|
|
|
|
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Searching... Subject: NEGROES Matches Found: 495 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` 125TH STREET, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Face like a chocolate bar Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks 1962: VETERANS' DAY: UCLA STUDY REGIMEN: SOME INDIANA (HOOSIER KLAN REFLECTIONS), by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They are counting the names of the vietnam veterans names on the mall Subject(s): Lin, Maya (b. 1959); Vietnam Veterans Memorial (washington, D.c.); African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks 50-50, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm all alone in this world, she said Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A BLACK MAN TALKS OF REAPING, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have sown beside all waters in my day Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A BLACK SOLDIER REMEMBERS, by HORACE COLEMAN Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: My saigon daughter I saw only once Alternate Author Name(s): Shaka Aku Shango Subject(s): African Americans; Soldiers; Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975; Negroes; American Blacks A BOY'S SUMMER SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis fine to play Last Line: Ha, ha! Subject(s): African Americans; Summer; Negroes; American Blacks A BROWN GIRL DEAD, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With two white roses on her breasts Last Line: To see herself tonight Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A CHRISTMAS GHOST, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The eve of christmas had arrived Last Line: He merely saw a ghost. Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Ghosts; Supernatural; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The A COMMON OCCURRENCE, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lucindy, who you 'spose I seed Last Line: "he's pintly changed fah wus." Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A CONTRACT. (FOR THE DESTRUCTION AND REBUILDING OF PATERSON), by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Flesh, and cars, tar, dug holes beneath stone Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry A DEATH SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Lay me down beneaf de willers in de grass Last Line: Ef I 's layin' 'mong de t'ings I 's allus knowed. Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The A DOMESTIC STORM, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm going to whoop you, sammy taylor Last Line: Guess you will, you rascal, you. Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives A HOUSE IN TAOS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rain / thunder of the rain god Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A LITANY OF ATLANTA, by WILLIAM EDWARD BURGHARDT DU BOIS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O silent god, thou whose voice in mist and mystery hath left our ears Last Line: Selah! Alternate Author Name(s): Du Bois, W. E. B. Subject(s): African Americans; Lynching; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry A NEGRO LOVE SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Seen my lady home las' night Last Line: Jump back, honey, jump back. Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Negroes; American Blacks A NEGRO SONG OF HOME, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tain't berry many people wat'll listen to a niggah Last Line: Frough de singin' ob de kettle on de hob. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song & Music; Black Songs; Home; Negroes; American Blacks; Negro Spirituals A NEW REALITY IS BETTER THAN A NEW MOVIE!, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How will it go, crumbling earthquake, towering inferno, juggernaut, volcano, smashup Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A NOTE OF HUMILITY, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When all our hopes are sown on stony ground Last Line: An hour or two, but it will not be soon Subject(s): African Americans; Liberty; Time; Negroes; American Blacks A PLANTATION SCENE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now all you picaninnies dar, come stan' up in er row Last Line: When I wuz onc't er little nig, en stood up in dat row. Subject(s): African Americans; Plantation Life; Negroes; American Blacks A POEM FOR BLACK HEARTS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For malcolm's eyes, when they broke Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks A POEM FOR BLACK RELOCATION CENTERS, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Flukum couldn't stand the strain. Flukum Last Line: The enemy far away on the other side of the sea Subject(s): African Americans Military; Negroes; American Blacks A POEM FOR MYSELF, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was born in mississippi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks A POEM SOME PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO UNDERSTAND, by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dull unwashed windows of eyes Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Men; Negroes; American Blacks A RAT TRAP, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Onct erbout de hour uv midnight, stealin' chick-/ens by de dim light Last Line: En step on 'em—nebber more. Subject(s): African Americans; Rats; Trapping & Trappers; Negroes; American Blacks; Traps; Snares; Trappers A SEPTEMBER NIGHT, by GEORGE MARION MCCLELLAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The full september moon sheds floods of light Last Line: I cannot sing, with loves I cannot speak. Subject(s): African Americans; Night; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Bedtime; South (u.s.) A SONG OF PRAISE, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You have not heard my love's dark throat Last Line: Discovers one as fair Subject(s): African Americans; Desire; Love; Negroes; American Blacks A SOUTHERN SCENE, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Far in the land of sunny south Last Line: On those who doth on thee believe? Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; South (u.s.) A WRONG INFERENCE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Why, old uncle abe, if your tidings are true Last Line: "twas er ox an' er 'oman dat made de plow go." Subject(s): African Americans; Farm Life; Plowing & Plowmen; Progress; Negroes; American Blacks; Agriculture; Farmers ABOUT GOD & THINGS, by WANDA COLEMAN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I want to have your child Alternate Author Name(s): Coleman-straus, Wanda Subject(s): African Americans; Man-woman Relationships; Negroes; American Blacks; Male-female Relations ADDRESS TO ETHIOPIA, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh ill-starred ethiopia Last Line: He'd prize one 'bove the other? Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks ADVICE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Folks, I'm telling you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AFRICA, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Home / oh Last Line: All of my bones / remember Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Home; Memory; Negroes; American Blacks AFRO-AMERICAN FRAGMENT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So long, / so far away Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AFTER THE QUARREL, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lindie, chile, fo' lawd sake, tell me Last Line: An' jest trot on yo' own track. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AFTERBLUES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AFTERIMAGES, by AUDRE LORDE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: However the image enters Alternate Author Name(s): Adisa-warrior, Gamba Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Jackson, Mississippi; Till, Emmett (1941-1955); Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry AILEY, BALDWIN, FLOYD, KILLENS, AND MAYFIELD, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When great trees fall Last Line: Better. For they existed Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AIN'T THAT BAD?, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dancin' the funky chicken Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks AMERICA, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Although she feeds me bread of bitterness Last Line: Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty; America AMERICAN HEARTBREAK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the american heartbreak Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Hypocrisy; Negroes; American Blacks AMERICAN SONNET (55), by WANDA COLEMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down to the stingy stingy marrow of my mojo rant Last Line: Inflames my vigilant soul denies it rest Alternate Author Name(s): Coleman-straus, Wanda Variant Title(s): Sonnet: 55 Subject(s): African Americans; Stock Exchange; Wylie, Elinor (1885-1928); Negroes; American Blacks AN ANTE-BELLUM SERMON, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: We is gathered hyeah, my brothahs Last Line: Huh uh! Chillun, let us pray! Subject(s): African Americans; American Civil War; Freedom; United States - History; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty AND WHAT SHALL YOU SAY?, by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Brother, come! / and let us go unto our god Last Line: And, brother, what shall you say? Subject(s): African Americans; Brotherhood; God; Religion; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks; Theology ANDRE, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had a dream last night. I dreamed Last Line: They were the ones I always had! Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives APRIL RAIN SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let the rain kiss you Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; April; Spring; Negroes; American Blacks ARMAGEDDON, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the silence and the dark Last Line: Even now the dawn appears! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks AS I GREW OLDER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was a long time ago Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Aging; Negroes; American Blacks AT THE CARNIVAL, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Gay little girl-of-the-diving-tank Last Line: I implore neptune to claim his child today! Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Carnivals; Negroes; American Blacks AT THE CLOSED GATE OF JUSTICE, by JAMES DAVID CORROTHERS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: To be a negro in a day like this Last Line: "merely a negro"" - in a day like this!" Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry AUGUST, by ELINOR WYLIE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why should this negro insolently stride Last Line: Scarce warms the surface of the deepest pool? Alternate Author Name(s): Benet, William Rose, Mrs. Subject(s): African Americans; Flowers; Pain; Negroes; American Blacks; Suffering; Misery AUNT JANE ALLEN, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: State street is lonely today. Aunt jane allen has driven Last Line: To each of the seed of ethiopia? Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks AUNT SUE'S STORIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Aunt sue has a head full of stories Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives AWARD (A GOLD WATCH TO THE FBI MAN WHO HAS FOLLOWED ME), by RAY DUREM Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Well, old spy Subject(s): African Americans; Federal Bureau Of Investigation; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks; Fbi BAD LUCK CARD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cause you don't love me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Luck; Negroes; American Blacks BAD MORNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here I sit / with my shoes mismated Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BALLAD OF THE LANDLORD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Landlord, landlord. / my roof has sprung a leak Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Landlords & Tenants; Negroes; American Blacks BANTY TIM, by JOHN MILTON HAY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I reckon I git your drift, gents Last Line: Or my name's not tilmon joy! Subject(s): African Americans; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks BAPTISM, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Into the furnace let me go alone Last Line: A stronger soul within a finer frame. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BATTERY, by JEAN COCTEAU Poem Text First Line: Sun, as the savages I adore Last Line: Sun, delightful fire of hell. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BE-BOP BOYS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Imploring mecca Last Line: With decca. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks BEAUTIFUL BLACK MEN, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wanta say just gotta say something Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BEAUTY-LAND, by RUTH MCENERY STUART Poem Text First Line: Kiver up yo' eye, my baby, wid yo' mammy's sleeve Last Line: Never leave 'er sleepin' baby 't all. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BEFORE MAKING LOVE, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I move my hands over your face Last Line: That all the bloody kingdoms rest on Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BITTER FRUIT OF THE TREE, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They said to my grandmother: 'please do not be bitter.' Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry BLACK ART, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poems are bullshit unless they are Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks BLACK BOURGEOISIE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Has a gold tooth, sits long hours Last Line: Him black self Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BLACK CHRISTMAS, by DUBOSE HEYWARD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is cruel for a woman with her man gone Last Line: "an' the younguns allas hungry, an' winter comin' on." Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The BLACK DADA NIHILISMUS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Against what light / is false what breath Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BLACK MAMMY'S LULLABY, 1855, by WIGHTMAN FLETCHER MELTON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Go t' sleep, li'l honey, white chile Last Line: Good-night, white chile, good-night. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BLACK MEN, by LUCIA TRENT Poem Text First Line: Swift gusts of hollow night wind clatter by Last Line: A bitter scorn for those who hung them there. Alternate Author Name(s): Cheyney, Mrs. Ralph; Glass, Mrs. Ernest Subject(s): African Americans; Justice; Lynching; Negroes; American Blacks BLOOD RHYTHMS - BLOOD CURRENTS - BLACK N' BLUE STYLIN, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Fragrant breezes in the south Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; Conduct Of Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty BOOGIE: 1 A.M., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good evening, daddy! / I know you've heard Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BORDER LINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I used to wonder / about living and dying Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BOUND NO'TH BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Goin' down the road, lawd Last Line: Fit fer a hoppin' toad. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (mood); Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks BRASS SPITTOONS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Clean the spittoons, boy Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BROWN RIVER, SMILE, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is a new america Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks BROWN-SKIN, by CHARLES ELMER HUBER Poem Text First Line: Everywhere a black face beams Last Line: Is that brown skin. Subject(s): African Americans; Culture Conflict; Negroes; American Blacks CAFE: 3 A.M., by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Detectives from the vice squad Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Gays & Lesbians; Negroes; American Blacks; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men CALLING DREAMS, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The right to make my dreams come true Last Line: And stride into the morning-break! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Dreams; Negroes; American Blacks; Nightmares CAROL OF THE BROWN KING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Of the three wise men Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The CARP POEM, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After I have parked below the spray paint caked in the granite Last Line: Packed so close they might have eaten each other had there been nothing else to eat Subject(s): Prisons & Prisoners; African Americans; Youth; Poetry & Poets; Convicts; Negroes; American Blacks CHICAGO'S CONGO, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Chicago is an overgrown woman Subject(s): Chicago; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks CHILDREN'S RHYMES (1), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I was a chile we used to play Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Children's Hymns Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks CLAN MEETING: BIRTH AND NATIONS: A BLOOD SING, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We reconstruct lives in the intensive Last Line: We take our bundle and go home Subject(s): African Americans; Klu Klux Klan; Negroes; American Blacks COLLEGE FORMAL: RENAISSANCE CASINO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Golden girl / in a golden gown Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks COMMON DUST, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: And who shall separate the dust Last Line: The same as from the start? Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Mankind; Negroes; American Blacks; Human Race CONDITIONS XXI, by ESSEX HEMPHILL Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You judge a woman Last Line: The way america / loves us Subject(s): African Americans; Man-woman Relationships; Negroes; American Blacks; Male-female Relations COONIE IN DE HOLLER, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Coonie in de holler hidin' hin' de logs, Last Line: Hyar dat distant thundah; guess dat spring am sprung. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Blacks; Spring; Negroes; American Blacks COTTON SONG, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Come, brother, come. Lets lift it Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks CRISPUS ATTUCKS, by OLIVA WARD BUSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The nation's heart beat wildly Last Line: That attucks died for liberty. Alternate Author Name(s): Bush-banks, Oliva Ward Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks CRISPUS ATTUCKS, by JOHN BOYLE O'REILLY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Where shall we seek for a hero Last Line: And so great a boon, by a brave man's death, is never dearly bought! Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre; U.s. - Colonial Period; Negroes; American Blacks CRISPUS ATTUCKS, by JAY WRIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When we speak Last Line: Another season drums your intense, communal daring Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre; Negroes; American Blacks CROON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I don't give a damn Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Alabama; Negroes; American Blacks CROSS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My old man's a white old man Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Intermarriage; Negroes; American Blacks CUTTING GREENS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Curling them around / I hold their bodies in obscene embrace Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DANSE AFRICAINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The low beating of the tom-toms Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): African Dance Subject(s): African Americans; Dancing & Dancers; Negroes; American Blacks DARK LOVELY FRUIT, by HELEN BRYANT Poem Text First Line: Black girl, standing in your yellow dress Last Line: Heart of your storm? Subject(s): African Americans; Barns; Girls; Negroes; American Blacks DARK PROPHECY: I SING OF SHINE, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: And, yeah, brothers / while white/america sings about the unsink- Subject(s): African Americans; Disasters; Ships & Shipping; Shipwrecks; Titanic (ship); Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 1. ALLEGRO MODERATO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Black crispus attucks taught / us how to die Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 2. LENTO GRAVE, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The centuries-old pathos in our voices Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 3. ANDANTE SOSTENUTO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They tell us to forget Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 4. TEMPO PRIMO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The new negro strides upon the continent Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 5. LARGHETTO, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: None in the land can say Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARK SYMPHONY: 6. TEMPO DI MARCIA, by MELVIN BEAUNORUS TOLSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Out of abysses of illiteracy Alternate Author Name(s): Tolson, Melvin Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DARKEY FISHERMAN'S RAINY DAY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: W'en I git up in de mo'nin' an' de clouds is big an' black Last Line: Dough I knows dat lizy 's waitin' wid de skillet w'en I 's done. Variant Title(s): Fishing Subject(s): African Americans; Fish & Fishing; Negroes; American Blacks; Anglers DAWN, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An angel, robed in spotless white Last Line: Men saw the blush and called it dawn. Subject(s): African Americans; Dawn; Negroes; American Blacks; Sunrise DAYBREAK IN ALABAMA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I get to be a composer Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DE 'LECTION SURE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: De white folks low dat dey's de race Last Line: You saf't th'ough peter's gate. