The Violet
July 6, 2023Love and Jealousy
July 6, 2023
No Images
She does not know
Her beauty,
She thinks her brown body
Has no glory.
If she could dance
Naked
Under palm trees
And see her image in the river,
She would know.
But there are no palm trees
On the street,
And dish water gives back no images.
William Waring Cuney (1906-1976) was an African-American poet, known for his poetry that explored themes of racial identity, social justice, and cultural pride. His work was highly influential during the Harlem Renaissance, and some of his most famous poems include "No Images", "Storefront Church", and "The Message". Cuney was also a songwriter and a composer, and his work was often performed by jazz musicians and singers.