I am not mad: I am black. I see you staring in my face---

The face of all the world is changed,
I think,
Since first I heard the footsteps of they soul
Move still, oh, still, beside me,
as they stole betwixt me and the dreadful
outer brink of obvious death, where I,
who thought to sink,
Was caught up into love,
and taught the whole of life in a new rhythm.
The cup of dole God gave for baptism,
I am fine to drink,
And praise its sweetness, Sweet
with thee an-ear.
The name of country, heaven,
are changed away for where thou art or shalt be,
there or here;
And this... this lute and song... loved yesterday...