Night is all a-smile,
Happy all the while.
That is why my heart so filled with song o’erflows.
I have tarried long,
Lilting here my song.
And I’ll ever waiting be till life’s step slows.
Come to me, my girl,
Precious more than pearl,
I’ll be waiting for you where the grapevine grows.
How my heart doth yearn,
And with anguish burn,
Hungry for sweet pains awaked with your embrace.
Starward goes my cry.
Echo hears my sigh.
Heaven itself its pity at my plight shows trace.
Parson waits to wed.
Soon the nuptials said.
I’ve a rose-clad cottage reared for you to grace.
The title-piece of Mr. Jones’s first volume reveals his mastery of effective form and his command of the language of passionate appeal. The World War, in which the Negroes of the country gave liberally and heroically, both of blood and treasure, for democracy, quickened failing hopes in them and kindled anew their aspirations. In this poem the writer speaks for his entire race:
THE HEART OF THE WORLD
In the heart of the world is the call for peace—
Up-surging, symphonic roar.
’Tis ill of all clashings; it seeks release
From fetters of greed and gore.
The winds of the battlefields echo the sigh
Of heroes slumbering deep,
Who gave all they had and now dreamlessly lie
Where the bayonets sent them to sleep.
Peace for the wealthy; peace for the poor;
Peace on the hillside, and peace on the moor.
In the heart of the world is the call for right:
For fingers to bind up the wound,
Slashed deep by the ruthless, harsh hand of might,
When Justice is crushed to the ground.
’Tis ill of the fevers of fear of the strong—
Of jealousies—prejudice—pride.
“Is there no ideal that’s proof against wrong?”
Man asks of the man at his side.
Right for the lowly; right for the great;
Right all to pilot to happiness’ gate.
In the heart of the world is the call for love:
White heart—Red—Yellow—and Black.
Each face turns to Bethlehem’s bright star above,
Though wolves of self howl at each back.
The whole earth is lifting its voice in a prayer
That nations may learn to endure,
Without killing and maiming, but doing what’s fair
With a soul that is noble and pure.
Love in weak peoples; love in the strong;
Love that will banish all hatred and wrong.