To fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening

I would liken you To a night without stars Were it not for your eyes. I would liken you To a sleep without dreams

I know I am The Negro Problem Being wined and dined, Answering the usual questions That come to white mind

Good morning, daddy! Ain’t you heard The boogie—woogie rumble Of a dream deferred? Listen closely:

Love Is a ripe plum Growing on a purple tree. Taste it once And the spell of its enchantment

Night funeral In Harlem: Where did they get Them two fine cars? Insurance man, he did not pay—

When Susanna Jones wears red her face is like an ancient cameo Turned brown by the ages. Come with a blast of trumphets, J… When Susanna Jones wears red

When a man starts out with nothing… When a man starts out with his han… Empty, but clean, When a man starts to build a world… He starts first with himself

I will take you heart. I will take your soul out of your… As though I were God. I will not be satisfied With the touch of your hand