As I Grew Older It was a long time ago I was a young black girl In a tallwood house.

I was sad but somehow beautiful. I waited for you to come With the spring rain.

Now I am an old woman, Shining in the sun. I feel the moisture in the air Like the whispers of flowers.

And now I look out Across the age of loneliness, And remember the sweet sound of the rain, Alive and full of hopeful beginnings.

• Langston Hughes