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DE CUNJAH MAN, by JAMES EDWIN CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O chillen run, de cunjah man Last Line: O chillen run, de cunjah man! Subject(s): African Americans; Gullahs; Witchcraft & Witches; Negroes; American Blacks DE NIGGER'S GOT TO GO, by DANIEL WEBSTER DAVIS Poem Text First Line: Dear liza, I is bin down town Last Line: "wez not a gwine to go." Subject(s): African Americans; Attucks, Crispus (1723-1770); Boston Massacre; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry DE OLE SEXTON, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Brudder amos is de sexton Last Line: It am nebber gwine ter fail. Subject(s): African Americans; Future Life; Sin; Negroes; American Blacks; Retribution; Eternity; After Life DE SPRING-HOUSE, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Down to de spring-house am whar I long to wandah Last Line: Down in de spring-house am good enuff fo' me. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Blacks; Spring; Negroes; American Blacks DE WATAH MELLEN SPLOSHUN, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Dar's one fing dat hi wouldn't do Last Line: Dat's shuah. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Watermelons; Negroes; American Blacks DEAR OLD DICK, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Said dear old dick Last Line: "to wait on st. Peter world without end." Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Waiters & Waitresses; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry DEDICATION POEM, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Outcast from her home in syria Last Line: Shall be young, forever young. Subject(s): African Americans; Old Age; Negroes; American Blacks DERRICK POEM (THE LOST WORLD), by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I take my $, buy a pair of very bright kicks for the game Last Line: "even when he said, we should go to the movies sometime,"" Subject(s): Shoes; African Americans; Boots; Sneakers; Shoemakers; Negroes; American Blacks DIVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lenox avenue / by daylight Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks DOUGLASS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ah, douglass, we have fall'n on evil days Last Line: To give us comfort through the lonely dark. Subject(s): African Americans; Douglass, Frederick (1817-1895); Negroes; American Blacks DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, de ole plantation landin' Last Line: To de lonesomeness -- dat's all. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi River; Plantation Life; Rivers; Negroes; American Blacks DREAM BOOGIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good morning, daddy! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks DREAM VARIATIONS [OR, VARIATION], by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To fling my arms wide Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Dream Variations Subject(s): African Americans; Imagination; Nature; Negroes; American Blacks; Fancy DRUM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bear in mind / that death is a drum Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The DUSTING, by RITA DOVE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Every day a wilderness Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks EACH ONE, PULL ONE, by ALICE WALKER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We must say it all, and as clearly Subject(s): African Americans; Writing & Writers; Artists; Negroes; American Blacks EARLY EVENING QUARREL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where is that sugar, hammond Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Quarrels; Negroes; American Blacks; Arguments; Disagreements EL-HAJJ MALIK EL-SHABAZZ, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The icy evil that struck his father down Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks ELEGY ON A NORDIC WHITE PROTESTANT, by JOHN GOULD FLETCHER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lazy petals of magnolia-bloom float down the sluggish river Last Line: Rising, forever, rising! Subject(s): African Americans; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks ELEVATOR BOY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I got a job now Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Elevators; Negroes; American Blacks EMANCIPATION, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Tis a time for much rejoicing Last Line: God is with us now, forever. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States ENNUI, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It's such a / bore Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks ENTERING THE SOUTH, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have put on my mother's coat Last Line: Heavy and dark and alive Subject(s): African Americans; Animal Rights; Fur Trade; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Animal Abuse; Vivisection; Furs; South (u.s.) EPITAPH: FOR A LADY I KNOW, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She thinks that even up in heaven Last Line: To do celestial chores. Subject(s): African Americans; Religion; Social Classes; Negroes; American Blacks; Theology; Caste EPITAPH: FOR MY GRANDMOTHER, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This lovely flower fell to seed Last Line: That she would grow again. Subject(s): Grandparents; African Americans; Death; Flowers; Grandparents; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers EPITAPH: FOR MY GRANDMOTHER, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This lovely flower fell to seed Last Line: That she would grow again. Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Flowers; Grandparents; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers EPITAPH: FOR PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Born of the sorrowful of heart Subject(s): African Americans; Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906); Negroes; American Blacks EVENING SONG ON OUR STREET, by DAVID WAGONER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was almost bedtime, and something was wrong Last Line: By both my hands again, and we walked home Subject(s): African Americans; Sickness; Singing & Singers; Streets; Negroes; American Blacks; Illness; Avenues FACING IT, by YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: My black face fades Alternate Author Name(s): Brown, James Willie, Jr. Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; Kent State University - Riot, 1970; United States; War; Negroes; American Blacks; America FACT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There's been an eagle on a nickel Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Money; Negroes; American Blacks FAIR TIMES IN OLD TENNESSEE, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography Last Line: Lord, when I die, jes' take me whar a fair is allers gwine! Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Tennessee; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) FANTASY IN PURPLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Beat the drums of tragedy for me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The FEET O' JESUS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the feet o' jesus Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks FINAL CURVE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you turn the corner Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks FLATTED FIFTHS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little cullud boys with beards Last Line: And dig all plays. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks FLOWERS OF DARKNESS, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Slowly the night blooms, unfurling Subject(s): African Americans; Flowers; Negroes; American Blacks FOR DELAWD, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: People say they have a hard time Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks FOR FRECKLED-FACED GERALD, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Now you take ol rufus. He beat drums Subject(s): African Americans; Prisons & Prisoners; Youth; Negroes; American Blacks; Convicts FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER, by GRAZIELLA MAGGIO Poem Text First Line: He took the warm, brown earth into his hand Last Line: This man with willing hands and faith in god. Subject(s): African Americans; Carver, George Washington (1864-1943); Negroes; American Blacks FOR MALCOLM X, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All you violated ones with gentle hearts Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry FOR MALCOLM, A YEAR AFTER, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Compose for red a proper verse Last Line: But not the anger of that day Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks FOR MY PEOPLE, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: For my people everywhere singing their slave songs repeatedly Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty FOR UNBORN MALCOLMS, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Git the word out Last Line: A stone/ cold/ death / yeah Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks FOUR GLIMPSES OF NIGHT, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Eagerly Subject(s): African Americans; Alphabet Verse; Night; Negroes; American Blacks; Bedtime FRAGMENT, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The hand of fate cannot be stayed Last Line: God is not love, no, god is law. Subject(s): African Americans; Injustice; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs FREDERICK DOUGLASS, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When it is finally ours, this freedom, this liberty, this beautiful Subject(s): African Americans; Douglass, Frederick (1817-1895); Freedom; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty FREEDOM AT MCNEALY'S, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: All around old chattanooga Last Line: As you would a faithful horse. