Color (Cullen)/Harlem Wine

by Countee Cullen

Harlem Wine

THIS is not water running here,These thick rebellious streamsThat hurtle flesh and bone past fear Down alleyways of dreams.

This is a wine that must flow on Not caring how nor where,So it has ways to flow upon Where song is in the air.

So it can woo an artful flute With loose, elastic lips,Its measurement of joy compute With blithe, ecstatic hips.