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The Harlem dancer

Applauding youths laughed with young prostitutes
 
And watched her perfect, half-clothed body sway;
 
Her voice was like the sound of blended flutes
 
Blown by black players upon a picnic day.
 
She sang and danced on gracefully and calm,
 
The light gauze hanging loose about her form;
 
To me she seemed a proudly-swaying palm
 
Grown lovelier for passing through a storm.
 
Upon her swarthy neck black shiny curls
 
Luxuriant fell; and tossing coins in praise,
 
The wine-flushed, bold-eyed boys, and even the girls,
 
Devoured her shape with eager, passionate gaze;
 
But looking at her falsely-smiling face,
 
I knew her self was not in that strange place. 
 
 
 
 
Claude McKay

 
 
Dance Poetry
A comprehensive anthology
Edited by Alkis Raftis
Copyright 2012

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