Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MOTHERHOOD by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: DON'T KNOCK ON MY DOOR, LITTLE CHILD
Last Line: I CANNOT GIVE YOU BIRTH.
Subject(s): AFRICAN AMERICANS - WOMEN; DESPAIR; MOTHERS; PREGNANCY;

Don't knock on my door, little child,
I cannot let you in;
You know not what a world this is
Of cruelty and sin
Wait in the still eternity
Until I come to you,
The world is cruel, cruel, child,
I cannot let you through.

Don't knock on my heart, little one,
I cannot bear the pain
Of turning deaf ears to your call,
Time and time again.
You do not know the monster men
Inhabiting the earth.
Be still, be still, my precious child,
I cannot give you birth.



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