Classic Poem

In Africa little black boys,
" human brooms, " are sent before the explorers
into jungle grasses that tower many feet
to tread down a path
and meet sometimes
the lurking leopard or hyena.
They are called Dew-Driers.
Brother to the firefly —
For as the firefly lights the night,
So lights he the morning —
Bathed in the dank dews as he goes forth
Through heavy menace and mystery
Of half-waking tropic dawn,
Behold a little black boy,
A naked black boy,
Sweeping aside with his slight frame
Night's pregnant tears,
And making a morning path to the light
For the tropic traveler