American author, poet and journalist of African-American and Montaukett Native American heritage, she celebrated both of her heritages in her work. After being noticed by Paul Laurence Dunbar, she published two volumes of poetry and became a member of the early Harlem Renaissance.

I drew a picture long ago— A picture of a sullen sea; A picture that I value now Because it clears Life's mystery. My sea was dark and full of gloom; I painted rocks of sombre hue. My sky alone bespoke of light, And that I painted palest blue. But e'en across my sky of blue Stretched troubled clouds of sodden gray, Through which the sun shone weak and dim, With only here and there a ray. Around my rocks the yellow foam Seemed surging, moaning in despair As if the waves, their fury spent, Left naught but desolation there. Three cra