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Richard M. "Pek" Gunn, 1904 - 1995; First Poet Laureate of TN, 1971/1972–1994

Position History: Position established 1971-1972 (87th General Assembly, House Joint Res. 115; 90th General Assembly, House Joint Res. 250; 99th General Assembly, House Joint Res. 133). First laureate was Richard M. "Pek" Gunn. The poet is appointed by the General Assembly. http://www.loc.gov/rr/main/poets/tennessee.html

FRETTIN' by Richard M. "Pek" Gunn, Poet Laureate of Tennessee

I'se been frettin' 'bout the future And de things dat I'se been told, 'Bout what happens to us folkses When we starts to gittin' old. But I took a little journey To de Eastern part of state; Gazed at all dat pretty scenery 'Til de time was gittin' late. Sakes alive what gorgeous colors; Like de rainbow in de sky; I just cain't explain my feelin's           But I couldn't help but cry. As I stared at dem big mountains Trees and flowers everywhere; From my heart there welled up praises 'Cause my Lord had put 'em there. Now, I'se ain't frettin' any longer For there's one thing dat I see; If my good Lord made dem mountains He can shore take care of me. Copyright 1963 in Tumblin' Creek Tales By Tumblin' Creek Enterprises Nashville, TN

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~blissmer/Fret.html

Short history (Tennessee Literary Project, MTSU) http://www.mtsu.edu/tnlitproj/TLP_Web_Layout_Richard_Pek_Gunn.pdf