The Book of American Negro Poetry/Rain Music

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3896251The Book of American Negro Poetry — Rain MusicJames Weldon JohnsonJoseph Seamon Cotter (1895-1919)

RAIN MUSIC

On the dusty earth-drum
Beats the falling rain;
Now a whispered murmur,
Now a louder strain.

Slender, silvery drumsticks,
On an ancient drum,
Beat the mellow music
Bidding life to come.

Chords of earth awakened,
Notes of greening spring.
Rise and fall triumphant
Over every thing.

Slender, silvery drumsticks
Beat the long tattoo—
God, the Great Musician,
Calling life anew.