List to the sounding cat’ract’s thundering fall
Or hark to spirit voices in the wind.
For methinks sometimes that these strange moods
Are Heaven-sent us by the jealous God
Who’d thus remind us that no human love
Can fully satisfy the longing heart.
Perhaps an intimation sent to souls
That he would speak somewhat, or nearer draw.
Therefore I’ll to Him. Talking waters, stars,
The moon and whisp’ring trees shall make me wise
In what it is He’d have my spirit know.
And Nature singing from the earth and sky
Shall fill me with such peace, that in the morn
I’ll be the gay glad self you’ve always known.
Urge me no further, now that you understand.
A nobler friend than you none ever knew—
But not this time. Tonight I’ll be alone ;
And if from moonlit valley God should speak
Or in the tumbling waters sound a call
Or whisper in the sighing of the wind,
He’ll find me with an undivided heart
Patient waiting to hear ; but Friend,—alone.
Source: R. Nathaniel Dett. The Album of a Heart. Jackson, Tenn. : Mocowat-Mercer, 1911.