I’VE SEEN A GHOST
Half asleep one stormy night
It all came to me in black and white
A poor slave who nearly died
His sweet nurse blue-eyed
Pushed love across the great divide
Two miles long and two yards wide
Velma combed the town, no place to hide
So they left St. Francisville
Walked a path downhill
Hearts guided by a whip-poor-will
I’ve seen a ghost
Miss Velma’s ghost
And her woeful cry gave me a chill
Take me to the whipping post
Past the cotton mill
One mile below St. Francisville
There beneath a dogwood tree
They embraced their love and set it free
When they lost the midnight shade
They came back afraid
For secret loves are oft betrayed
Velma’s care did not suffice
At the whipping post she paid the price
Though she got what lovers want
One night’s crime will haunt
The spirit of Miss Velma Schwandt
I’ve seen a ghost
Miss Velma’s ghost
And her woeful cry gave me a chill
Take me to the whipping post
Past the cotton mill
One mile below St. Francisville
One mile below St. Francisville
One mile below St. Francisville
© 2011 David E. Miller
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