African American Poetry: A Digital Anthology

Otto Bohanan, "Go, Give the World" (1919)

I do not crave to have thee mine alone, dear,
Keeping thy charms within my jealous sight;
Go, give the world the blessing of thy beauty,
That other hearts may share of my delight!

I do not ask, thy love should be mine only
While others falter through the dreary night;
Go, kiss the tears from some wayfarer's vision,
That other eyes may know the joy of light!

Where days are sad and skies are hung with darkness,
Go, send a smile that sunshine may be rife;
Go, give a song, a word of kindly greeting,
To ease the sorry of some lonely life!


Published in The Crisis, March 1919

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