To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done.
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
Dark like me--
That is my dream!
To fling my arms wide
These lines continue his dream of freedom, where after a long day he can find a comfortable spot to rest and relax, while the night takes over. This first stanza portrays his idealized dream. He simply wants to be free to live his days, and enjoy his nights, free from any sort of persecution of his color or status.
Dream Variations