Page:Negro poets and their poems (IA negropoetstheirp00kerl).pdf/137

Rh I’ve done life’s best gloom’s ways to brighten— I’ve scattered cheer from heart to heart, And where I could I’ve sought to righten The wrongs of men ere day depart. This morn ’twas bright with hope—and cheery. This noon gave courage—made me brave. But as the sun sank I grew weary Till now my soul for rest doth crave. Turn out the light. I’ve done my duty To friend and enemy as well. I go to sleep where things of beauty In glitt’ring chambers ever dwell. Turn out the light. Now would I slumber. To rest—to dream—soon go we all. Let’s hope we wake soul free of cumber. Turn out the light. Dream comrades call.

The next piece I select from Mr. Jones’s first book will represent his talent in another sphere. I suggest that comparison might be made between this song in literary English and Mr. Johnson’s Negro love song in dialect, page 226.

Dogwoods all a-bloom Perfume earth’s big room, White full moon is gliding o’er the sky serene. Quiet reigns about, In the house and out;