The day is a Negro
Yelling out of breath.
The night is a Negro
Laughing up to death.
The day is a jazz band
Blasting loud and wild.
The night is a jazz band
Moaning Blues songs, child.
The day is the sunshine
Undressed in the stree.
The night is the sunshine
Dressed from head to feet.
I am like a rainbow
Arched across the way.
Yes, I am a rainbow
Being night nor day.
From Caroling Dusk (Harper & Brothers, 1927), edited by Countee Cullen. This poem is in the public domain.