CAVES OF HARMONY

Play, dark musician, play— How almost human sounds your saxophone! (Somewhere in Africa An angry lion tosses up a bone.) Sambo’s a ready scholar And hides his black skin under a black coat. Although he wears a collar Adam’s own apple yet sticks in his throat. Play, dark musician, play— I see your imitation diamond flash. (Once in America Your fathers howled and writhed beneath the lash.) How leers the blackamoor, Exhaling his melodious delight! Music’s his paramour; And yours, and mine, since we dance here to-night. Play, dark musician, play— Outdo the beast’s roar and the scourged slave’s moan. Ambassador from U.S.A., How almost human sounds your saxophone!