James Weldon Johnson, ed. (1871–1938). The Book of American Negro Poetry. 1922.

Rain Music

ON the dusty earth-drum

Beats the falling rain;

Now a whispered murmur,

Now a louder strain.

Slender, silvery drumsticks,

On an ancient drum,

Beat the mellow music

Bidding life to come.

Chords of earth awakened,

Notes of greening spring,

Rise and fall triumphant

Over every thing.

Slender, silvery drumsticks

Beat the long tattoo—

God, the Great Musician,

Calling life anew.