James Weldon Johnson was a treasure.
James Weldon Johnson
Sometimes the mist overhangs my path,
And blackening clouds about me cling;
But, oh, I have a magic way
To turn the gloom to cheerful day—
I softly sing.
And if the way grows darker still,
Shadowed by Sorrow’s somber wing,
With glad defiance in my throat,
I pierce the darkness with a note,
And sing, and sing.
I brood not over the broken past,
Nor dread whatever time may bring;
No nights are dark, no days are long,
While in my heart there swells a song,
And I can sing.
~~~~~
The Poetry Friday round-up is at Wee Words for Wee Ones.
9 comments:
A wonderful reminder that we all have the power to bring beauty and light into our surroundings, no matter how dark the times might be. Our voice is our power.
An excellent choice for someone who is up after having a nightmare! Thanks, Karen.
We should all sing more! I miss singing with my very young kids.
Oh. This. POEM.
I have a 1922 edition book called THE BOOK OF AMERICAN NEGRO POETRY, given to me by a lovely former English teacher in her eighties who attends my church. It is edited by James Weldon Johnston, and contains many of his and other Harlem Renaissance poets work. This was a marvelous choice for this morning, which I spent listening to a 90 minute CD of Advent music.
...with glad defiance in my throat,
I pierce the darkness with a note,
and sing, and sing.
Thanks for sharing. So uplifting! Song as prayer, meditation, strength.
Oh, Karen, I am NO singer, but this poem makes me want to sing at the top of my voice. Thanks for sharing it today. =)
Yes, yes, YES!
I live alone, so it's perfect for someone who sings made-up nonsense songs to the cat. All the time. Poor cat.
The Johnson poem is moving, but I'm sure the cat would disagree with his sentiments.
Such hopeful note in that exuberance of voice and music.
Thank you for sharing this. Lifted me up today.
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