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

Two Points of View

FROM this low-lying valley; Oh, how sweet

And cool and calm and great is life, I ween,

There on yon mountain-throne—that sun-gold crest!

From this uplifted, mighty mountain-seat:

How bright and still and warm and soft and green

Seems yon low lily-vale of peace and rest!