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty FREEDOM TRAIN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I read in the papers about the / freedom train Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Railroads; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Railways; Trains FRIDAY WAITING FOR MOM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I am seven Last Line: Says so too Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives FROM THE DARK TOWER, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We shall not always plant while others reap Last Line: And wait, and tend our agonizing seeds. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks FULFILLMENT, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: To climb a hill that hungers for the sky Last Line: And to die bleeding -- consummate with life. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks GEE-UP DAR, MULES, by EDWIN FORD PIPER Poem Text First Line: He stood up in our khaki with the poise Last Line: "gwan-n, mules! Gee-up dar, mules!" Subject(s): African Americans; Heroism; Negroes; American Blacks; Heroes; Heroines GETHSEMANE, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All that night I walked alone and wept Last Line: I said your name but silence answered me Subject(s): African Americans; Gethsemane; Negroes; American Blacks GOD'S BRANDED CHILD, by HERMAN J. D. CARTER Poem Text First Line: Singed / by god Last Line: Since I am black? Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks GOIN' BACK, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He stood beside the station rail Last Line: "it's joy, he's goin' back to-day." Subject(s): African Americans; Homecoming; Negroes; American Blacks GOOD MORNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Good morning, daddy! / I was born here, he said Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): From Montage Of A Dream Deferred: Good Morning Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks GOOD NIGHT, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The lark is silent in his nest Last Line: Good-night, my love, good-night, good-night. Subject(s): African Americans; Night; Negroes; American Blacks; Bedtime GOOD TIMES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My daddy has paid the rent Subject(s): Family Life; African Americans; Family Life; United States; Relatives; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives; America GOOD TIMES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My daddy has paid the rent Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives; America GRADUATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cinnamon and rayon / jet and coconut eyes Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks GRANDFATHER, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In 1915 my grandfather's / neighbors surrounded his house Subject(s): African Americans; Grandparents; Negroes; American Blacks; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers GRASS FINGERS, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Touch me, touch me Last Line: With your tiny, timorous toes. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Grass; Negroes; American Blacks GYPSY MAN, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ma man's a gypsy / cause he never does come home Last Line: Sho can't find no ease. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Love - Nature Of; Negroes; American Blacks HARD DADDY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went to ma daddy Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers & Daughters; Negroes; American Blacks HARD ROCK RETURNS TO PRISON FROM THE HOSPITAL FOR THE CRIMINAL INSANE, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Hard rock / was / 'known not to take no shit Subject(s): African Americans; Insanity; Korean War, 1950-1953; Prisons & Prisoners; Surgery; Negroes; American Blacks; Madness; Mental Illness; Convicts HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What happens to a dream deferred Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Dream Deferred;lenox Avenue Mural;harlem: 2;from Montage Of A Dream Deferred: Harlem (2) Subject(s): African Americans; Dreams; Gays & Lesbians; Men; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Nightmares; Homoeroticism; Lesbians; Gay Women; Gay Men; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry HARVEST SONG, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a reaper whose muscles set at sundown. All my oats are cradled Subject(s): African Americans; Harvest; Hunger; Negroes; American Blacks HEGIRA, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, black man, why do you northward roam, and leave all the farm lands bare? Last Line: Combat ajar! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks HELEN KELLER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She, / in the dark Last Line: Of inner power. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Keller, Helen (1880-1968); Negroes; American Blacks HER STORY, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: They gave me the wrong name, in the first place Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks HERITAGE, by GWENDOLYN B. BENNETT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I want to see the slim palm-trees Last Line: Hidden by a minstrel-smile. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks HIGH TO LOW, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: God knows / we have our troubles, too Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks HOMAGE TO THE EMPRESS OF THE BLUES, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Because there was a man somewhere in a candystripe silk shirt Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Singing & Singers; Smith, Bessie (1894-1937); Negroes; American Blacks; Songs HOMESICK BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: De railroad bridge's / a sad song in de air Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Homesickness; Railroads; Negroes; American Blacks; Railways; Trains HONOUR'S APPEAL TO JUSTICE, by OLIVA WARD BUSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Unjust, untrue, is he who dares Last Line: For right and right alone we plead. Alternate Author Name(s): Bush-banks, Oliva Ward Subject(s): African Americans; Justice; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs HOPE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes when I'm lonely Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Friendship; Negroes; American Blacks HOPE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He rose up on his dying bed / and asked for fish Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Friendship; Negroes; American Blacks I HAVE SEEN BLACK HANDS, by RICHARD WRIGHT Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am black and I have seen black hands, millions and millions of them Subject(s): African Americans; Social Problems; Negroes; American Blacks I, TOO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I, too, sing america. / I am the darker brother Last Line: I, too, am america. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Epilogue;i, Too, Sing America Subject(s): African Americans; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America IF WE MUST DIE, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If we must die, let it not be like hogs Last Line: Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back! Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Courage; Death; Honor; Social Protest; World War I; Negroes; American Blacks; Valor; Bravery; Dead, The; First World War IN KNOWLWEDGE OF YOUNG BOYS, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: I knew you before you had a mother Last Line: Brave before memory Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks INCIDENT, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once riding in old baltimore Subject(s): African Americans; Baltimore, Maryland; Racism; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry INVOCATION, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Let me be buried in the rain Last Line: Grow high above my head. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks IS IT BECAUSE I AM BLACK?, by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. Poem Text First Line: Why do men smile when I speak Last Line: Is it because I am black? Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks IT WAS A FUNKY DEAL, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: It was a funky deal Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks IT'S NATION TIME, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Time to get / together Last Line: It's nation / time! Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks JAM SESSION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Letting midnight / out on bail Last Line: Pop-a-da Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks JAZZONIA, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, silver tree! Last Line: Six long-headed jazzers play. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks JOHN BROWN; MEMORIAL TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've been to palestine Last Line: Old john brown. Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel Subject(s): Abolitionists; African Americans; Brown, John (1800-1859); Consolation; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs JUKE BOX LOVE SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I could take the harlem night Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City); Love; Singing & Singers; Negroes; American Blacks; Songs KA 'BA, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A closed window looks down Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Ethnic Groups - United States; Minorities - United States; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks KEF 24, by HENRY DUMAS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lay sixteen bales down in front on the plank Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry KID STUFF, by FRANK HORNE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: The wise guys Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The KIN, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity KITCHENETTE BUILDING, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: We are things of dry hours and the involuntary plan Last Line: We think of lukewarm water, hope to get in it. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I always like summer / best Last Line: And sleep Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Americans; Appalachia; Family Life; Knoxville, Tennessee; Summer; United States; Women; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives; America KU KLUX, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They took me out Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Ku Klux Klan; Negroes; American Blacks LADY'S BOOGIE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: See that lady / dressed so fine? