Page:The book of American negro poetry.djvu/82

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Ever and ever anon,
 * After the black storm, the eternal, beauteous bow!

Brother, to rosy-painted mists that arch beyond,
 * Blithely I go.

My brows men laureled and my lyre
 * Twined with immortal ivy for one little rippling song;

My "House of Golden Leaves" they praised and "passionate fire"—
 * But, Friend, the way is long!

Onward and onward, up! away!
 * Though Fear flaunt all his banners in my face,

And my feet stumble, lo! the Orphean Day!
 * Forward by God's grace!

These signs are still before me: "Fear,"
 * "Danger," "Unprecedented," and I hear black "No"

Still thundering, and "Churl." Good Friend, I rest me here—
 * Then to the glittering bow!

Loometh and cometh Hate in wrath.
 * Mailed Wrong, swart Servitude and Shame with bitter rue,

Nathless a Negro poet's feet must tread the path
 * The winged god knew.