1. The skies and stars are there, and sun and moon,
They move and shine for you and me each day,
Our journey here is short-exit is soon,
In such a change to be I have no say.

2. But in the link between this life and death,
I am the master of myself, I know;
I gather knowledge with natural breath,
And I shall surely reap just what I sow.

3. Yes, from the world I learn a lesson true,
No race nor colour proves me less in clan;
I need not quibble for or curse my hue,
That makes of me, like anyone, a man.

4. My God, so great, has made all things and me,
My place and grip on life are ever here;
So inferior being I ne'er shall be,
I learn from Nature grand, that's everywhere.

-1934