Effie D. Threet, "The Radiant Summertime" (1902)
Of the ardent sun;
Earth is teeming o'er with praise,
Summer has begun.
Birds are flitting to and fro,
Singing forth their lays,
Filling all the air around.
With their notes of praise.
Roses now are open wide,
Fragrance fills the air,
Sunbeams kiss the lovely face
Of the lily fair.
See the dewdrops on the grass,
Sparkling in the light,
When the brilliant sun appears,
Chasing off the night.
What fair visitor is this,
Who has come to earth,
Bringing with her birds and song,
Peace and Joy and Mirth?
Published in Colored American Magazine, July 1902