The Weary Blues Droning a drowsy syncopated tune, Rocking back and forth to a mellow croon, I heard a Negro play.

Down on Lenox Avenue, the other night, By the pale, dull pallor of an old gaslight He played that sad raggy tune like a musical saw.

Swaying to and fro on his rickety stool, He played that sad raggy tune like a musical saw.

And when the chatter echoes the soft refrain, I thought of the weeping clouds, Dreaming over the open sea at night.

• Langston Hughes