#AmericanWriters
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
The census man, The day he came round, Wanted my name To put it down. I said, Johnson,
When I was home de Sunshine seemed like gold. When I was home de Sunshine seemed like gold. Since I come up North de
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
Remember The days of bondage— And remembering— Do not stand still. Go to the highest hill
How quiet It is in this sick room Where on the bed A silent woman lies between two lo… Life and Death,
The gold moth did not love him So, gorgeous, she flew away. But the gray moth circled the flam… Until the break of day. And then, with wings like a dead d…
I woke up this mornin’ ’Bout half-past three. All the womens in town Was gathered round me. Sweet gals was a-moanin’,
Oh, silver tree! Oh, shining rivers of the soul! In a Harlem cabaret Six long—headed jazzers play. A dancing girl whose eyes are bold
Clean the spittoons, boy. Detroit, Chicago, Atlantic City, Palm Beach.
The calm, Cool face of the river Asked me for a kiss.
I went to the Gypsy’s. Gypsy settin’ all alone. I said, Tell me, Gypsy, When will my gal be home? Gypsy said, Silver,
I look at the world From awakening eyes in a black fac… And this is what I see: This fenced—off narrow space Assigned to me.
Because my mouth Is wide with laughter And my throat Is deep with song, You do not think
I could take the Harlem night and wrap around you, Take the neon lights and make a cr… Take the Lenox Avenue busses, Taxis, subways,