Page:The New Negro.pdf/291

Rh Quench my pride and cool my blood, Lest I perish in their flood, Lest a hidden ember set Timber that I thought was wet Burning like the dryest flax, Melting like the merest wax, Lest the grave restore its dead. Stubborn heart and rebel head. Have you not yet realized You and I are civilized?

So I lie and all day long Want no sound except the song Sung by wild barbaric birds Goading massive jungle herds, Juggernauts of flesh that pass Trampling tall defiant grass Where young forest lovers lie Plighting troth beneath the sky.

So I lie, who always hear Though I cram against my ear Both my thumbs, and keep them there, Great drums beating through the air. So I lie, whose fount of pride, Dear distress, and joy allied, Is my somber flesh and skin With the dark blood dammed within. Thus I lie, and find no peace Night or day, no slight release From the unremittent beat Made by cruel padded feet, Walking through my body's street. Up and down they go, and back Treading out a jungle track. So I lie, who never quite Safely sleep from rain at night