Gwendolyn Bennett, "Dear Things" (1926)
Such things as flowers bathed by rain
Or patterns traced upon the sea.
Or crocuses where snow has lain....
The iridescence of a gem.
The moon's cool, opalescent light,
Azaleas and the scent of thetn,
And honeysuckles in the night.
And many sounds are also dear—
Like winds that sing among the trees.
Or crickets calling from the weir.
Or Negroes humming melodies.
But dearer far than all surmise
Are sudden tear-drops in your eyes.
Published in Palms, October 1926