African American Poetry (1870-1928): A Digital Anthology

When Sue Wears Red by Langston Hughes

When Susanna Jones wears red
Her face is like an ancient cameo
Turned brown by the ages.

Come with a blast of trumpets,
   Jesus!

When Susanna Jones wears red
A queen from some time-dead Egyptian night
Walks once again.

Blow trumpets, Jesus!

And the beauty of Susanna Jones in red
Burns in in my heart a love-fire sharp like pain.

Sweet silver trumpets,
   Jesus!

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