Silas X. Floyd, "Beyond the Hill" (1907)
From dawn till set of sun,
And O that I knew, my Master,
What waits me when toil is done.
Before me the hill, looms darkly,
My steps few joys attend,
Forgive me, O my Master,
But I would that I knew the end.
Am I to plod on through darkness
To darkness deeper yet?
Is there to be no morning
When my last sun is set?
Out of the dark comes the answer.
Faith speaks - O my soul, be still!
The light of eternal morning
Is shining beyond the hill!
Published in The Voice of the Negro, June 1907