Poem by Countee Cullen

Nocturne

Tell me all things false are true,
Bitter sweet, that fools are wise;
I will not doubt nor question you;
I am in a mood for lies.

Tell me all things ill turn good;
Thew and sinew will be stronger
Thriving on the deadly food
Life proffers for their hunger.

Paint love lovely, if you will;
Be crafty, sly, deceptive;
Here is fertile land to till,
Sun-seeking, rain-receptive.

Hold my hand and lie to me;
I will not ask you How nor Why;
I see death drawing nigh to me
Out of the corner of my eye.

1. That Bright Chimeric Beast
2. Youth Sings a Song of Rosebuds
3. The Shroud of Color
4. To Certain Critics
5. The Loss of Love

Eugene O'Neill Nocturne ("The sunset gun booms out in hollow roar") 1910

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