Carrie Singleton, "The Jolly Little Brownskin Boy" (1902)
Laughing eyes, heart full of joy,
Now ayoungster, full of glee,
Wrapped in flag of Liberty.
Let him be happy,while he may
Whiling pleasant hours away;
He'll awaken soon enough,
Then to tread the pathways rough
Soon to manhood he will grow,
"Father Time" flies fast, you know;
All the happy moments fled,
Swiftly have the pleasures sped.
Jolly little brownskin boy,
May troubles never thee annoy,
May thy young life forever be
From every care and sorrow free.
Published in Colored American Magazine, July 1902