Mythology & Folklore
The Old Black Gnats
From Negro Folk Rhymes (1922)
Dem ole black gnats, dey is so bad
I cain't git out'n here.
Dey stings, an' bites, an' runs me mad;
I cain't git out'n here.
Dem ole black gnats dey sings de song,
"You cain't git out'n here.
Ole Satan'll git you befō' long;
You cain't git out'n here."
Dey burns my years, gits in my eye;
An' I cain't git out'n here.
Dey makes me dance, dey makes me cry;
An' I cain't git out'n here.
I fans an' knocks but dey won't go 'way!
I cain't git out'n here.
Dey makes me wish 'twus Jedgment Day;
Fer I cain't git out'n here.
Cite this poem
MLA
Thomas W. Talley (collector). “The Old Black Gnats.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/talley/104/.
Chicago
Thomas W. Talley (collector). “The Old Black Gnats.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/talley/104/.
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