The speaker writes that at his young age, it is hard to know what is true for "you or me." He believes that the truth is what he hears, feels and sees in Harlem "hear you, hear me we two you, me, talk on this page." He hears New York. He likes to eat, drink, sleep, be in love, work, read, learn, and "understand life." He likes receiving pipes and records Bessie Smith, Bach or bop as Christmas presents. Just because he is "colored" does not mean he does not like the same things that people of other races like. He wonders if his page will be "colored" because it is his and he is not white.
The opening hook of a tale must be good enough to entice the reader and keep them reading. However, engaging characters and captivating incidents interspersed in the plot are needed to maintain the reader's attention.
