"The Black Mother"

The Black Mother written by Marcus Garvey.

Where can I find love that never changes
Smiles that are true and always just the same,
Caring not how the fierce tempest rages,
Willing ever to shield my honored name?

This I find at home, only with Mother,
Who cares for me with patient tenderness;
She from every human pain would rather
Save me, and drink the dregs of bitterness.

If on life's way I happen to flounder,
My true thoughts should be of Mother dear,
She is the rock that ne'er rifts asunder,
The cry of her child, be it far or near.

This is love wonderful beyond compare;
It is God's choicest gift to mortal man;
You, who know Mother, in this thought must share,
For, she, of all, is Angel of your Clan.

My Mother is black, loveliest of all;
Yes, she is as pure as the new made morn;
Her song of glee is a clear rhythmic call
To these arms of love to which I was born.

I shall never forget you, sweet Mother,
Where'er in life I may happen to roam;
Thou shalt always be the Fairy Charmer
To turn my dearest thoughts to things at home.

"A summer's dream"

A Summer's Dream. A poem by Marcus Garvey which he wrote on the 24 February, 1927.

A poem so dear to me because it tells of the fear of loosing. Still, a sweet, old love poem.

"As I lay asleep at midnight,

A thought came stealing over me:

A shadow of a great disaster,

The passing of my Love at sea.

I heard the chimes of Angelus,

It sounded sad but ringing clear;

I had a glimpse of dear heaven,

For my Love was a-going there.

The ship was lost in the ocean,

As the storm had raged and past;

Every soul was clothed in sadness,

But my Love was firm to the last.

I stretched my arms out to rescue,

But my Love was already gone:

A burning light stopped my vision,

It was like shining glare at morn.

There were Angels in the Heavens,

And sunny flowers strewn around;

The singing of Royal Cherubs

Had a pleasing Heavenly sound.

I can almost see how clearly,

There is a passage made above;

The angels are a-welcoming

The spirit of my dearest Love.

I am left with my dreams, alone,

In a cold world of sin and care,

For my Love is gone forever,

With happy Angels, bliss to share.

I tried to enter into Heaven,

But the gates were closed to me;

The Guardian of my destiny

Had not then set my spirit free.

I struggled still with the vision,

For it was a-torturing me;

My Love was taken to Heaven,

And the sweet face I could not see.

At last I came to my senses,

I found it was a summer's dream;

My Love was still right beside me,

A creature perfect as could seem."