Frank Lebby Stanton

Frank Lebby Stanton was an influential American lyricist and poet born on February 22, 1857, in Charleston, South Carolina. He contributed to American poetry through verse and lyrics that often depicted life in the South. His work was widely recognized for its heartfelt simplicity and emotional depth. Stanton was also the first poet laureate of Georgia, holding the position from 1925 until his death on January 7, 1927. His contributions to poetry and lyrics have left a lasting legacy in American literature.

February 22, 1857

January 7, 1927

English

Frank Lebby Stanton

How To Eat Watermelons

When you slice a Georgy melon you mus' know what you is at
    An' look out how de knife is gwine in.
Put one-half on dis side er you, de yuther half on dat,
    En' den you gits betwixt 'em, en begin!
        Oh, melons!
            Honey good ter see;
        But we'en it comes ter sweetness,
            De melon make fer me!
En den you puts yo' knife up, en you sorter licks de blade,
    En never stop fer sayin' any grace;
But eat ontell you satisfy, roll over in de shade,
    En sleep ontell de sun shine in yo' face!
        Oh, melons!
            Honey good ter see;
        But we'en it comes ter sweetness,
            De melon make fer me!

Frank Lebby Stanton