I Am Black And Comely

He brought me to the banquet house.

Naked and innocent I laid.

Bannered me with daring black,

Gently and meticulously he clothed me.

Upon my bones so ran my clothes.

And like the dust of Sahara, was I fine and smooth.

I shined, I sparkled as a rocky soot.

And like the brooks of Nile.

I felt wet but health!

I am risen to bear this color.

The colour of black which is comely!

But as a raven, yea, am proud.

The wet-black liquor on me, very profound.

The liquor, much costly as heavenly ophir.

Spreading from my crown down to my tip.

Running on me leaving no part unturned.

I neither need to lighten nor darken!

Tender and firm, my skin glistens.

Standing tall and defiant.

I am truly black but comely.

When I was young,

Thou in me art beautiful.

Strong and defensive as an army with banner.

With black, I am with power!

Like a warrior, thy might dreads.

Unfading and radiating thy glory bears,

And with the dark touch, I feel soft, smooth and safe.

In my color lies true beauty.

Then, as old as I grow -

Thy fabric, comes out in my regions.

Like firs they all stand aloof.

Smooth and tender, they rise on thee

As a gate, they fend for thee,

Protecting thy dignity and preserving thy strengths.

Like beads, they adorn thee,

Curly and curvy;

Black and comely, they all are!

Adding beauty to beauty.

I AM BLACK AND COMELY!