The Awakening

by Paul Laurence Dunbar

I did not know that life could be so sweet,
I did not know the hours could speed so
fleet,
Till I knew you, and life was sweet again.
The days grew brief with love and lack of
pain—
I was slave a few short days ago,
The powers of Kings and Princes now I know;
I would not be again in bondage, save
I had your smile, the liberty I crave.