Langston Hughes, "The Ring" (1926)
And life a circus tent.
What is this silly song you sing?
Love is the master of the ring.
I am afraid!
Afraid of Love
And of love’s bitter whip!
Afraid,
Afraid of Love
And Love’s sharp, stinging whip.
What is this silly song you sing?
Love is the master of the ring.
Published in The Crisis, April 1926