Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE WHITE HOUSE, by CLAUDE MCKAY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE WHITE HOUSE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Your door is shut against my tightened face
Last Line: Against the potent poison of your hate.
Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli
Subject(s): African Americans; Hate; Negroes; American Blacks


Your door is shut against my tightened face,
And I am sharp as steel with discontent;
But I possess the courage and the grace
To bear my anger proudly and unbent.
The pavement slabs burn loose beneath my feet,
A chafing savage, down the decent street;
And passion rends my vitals as I pass,
Where boldly shines your shuttered door of glass.
Oh, I must search for wisdom every hour,
Deep in my wrathful bosom sore and raw,
And find in it the superhuman power
To hold me to the letter of your law!
Oh, I must keep my heart inviolate
Against the potent poison of your hate.








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