Mythology & Folklore

The Origin of the Snake

by Thomas W. Talley (collector) 1870–1952

From Negro Folk Rhymes (1922)

Mythology & Folklore

Up de hill an' down de level!
Up de hill an' down de level!
Granny's puppy treed de Devil.

Puppy howl, an' Devil shake!
Puppy howl, an' Devil shake!
Devil leave, an' dere's yō' snake.

Mash his head; de sun shine bright!
Mash his head; de sun shine bright!
Tail don't die ontel it's night.

Night come on, an' sperits groan!
Night come on, an' sperits groan!
Devil come an' gits his own.

MLA

Thomas W. Talley (collector). “The Origin of the Snake.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/talley/245/.

Chicago

Thomas W. Talley (collector). “The Origin of the Snake.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/talley/245/.

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