Poetry · Chapter
Ma Lady’s Lips Am Like de Honey explained
A romantic love song set on a Southern summer night, where the speaker compares his lady's lips to honey and roses, and likens himself to a bee drawn to nectar.
What happens
A romantic love song set on a Southern summer night, where the speaker compares his lady's lips to honey and roses, and likens himself to a bee drawn to nectar. The scene includes strolling with Lindy Lou, a mockingbird's encouragement to kiss, and tender gestures that confirm mutual affection.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Beauty
The poem celebrates romantic love and the beauty of the beloved, using natural imagery like honey, roses, and bees.
Nature and the Divine
The Southern night, stars, moon, and mockingbird create a divine, enchanted setting for the lovers' stroll.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Ma lady’s lips am like de honey, Ma lady’s lips am like de rose; An’ I’m jes like de little bee a-buzzin’ ’Round de flower wha’ de nectah grows.”
My lady's lips are as sweet as honey and as beautiful as a rose; I am like a bee buzzing around the flower where the nectar grows.
The speaker uses a bee-and-flower metaphor to express his attraction and desire to kiss his beloved.
“Seen a sparkle in her eye, Heard her heave a little sigh; Felt her kinder squeeze ma han’, ’Nuff to make me understan’.”
I saw a sparkle in her eye, heard her sigh softly, and felt her squeeze my hand—enough to make me understand her feelings.
Nonverbal cues confirm mutual romantic interest between the speaker and Lindy Lou.