Langston Hughes, "Dream Variation" (1924)
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done.
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
Dark like me,----
That is my dream!
To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! whirl! whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening. . . .
A tall, slim tree. . . .
Night coming tenderly
Black like me.
Published in The Crisis, July 1924
Also published in Survey Graphic, March 1925
Also published in The New Negro: an Interpretation 1925
Also published in The Weary Blues, 1926