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LEADBELLY GIVES AN AUTOGRAPH, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pat your foot / and turn the corner. Nat turner, dying wood Last Line: Burned to death / in south carolina Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Ledbetter, Huddie [leadbelly] (1888-1949); Negroes; American Blacks LEDA 2: A NOTE ON VISITATIONS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes another star chooses Last Line: Is the only shining thing. Subject(s): African Americans; Guests; Leda; Mythology - Classical; Negroes; American Blacks; Visiting LEE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother's people Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers; Generals; Lee, Robert Edward (1807-1870); Slavery; Southern States; Virginia (state); Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) LEGACY: MY SOUTH, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: What desperate nightmare rapts me to this land Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) LEROY, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wanted to know my mother when she sat Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks LETTER TO MY SISTER, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It is dangerous for a woman to defy the gods Last Line: The gods their god-like fun. Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks LIFE IS FINE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I went down to the river Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LIKE DECORATIONS IN A NIGGER CEMETERY, by WALLACE STEVENS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the far south the sun of autum is passing Subject(s): African Americans; Cemeteries; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Graveyards; South (u.s.) LILL' ANGELS, by BEATRICE WITTE RAVENEL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Mammy rocks the baby Last Line: Se . . . Ebbenty-t'ree. . . . Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LINES TO A NASTURTIUM (A LOVER MUSES), by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Flame-flower, day-torch, mauna loa Last Line: Beating, beating. Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks LITTLE BROWN BABY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Little brown baby wif spa'klin' eyes Last Line: Little brown baby wif spa'klin eyes! Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Babies; Negroes; American Blacks; Infants LITTLE LYRIC (OF GREAT IMPORTANCE), by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wish the rent Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LONG TRIP, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sea is a wilderness of waves Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Sea; Negroes; American Blacks; Ocean LOW TO HIGH, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How can you forget me? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks LUCK, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes a crumb falls Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Luck; Negroes; American Blacks LYNCHED NEGRO, by MAXWELL BODENHEIM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your downcast, harlequin, defenceless face Last Line: Corrects the tongues of bungling, churlish men. Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry MADAM AND THE PHONE BILL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You say I o.K.Ed / long distance? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MADAM'S CALLING CARDS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I had some cards printed Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MADAM'S PAST HISTORY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My name is johnson Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America MALCOLM, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nobody mentioned war Last Line: Screaming through the streets Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MALCOLM, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Do not speak to me of martyrdom Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MALCOLM, by ALICE WALKER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Those who say they knew you Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MALCOLM REMEMBERED (FEB. '77), by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Malcolm / callin you back thru years Last Line: Until our victory, comrade malcolm, until our victory! Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MALCOLM X, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Original / ragged-round Subject(s): African Americans; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Negroes; American Blacks MASSA'S IN DE COLD GROUND, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Round de meadows am a ringing Last Line: "down in de corn fields, etc" Subject(s): African Americans;death;slavery;tears; "negroes;american Blacks;dead, The;serfs; MATERNITY, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text 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 MCDONOGH DAY IN NEW ORLEANS, by MARCUS B. CHRISTIAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The cotton blouse you wear, your mother said Last Line: How dear comes beauty when a skin is black. Subject(s): African Americans; Beauty; Negroes; American Blacks ME AND THE MULE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My old mule / he's got a grin on his face Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MEMPHIS BLUES, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nineveh, tyre / babylon Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MEN WORKING, by SUSIE DAWSON JOHNSON Poem Text First Line: Slick and languid blacks in garments dimmed Last Line: Sun-drenched in sweat this lazy summer morn. Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers MERRY-GO-ROUND, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where is the jim crow section Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks MIDDLE PASSAGE, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jesus, estrella, esperanza, mercy Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MIDWAY, by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Full Text Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: I've come this far to freedom and I won't turn back Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks MIDWINTER BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the middle of the winter Last Line: Won't need no flowers from the store. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MINOR MIRACLE, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Which reminds me of another knock-on-wood Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Regret; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry MISS BLUES'ES CHILD, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If the blues would let me Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Negroes; American Blacks MISSISSIPPI, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Death surrounds itself with the living Subject(s): Names; African Americans; Racism; Mississippi; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry MOBILE-BUCK, by JAMES EDWIN CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O, come erlong, come erlong Last Line: Well done, meh lady! Subject(s): African Americans; Dancing & Dancers; Gullahs; Negroes; American Blacks MOLLY MOOR, by GEORGE FAREWELL Poem Text First Line: Tully, the queen of beauty's boast Last Line: When she is up to ceres gone. Subject(s): African Americans; Courts & Courtiers; Negroes; American Blacks; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens MOON OF HUNGER, MOON OF COYOTE HOWL, by JUDY JORDAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heat waves rose with gas fumes from the pump Last Line: Earth this dark, dark star Subject(s): Automobiles - Service Stations; African Americans; Family Life; Poverty; Gasoline Stations; Filling Stations; Automobile Repair Shops; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives MOONLIGHT IN VALENCIA: CIVIL WAR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Moonlight in valencia Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Spanish Civil War (1936-1939); Negroes; American Blacks MORNING, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The mist has left the greening plain Last Line: "'tis morning, 'tis morning." Subject(s): African Americans; Morning; Negroes; American Blacks MORNING AFTER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was so sick last night I Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks MORNING LIGHT (THE DEW-DRIER), by MARY EFFIE LEE NEWSOME Poem Full Text First Line: Brother to the firefly Alternate Author Name(s): Newsome, Effie Lee Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks MOTHER TO SON, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, son, I'll tell you Last Line: And life for me ain't been no crystal stair. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Mothers; Negroes; American Blacks MOTTO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I play it cool Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MOURNING POEM FOR THE QUEEN OF SUNDAY, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lord's lost him his mockingbird Subject(s): African Americans; Mourning; Negroes; American Blacks; Bereavement MOVE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They had begun to whisper Last Line: Move / away Subject(s): African Americans; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Negroes; American Blacks MOVIES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The roosevelt, renaissance, gem, alhambra Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Motion Pictures; Negroes; American Blacks; Movies; Cinema MULATTO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am your son, white man! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MUSE & DRUDGE (2), by HARRYETTE MULLEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Why these blues come from us Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MY AUNT ELLA MAE, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She was the first to tell me of juneteenth Subject(s): Aunts; African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives MY FATHER'S STORY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There is an ancient story Last Line: Mindless of the winter's blast. Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs MY HEART HAS KNOWN ITS WINTER, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A little while spring will claim its own Last Line: My heart has known its winterand carried gall Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks MY OLD KENTUCKY HOME, by STEPHEN COLLINS FOSTER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The sun shines bright on our old kentucky home Last Line: For our old kentucky home far away. Variant Title(s): My Old Kentucky Home, Good-night!;my Old Kentucky Home, Negro Song Subject(s): Absence; African Americans; Homesickness; Kentucky; Separation; Isolation; Negroes; American Blacks MY PEOPLE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The night is beautiful Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Variant Title(s): Poem Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks NAOMI WATCHES AS RUTH SLEEPS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She clings to me Last Line: I can grieve in peace. Subject(s): African Americans; Naomi (bible); Peace; Women In The Bible; Negroes; American Blacks NECESSITY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Work? / I don't have to work Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Men; Negroes; American Blacks NEGRO, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a negro Last Line: Black like the depths of my africa. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blacks - History; Negroes; American Blacks NEGROES, by MAXWELL BODENHEIM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The loose eyes of an old man Last Line: Softened in a long-forgotten cradle. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks NEGROES, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One night in april or may Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Cruelty; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry NEGROES LYNCHED IN MISSISSIPPI, by JOHN FREEMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: So always, justice drowsy and hate rising Last Line: Proffering his blood to pleasure antichrist. Subject(s): African Americans; Capital Punishment; Jesus Christ; Lynching; Mississippi; Murder; Negroes; American Blacks; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty NEIGHBOR, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Down home / he sets on a stoop Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City); Negroes; American Blacks NEON SIGNS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wonder bar / wishing well / monterey Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem (new York City); Negroes; American Blacks NIGGER, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am the nigger Last Line: I am the nigger. Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry NIGHT FUNERAL IN HARLEM, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Night funeral Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks NIGHT, DEATH, MISSISSIPPI, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A quavering cry. Screech-owl? Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; South (u.s.) NOCTURNE AT BETHESDA, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I thought I saw an angel flying low Subject(s): African Americans; Bible; Religion; Negroes; American Blacks; Theology NORTHBOUN', by LUCY ARIEL WILLIAMS Poem Text First Line: O' de wurl' ain't flat Last Line: I'm upward boun'. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks NUMBERS, LETTERS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you're not home, where Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks O SOUTHLAND!, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O southland! O southland! Last Line: The faint one at his side. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; South (u.s.) OCTOBER 16: THE RAID, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Perhaps / you will remember Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks ODE TO BIG TREND, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pretty soon the negroes were looking to get paid. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; African Americans; Work; Workers; Negroes; American Blacks ODE TO ETHIOPIA, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: O mother race! To thee I bring Last Line: Of ethiopia's glory. Subject(s): African Americans; Ethiopia; Negroes; American Blacks OF DE WITT WILLIAMS ON HIS WAY TO LINCOLN CEMETERY, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: He was born in alabama Last Line: Nothing but a plain black boy. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks OH, MY GOLDEN SLIPPERS AM LAID AWAY, by JAMES A. BLAND Poem Full Text Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Marriage; Shoes; Negroes; American Blacks; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Boots; Sneakers; Shoemakers OL' DOC' HYAR, by JAMES EDWIN CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ur ol' hyar lib in ur house on de hill Last Line: Een de mighty fine house on de mighty high hill! Subject(s): African Americans; Greed; Gullahs; Negroes; American Blacks; Avarice; Cupidity OLD BLACK MEN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They have dreamed as young black men dream Last Line: As though they did not care. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): Old Age; African Americans; Dreams; Disappointment; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks; Nightmares; Negroes; American Blacks OLD BLACK MEN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They have dreamed as young men dream Last Line: As though they did not care. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks OLD LIBERIA IS NOT THE PLACE FOR ME, by JOSHUA MCCARTER SIMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Come all ye colonizationists Last Line: In old america! Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Colonialism; Liberia; Negroes; American Blacks OLD WALT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Old walt whitman / went finding and seeking Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry & Poets; Whitman, Walt (1819-1891); Negroes; American Blacks OMNI-ALBERT MURRAY, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: (three four) the ancestors are humming: write a poem, girl Subject(s): African Americans; Ellington, Edward Kennedy ('duke'); New York City; Negroes; American Blacks; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple ON A HIGHWAY EAST OF SELMA, ALABAMA; JULY 1965, by GREGORY ORR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As the sheriff remarked: I had no business being there. He was Last Line: And still he refuses to swallow. Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi; Prisons & Prisoners; Racism; Selma, Alabama; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry ON THE BIRTH OF BOMANI, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We have taken the best leaves Last Line: Art that made you fill your heart Subject(s): African Americans; Love - Cultural Differences; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks OUR GRANDMOTHERS, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She lay, skin down in the moist dirt Subject(s): African Americans; Grandparents; Grandparents; Negroes; American Blacks; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers OUTCAST, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For the dim regions whence my fathers came Last Line: Under the white man's menace, out of time. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PAGE 34, by HARRYETTE MULLEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: If your complexion is a mess Subject(s): African Americans; Skin Color; Negroes; American Blacks PARADE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Seven ladies / and seventeen gentlemen Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PARS DE HAT EROUN', by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ef yer wants ter gain de kingdom,' Last Line: The end. Subject(s): African Americans; Clergy; Deception; Money; Public Worship; Salvation; Negroes; American Blacks; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Church Attendance PATENT BROWN STOUT, by HORACE SMITH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A brewer, in a country town Last Line: "and boil him down at every brewing?" Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Horatio Subject(s): African Americans; Drinks & Drinking; Negroes; American Blacks; Wine PATRIOTISM AND A PENSION, by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ole fo'th ob july Last Line: An' one jes' fo' comin' out alive. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Army - United States; Fourth Of July; Patriotism; Negroes; American Blacks; Independence Day PEOPLE OF WATTS, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where we come from, sometimes, beauty Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): Los Angeles; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PERSONAL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In an envelope marked: personal Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PERSONAL LETTER NO. 3, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nothing will keep Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PERSPECTIVE, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some day Last Line: That wound me! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PIRATE LEGEND, by DUBOSE HEYWARD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Under the feet of a tall machine Last Line: Driven city stumbled from its sleep. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks POEM, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Little brown boy / slim, dark, big-eyed Last Line: You are. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks POEM ABOUT POLICE VIOLENCE, by JUNE JORDAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell me something Last Line: You think the accident rate would lower subsequently Subject(s): United States - Race Relations; Racism; African Americans; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Negroes; American Blacks POEM COMPOSED FOR .. THE VIGILANT COMMITTEE OF PHILADELPHIA, by DANIEL ALEXANDER PAYNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Rise, god of freedom! From thy throne of light Last Line: "be free! Be free! Ye ransomed lands, be free!" Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs; America POEM FOR HALFWHITE COLLEGE STUDENTS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Who are you, listening to me, who are you Last Line: You might be surprised right out the window, whistling dixie on the way in Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks POEM FOR MY FATHER, by QUINCY TROUPE Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: Father, it was an honor to be there, in the dugout Last Line: Father, a harbinger, of shock waves, soon come Subject(s): African Americans; Baseball; Fathers & Sons; Sports; Negroes; American Blacks POEM TO NEGRO AND WHITES, by MAXWELL BODENHEIM Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The elevator rises, negro men Last Line: The mutual rescues, quiet, understood. Subject(s): African Americans; Racial Equality; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks POMP'S DEFENSE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I stole dem breeches, I 'knowledge de corn Last Line: Ter steal dem breeches ter be baptize' in. Subject(s): African Americans; Baptism; Religion; Negroes; American Blacks; Christenings; Theology PORTRAITURE, by ANITA SCOTT COLEMAN Poem Text Poem Explanation First Line: Black men are the tall trees that remain standing Last Line: Black men are the tall trees that remain standing in a forest after a fire. