Caroling Dusk/The Dark Brother

by Lewis Grandison Alexander

THE DARK BROTHER

“Lo, I am black but I am comely too,Black as the night, black as the deep dark caves.I am the scion of a race of slavesWho helped to build a nation strong that youAnd I may stand within the world’s full view,Fearless and firm as dreadnoughts on rough waves;Holding a banner high whose floating bravesThe opposition of the tried untrue.

Casting an eye of love upon my face,Seeing a newer light within my eyes, A rarer beauty in your brother raceWill merge upon your visioning fullwise.Though I am black my heart through love is pure,And you through love my blackness shall endure!”