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FREEDOMWAYS FOURTH QUARTER 1972 my stories. And since then you have inspired all my songs. I am afraid that up till now I have been much of the dilettante, but the hope of winning you will inspire me to greater and more earnest work. I have written a couple of songs to you, and a friend to whom I sang them the other day, said "What has come into your life? These songs are really good and you almost sang them"-I can't sing-"surely something has inspired you." I laughed. She did not know. You have told me to pray and I will. I am going to pray that God will give you to me. I know that this letter is bold, untimely and perhaps presumptuous. But please don't let it offend you. If I cannot win your love I do not want to lose your friendship. I cannot say with the poet, "What prate is this of friendship? Kings uncrowned go forth not citizens but outlawed men." Forgive me if I have been too rash. My nature is impulsive. Just say-"poor fellow, he couldn't help it-he loved me" and then laugh a little and be my friend still. Whatever your answer is, let me have it soon, for I am impatient to know my chances. Only remember dearest of girls that you have my future in your hands. Sometimes perhaps my heart will let my head write you a letter. But this time what I have said I had to say, I could conceal my real self no longer. I am not daring to hope. Yours devotedly, Paul Dunbar An abject apology followed this Dunbar out-pouring closing with: ...I know that I deserve a rebuke at your hands but please do not be too hard on me. If you are greatly offended, for- 326