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks PREFACE TO A TWENTY VOLUME SUICIDE NOTE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Lately, I've become accustomed to the way Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers & Daughters; Negroes; American Blacks PREFERENCE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I likes a woman six or eight and ten years older'n myself Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Love - Age Differences; Negroes; American Blacks PRIMER FOR BLACKS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Blackness/is a title Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks PROJECTION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the day when the savoy Last Line: Wonderful! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Divine, Father (george Baker, 1877-1965); Harlem (new York City); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks PURPLE VEINS, by MILDRED FOWLER FIELD Poem Text First Line: He dreamed - just once - of touching a white woman Last Line: Reeling trees and rippled purple silence! Subject(s): African Americans; Colors; Racism; White (color); Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry RACE, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Sometimes I think about great-uncle paul who left tuskegee, Last Line: Here a poem tells a story, a story about race Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks RAILROAD AVENUE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dusk dark / on railroad avenue Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks RAIN-SONGS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The rain streams down like harp-strings from the sky Last Line: He plays upon the harp-strings of the rain. Subject(s): African Americans; Rain; Negroes; American Blacks REFLECTIONS AFTER THE JUNE 12TH MARCH FOR DISARMAMENT, by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have come to you tonite out of the depths Subject(s): African Americans; Disarmament; Negroes; American Blacks REMEMBERING NAT TURNER, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We saw a bloody sunset over courtland, once jerusalem Last Line: The marker split for kindling a kitchen fire. Subject(s): African Americans; Jerusalem; Slavery; Turner, Nat (1800-1831); Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs REQUEST, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gimme $25.00 / and the change Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks RESURRECTION OF THE DAUGHTER, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The family had been ill for some time Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): African Americans; Daughters; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives RETURN OF THE NATIVE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Harlem is vicious / modernism Last Line: Are so familiar Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks REUNION 2005, by RITA DOVE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Thirty seconds into the barbecue, Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks REVERIE ON THE HARLEM RIVER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Did you ever go down to the river Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Harlem River, New York; Negroes; American Blacks RIOT, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: John cabot, out of wilma, once a wycliffe Subject(s): African Americans; Civil Rights Movement; Negroes; American Blacks ROBERT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Was born obedient / without questions Last Line: The color of his life / was nigger Subject(s): African Americans; Obedience; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs ROBERT WHITMORE, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Having attained success in business Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks RULERS, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It is said many a king in troubled europe would sell his crown Last Line: In philadelphia. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SAME IN BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said to my baby, / baby, take it slow Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SAMSON PREDICTS FROM GAZA THE PHILADELPHIA FIRE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It will be your hair Last Line: If you do not they will Subject(s): African Americans; Fire; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Samson; Survival; Negroes; American Blacks SAYINGS OF HENRY STEPHENS, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you get enough money Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Farm Life; Coal Mines & Miners; Springfield, Illinois'; Strikes; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Agriculture; Farmers; Labor Disputes; Lockouts SCOTTSBORO, TOO, IS WORTH ITS SONG, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SELF PORTRAIT, by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would be Subject(s): Self; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SENSES OF HERITAGE, by NTOZAKE SHANGE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My grandpa waz a doughboy from carolina Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, Paulette Subject(s): Race Awareness; African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Trees; Moon; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity; Relatives SEVENTH STREET, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Money burns the pocket, pocket hurts Subject(s): African Americans; City & Town Life; Social Commentaries; United States - Prohibition (1919-1933); Negroes; American Blacks SHAFRO, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Now that my afro's as big as shaft's Last Line: I grow beautiful as the theatre dims Subject(s): Shaft (fictional Character); African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SHEPHERD'S SONG AT CHRISTMAS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Look there at the star! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Christmas; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The SIMON LEGREE: NEGRO SERMON; MEMORIAL TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Legree's big house was white and green Last Line: Down, down with the devil. Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SINGING NIGGER, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your bony head, jazbo, o dock walloper, Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SISTER LOU, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Honey Last Line: Honey, take yo' bressed time. Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Railroads; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Railways; Trains SITUATION, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I rolled three 7's Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SKIN TRADE, by REGINALD SHEPHERD Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: And then I said, that's what it means Subject(s): Rivers; Longing; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SLAVES, by JAMES GRAINGER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Yet, planter, let humanity prevail.- / perhaps the negro, in his native land Last Line: The blacks should cultivate the cane-land isles. Subject(s): African Americans; Oppression; Plantation Life; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SO LONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So long / is in the song Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SON TO MOTHER, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I start no Last Line: "before I annihilate Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SONG, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sons of slaves and Last Line: A life of death is the death of life Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SONG, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am the dusk Last Line: O brothers mine. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SONG FOR A DARK GIRL, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Way down south in dixie Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Lynching; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) SONG FOR BILLIE HOLIDAY, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What can purge my heart Last Line: Where? Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks SONG OF THE CORN, by JAMES EDWIN CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O, hits time fur de plantin' ur de co'n Last Line: O, hits time fur de eatin' ur de co'n. Subject(s): African Americans; Corn; Gullahs; Negroes; American Blacks SONG OF THE SON, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pour, o pour that parting soul in song Subject(s): African Americans; Holidays; New Year; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SONNET TO A NEGRO IN HARLEM, by HELENE JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: You are disdainful and magnificent Last Line: You are too splendid for this city street. