Poem by Claude McKay

Adolescence

There was a time when in late afternoon 
The four-o’clocks would fold up at day’s close 
Pink-white in prayer, and ’neath the floating moon 
I lay with them in calm and sweet repose. 

And in the open spaces I could sleep, 
Half-naked to the shining worlds above; 
Peace came with sleep and sleep was long and deep, 
Gained without effort, sweet like early love. 

But now no balm--nor drug nor weed nor wine-- 
Can bring true rest to cool my body’s fever, 
Nor sweeten in my mouth the acid brine, 
That salts my choicest drink and will forever.

1. Alfonso, Dressing to Wait at Table
2. The Wild Goat
3. The Tired Worker
4. Tormented
5. Flirtation

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