They called me Al. It was Al all the time. Why don't you remember? I'm your pal. Say buddy, can you spare a dime? Once in khaki suits, Ah, gee we looked swell Full of that yankee doodle dee dum! Half a million boots went sloggin' through hell And I was the kid with the drum! Oh, say don't you remember? They called me Al. It was Al all the time. Say, don't you remember? I'm your pal. Buddy, can you spare a dime? Compare this poem to Dr. Copeland's situation Harlem by Langston Hughes (1902-1967) What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-- And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? I Didn't Know The Gun Was Loaded Hank Fort & Herb Leighton 1949 LYRICS ONLY Oh Miss Effie was her name Through the west she won her fame Being handy with the gun But she drove the men insane Cause she'd whip out her pistol And shoot most any guy And sing out this alibi I didn't know the gun was loaded And I'm so sorry my friend I didn't know the gun was loaded And I'll never, never do it again But one night she made a slip Shot the sheriff in the hip So the law it took a hand And made Effie take the stand And she pled, 'oh your honor I'll know you turn me loose When you hear my one excuse' I didn't know the gun was loaded And I'm so sorry my friend I didn't know the gun was loaded And I'll never, never do it again I didn't know the gun was loaded But regarding the gun that I toted All I did was hold it high and go ... BANG, PING, HUHH, ZSSS I'll never, never do it again INSTRUMENTAL Yes the jury all agreed That Miss Effie should be freed But the sheriff's jealous wife Was indignant (yes, indeed) So she borrowed a pistol And shot this village belle And sang as Miss Effie fell I didn't know the gun was loaded And I'm so sorry my friend I didn't know the gun was loaded And I'll never, never do it again I didn't know the gun was loaded But regarding the gun that I toted All I did was hold it high and go ... BANG, PING, HUHH, ZSSS I'll never, never do it again ---------------- |