Children, I come back today To tell you a story of the long da… That I had to climb, that I had t… In order that the race might live… Look at my face —dark as the night…

It was a long time ago. I have almost forgotten my dream. But it was there then, In front of me, Bright like a sun—

To fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening

I work all day, Said Simple John, Myself a house to buy. I work all day, Said Simple John,

When Susanna Jones wears red her face is like an ancient cameo Turned brown by the ages. Come with a blast of trumphets, J… When Susanna Jones wears red

Gather quickly Out of darkness All the songs you know And throw them at the sun Before they melt

Being walkers with the dawn and mo… Walkers with the sun and morning, We are not afraid of night, Nor days of gloom, Nor darkness—

I could take the Harlem night and wrap around you, Take the neon lights and make a cr… Take the Lenox Avenue busses, Taxis, subways,

We passed their graves: The dead men there, Winners or losers, Did not care. In the dark

I know I am The Negro Problem Being wined and dined, Answering the usual questions That come to white mind