Paul Laurence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) was an American poet. He was a son of a slave and worked as electric elevator operator until his genius was recognised. He later became victim of depression and alcoholism. His works included Lyrics of a Lowly Life and The Sport of Gods.

Wisdom & Quotes

• Money is a great dignifier.

- The Ordeal at Mt. Hope

• A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in,

A minute to smile and an hour to weep in,
A pint of joy to a peck of trouble,
And never a laugh but the moans come double;
And that is life.

A crust and a corner that love makes precious,
With a smile to warm and the tears to refresh us;
And joy seems sweeter when cares come after,
And a moan is the finest of foils for laughter;
And that is life.
- Life

• Because I have loved so vainly,

And sung with such faltering breath,
The Master in infinite mercy
Offers the boon of Death.
- Compensation

• Because I had loved so deeply,

Because I had loved so long,
God in his great compassion
Gave me the gift of song.
- Compensation

• I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,

....
It is not a carol of joy or glee,
But a prayer that he sends from
His heart's deep core,
But a plea...
- Sympathy

Aurobindo Ghose