Lewis Alexander, "Day and Night" (1927)
THE day is a Negro
Yelling out of breath.
The night is a Negro
Laughing up to death.
The day is a jazz band
Blasting loud and wild.
The night is a jazz band
Moaning Blues songs, child.
The day is the sunshine
Undressed in the street.
The night is the sunshine
Dressed from head to feet.
I am like a rainbow
Arched across the way.
Yes, I am a rainbow
Being night nor day.
Published in Caroling Dusk, 1927