Central High School - Mirror Yearbook (Birmingham, AL)

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Dusky Valiants of Old Virginia Ah. gwan! Yu lazy, trifln’ nigger! Yu minds me ob ole Ginger hcselt! He so lazy lie can t drink dc water atter we draws it fur 'ini: but jes stan’s dar eyeing it wid his nose in de air waitin' fur us ter drink it fur 'itn. Ilettcr go long, boy, draw yo' water. Ole Ginger done begin pokin’ hisself over hyar now. fur to drink his till an' den walk off an tek his res’ titten fur a king! Whoa, dar, ole lazy hones! liar yu gwin, nohow: Yu needin' he walkin ‘round hyar lak yu own 1 is plantation! Don' inek no diff’ence ef yu did use to l e de pride oh dc earth an de apple oh ole massa’s eye' You done had yo'day! Yessuh! The speaker ceased suddenly, though merely from want of breath, and gazed about him with an air of self-approval. The black eyes of the young means, aged eleven and ten respectively, met and held each other for a minute. The elder of the two flung a threatening glance at the other, who cautiously advanced to the well and began slowly drawing the water, all the while eyeing his companion askance. “How meny mo' times I’m gwine tell yu to draw dat water, nigger. Don’ vu know mammv's waitin’ fur to wash deni clos’?” • • “Now look-a hyar. Jim Ramsey, mah patience done gib clean out! hut dat mammy tell yu ’bout practicin' whut yu preach: Yu lazy scoundel! How meny buckets yu drawed today, nohow?” “Whut dat yu say bout lazy scoundel: Jes’ say it ergin an I’ll show yu how lazy I'm is!” Robinson Crusoe carefully set his bucket down by the side of the well and advanced to meet his opponent, who took a few steps backward. Meanwhile, having scented trouble, a group of ragged pickaninnies had collected around the two combatants and were waiting eagerly for the tray. “Yes. dat’s 'zacly whut I said. Yu lazy scoundel! Now show me how-lazy yu is!” “Oh, Jim! Yu an' Robinson Crusoe slop dat lightin dis minit. I’m gwine to git Plug! He gotta sho’ sec dis fight!” and onus, the black, sped Up the lane, her red dress fly ing in the breeze. Then an ominous sound rose over the hill -Aunt Dinah’s voice, which boded no good. “Yassum, we's coinin'!” Robinson Crusoe shouted. 'Wow. Jim. he continued, ‘Wu draw yo water an' den we ll tight.” Jim obeyed instructions, and then, as V enus had returned, dragging the panting Plug, a child of four, behind her. the battle began. Feeling some vague excitement in the air. ole Ginger” sauntered over to the well and gazed upon the scene with an air of great indifference. The day was warm and lie felt the need of refreshment. Gently approaching the scene Paoe tn-tntv-th'te

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reservation and the appeal of the Indian against the force that crushed his freedom. Next, in low strains came forth the Indian's Lament. How long did it last: No one knows. I'hc spell of the music pervaded all. Lonely and appealing came forth at last the Indian's wail. Then as the storm broke forth in redoubled fury, the listeners heard the sorrowful voice of the violin. They knew that Mainst had played, for the last time, the Indian's Lament. Frank Gi.aziek, IT. Good-bye Dear Hills Good-bye. hills, good-bye to you. In another da I leave you for A low. flat country far away. Ml my days I have lived with you In the morning on your warm, green sides I played, and rolled, and tumbled. tTider the blazing sun; t noon-day read in the shade of the tall trees on your brow. When evening came the warm light lingered on your broad slopes nd in the mackerel sky. as wide and arching as the wings of an angel; And I sat on the rocks and watched the ever-changing heavens: Watched the slow smoke rise in the distant valleys. I saw the first stars open their golden eyes in the dark. And I lay down to sleep all night in the little house under the poplars: All my days—and Oh! 1 leave tomorrow For a low, flat country far away. Good-bye, dear, fostering hills, good-bye! — M rc. hi-t liKicr.s, 'IT. Page iwenty-itco

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the commercial club