Classic and Contemporary Poetry
MATERNITY, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Proud? Last Line: I view this babe of sorrow! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Babies; Negroes; American Blacks; Infants | ||||||||
Proud? Perhapsand yet I cannot say with surety That I am happy thus to be Responsible for this young life's embarking. Is he not thrall to prevalent conditions? Does not the day loom dark apace To weave its cordon of disgrace Around his lifted throat? Is not this mezzotint enough and surfeit For such prescience? Ah, did I dare Recall the pulsing life I gave, And fold him in the kindly grave! Proud? Perhapscould I but ever so faintly scan The broad horizon of a man Swept fair for his dominion So hesitant and half-afraid I view this babe of sorrow! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A POET TO HIS BABY SON by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON BABYHOOD by ELIZABETH AKERS ALLEN INFANCY by EDMUND JOHN ARMSTRONG BALLAD OF THE LAYETTE by WAYNE KOESTENBAUM A TOAST FOR LITTLE IRON MIKE by PAUL MARIANI THE PAMPERING OF LEORA by THYLIAS MOSS ONE FOR ALL NEWBORNS by THYLIAS MOSS IN THE THRIVING SEASON by LISEL MUELLER OLD BLACK MEN by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON |
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