Song Form

Morning uptown, quiet on the street,

no matter the distinctions that can be

made, quiet, very quiet, on the street.

Sun’s not even up yet, just some kid and me,

skating, both of us, at the early sun, and

amazed there is grace for us, without our

having to smile too tough, or be very pleasant

even to each other. Merely to be mere, ly to be.

                                                  — Amiri Baraka