FOR A'LELIA

She did not die at home
In her own bed at night.
She died where laughter was,
And music, and gay delight.

She died as she had lived
With no wearying pain
Binding her to life
Like a hateful chain;

So all who love laughter
And joy and light,
Let your prayers be as roses
For this queen of the night.

Let your prayers be as roses
And your songs be as sun
To kiss the last road
Of this lovely one—

For now—all tomorrow
And eternity's great years—
She shall live in her laughter
And not need our tears.

Written aftes
the death of
A'Lelia Walker
and read at
her funeral
by Edward
Perry.

n. H.
1941

Langston,
August 19,
1931

From the collection
of
Carl Van Vechten