Silas X. Floyd, "A Faithful Friend" (1907)
Faithful, unswerving and true,
And when others have mocked and rejected me
Safe comfort I've found in you.
Oft through the day and oft in the night,
When trouble loomed darkly around,
I have fled to your arms and forever and aye
Unmeasured peace have I found.
If I journey by land or travel at sea,
No matter how long I sojourn,
When I'm back at home you give me a seat,
And welcome with warmth my return.
The world offers this and the world offers that,
But nowhere such rest have I known
As that which I find when you bear me up,
And I sit like a king on his throne.
Vexatious inquiries you never make,
And you never my thoughts disturb,
And whenever I wish to fall asleep
My wishes you don't try to curb.
I have known you so long and I love you so well
That by the eternal I swear
That nothing but death shall part me from you,
My dutiful study chair!
Published in The Voice of the Negro, January 1907