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Americans; Harlem (new York City); United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America SOS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Calling black people Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Alphabet Verse; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks SOUNDING, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And so the seasons, they tell us Last Line: Blind visionaries babbling Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry SOUTH, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: I returned to a stand of pines, / bone-thin phalanx Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi; Slavery; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) SOUTHERN MANSION, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poplars are standing there still as death Subject(s): African Americans; Haunted Houses; Southern States; Supernatural; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) SOUTHERN ROAD, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Swing dat hammer - hunh - / steady, bo' Subject(s): African Americans; Roads; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Paths; Trails; South (u.s.) SOUVENIR FROM ANYWHERE, by HARRYETTE MULLEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: People of color untie-dyed Subject(s): African Americans; Race Awareness; Negroes; American Blacks SPEAKING OF TRAINS: INCOGNITO: WOMAN IN BLUE, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poet's Biography First Line: The streets are empty tonight Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SPEAKING OF TRAINS: MOVEMENT 2: HOW TO MEET THE TRAIN, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poet's Biography First Line: I have a method Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SPEAKING OF TRAINS: SOUTH TRAIN STUDY, MOVEMENT 1, by BRENDA MARIE OSBEY Poet's Biography First Line: In the early morning hours Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SPRING SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A bluebell springs upon the ledge Last Line: Of spring, spring, spring! Subject(s): African Americans; Love; Spring; Negroes; American Blacks STATIONS, by PHILIP BOOTH Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The old, their big shoulders humped Last Line: To end, the far side of the macon station Subject(s): African Americans; Railroad Stations; Negroes; American Blacks STATUS SYMBOL, by MARI E. EVANS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I / have arrived Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks STILL HERE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've been scarred and battered Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks STRANGE FRUIT, by JOY HARJO Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was out in the early evening, taking a walk in the fields to think about this Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Lynching; Music & Musicians; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry STRANGE HURT [SHE KNOWS], by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In times of stormy weather Last Line: Naked through the cold. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks STREET SONG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Jack, if you got to be a rounder Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks STRONG MEN, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They dragged you from the homeland Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Slavery; Social Protest; Strength; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Serfs SUICIDE'S NOTE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The calm / cool face of the river Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SWEET MEAT HAS SOUR SAUCE; OR, THE SLAVE-TRADER IN THE DUMPS, by WILLIAM COWPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A trader I am to the african shore Last Line: Which nobody can deny. Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Slavery; Trade; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SYLVESTER'S DYING BED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I woke up this mornin' Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks SYMPATHY (2), by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: I know what the caged bird feels, alas! Last Line: I know why the caged bird sings! Subject(s): African Americans; Birdcages; Freedom; Sympathy; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty; Empathy TAG, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Little cullud boys / with fears Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE AMERICAN BLACK (A STUDY IN RACE CONSCIOUSNESS), by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE Poem Text First Line: Night! Night! / and of the dawn no promise. Wrong is right Last Line: And dream of freedom that is not a name. Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; Pain; Slavery; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty; Suffering; Misery; Serfs THE ARTISTS' AND MODELS' BALL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Wonders do not confuse. We call them that Last Line: Our backs they alter. How were we to know Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE BLACK FAMILY PLEDGE, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Because we have forgotten our ancestors Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity THE BLACK FINGER, by ANGELINA WELD GRIMKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have just seen a most beautiful thing Last Line: And why are you pointing upwards? Subject(s): African Americans; Fingers; Nature; Negroes; American Blacks THE BLACK MAN IS MAKING NEW GODS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Atheist jews double crossers stole our secrets crossed Last Line: And put you back in a cold box Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE BLACK SAMPSON, by JOSEPHINE DEPHINE HENDERSON HEARD Poem Text First Line: There's a sampson lying, sleeping in the land Last Line: By his mighty arm his rights shall be obtained! Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs THE BOOK OF THE DEAD: GEORGE ROBINSON: BLUES, by MURIEL RUKEYSER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gauley bridge is a good town for negroes, they let us stand Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Illness; Dust; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers THE BRIDGE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I have forgotten the head Last Line: (when you have let the song run out) will be sliding through unmentionable black Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE CHICAGO DEFENDER SENDS A MAN TO LITTLE ROCK, FALL, 1957, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In little rock the people bear / babes, and comb and part their hair Variant Title(s): The Chicago Defender Sends A Man To Little Rock Subject(s): African Americans; Civil Rights Movement; Negroes; American Blacks THE CHILDREN OF THE POOR, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: People who have no children can be hard Last Line: Holding the bandage ready for your eyes Variant Title(s): "people Who Have No Children Can Be Hard""; Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE COLORED BAND, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: W'en de colo'ed ban' comes ma'chin down Last Line: W'en de colo'ed ban' goes ma'chin' down de street. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song & Music; Negroes; American Blacks THE CREATION (A NEGRO SERMON), by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And god stepped out on space Last Line: Amen. Amen. Subject(s): African Americans; Religion; Time; Negroes; American Blacks; Theology THE DAILY GRIND, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: If nature says to you Last Line: God has blest you. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE DARKY'S HEAVEN, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O dis worl' am full ob trouble Last Line: It will sho-li take de cake. Subject(s): African Americans; Heaven; Negroes; American Blacks; Paradise THE DAY-BREAKERS, by ARNA BONTEMPS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are not come to wage a strife Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE DESCENT OF THE AERONAUT, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A gang of darkies, hoeing corn one day Last Line: "good-mornin', massa jesus, how's yer paw'?" Subject(s): African Americans; Flight; Jesus Christ; Negroes; American Blacks; Flying THE DESERT DISILLUSION, by BERTON BRALEY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, ladies who seek for a peek at a sheik Last Line: But don't go away to sahara! Subject(s): African Americans; Sahara Desert; Negroes; American Blacks THE DESERTED PLANTATION, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, de grubbin'-hoe's a-rustin' in de co'nah Last Line: An' calls me to my qua'ters in de sky. Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) THE DIRT-EATERS, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tra / dition Last Line: Of / dirt Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE DOLLAR SPEAKS TO THE YOUNG NEGRO (TO EDITOR I. WILLIS COLE), by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. Poem Text First Line: Sable brother, are you clinging Last Line: Wedding may-time to the years. Subject(s): African Americans; Brotherhood; Negroes; American Blacks THE EVENT, by RITA DOVE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ever since they'd left the tennessee ridge Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE EXILE, by FORD MADOX FORD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My father had many oxen Last Line: Of hirelings once queen's daughters and slaves the seed of kings. Alternate Author Name(s): Hueffer, Ford Hermann; Hueffer, Ford Madox Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) THE FARM CHILD'S LULLABY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, the little bird is rocking in the cradle of the wind Last Line: So bye, my little wee one, bye. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE FAVORITE SLAVE'S STORY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Well son de story of my life Last Line: She's told her ma you see. Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs THE FUGITIVE, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With bleeding back, from tyrant's lash Last Line: His free, allotted days. Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs THE FUNERAL OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: His headstone said / free at last, free at last Last Line: And preached non-violence Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968); Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty THE HUSBAND'S RETURN, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The proud, majestic southern sun Last Line: And lit with joy his way. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States THE IDEA OF ANCESTRY, by ETHERIDGE KNIGHT Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: Taped to the wall of my cell are 47 pictures: 47 black Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Fathers; Korean War, 1950-1953; Men; Prayer; Prisons & Prisoners; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity; Convicts THE INTERRUPTED REPROOF, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Zella wheeler! Did I evah? Last Line: Mussy sakes! Go bresh yo' ha' Subject(s): African Americans; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks THE INVENTION OF COMICS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am a soul in the world: in Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE MOTHER, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Abortions will not let you forget Last Line: All. Subject(s): Abortion; African Americans; African Americans - Women; Mothers; Negroes; American Blacks THE MULATTO TO HIS CRITICS, by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. Poem Text First Line: Ashamed of my race? Last Line: And puts sweet music into my soul. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE NEGRO BOATMAN'S SONG, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "oh, praise and tanks! De lord he come" Last Line: Or death-rune of our doom! Subject(s): African Americans;american Civil War;freedom;slavery;u.s. - History; Negroes;american Blacks;liberty;serfs THE NEGRO'S TRAGEDY, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is the negro's tragedy I feel Last Line: The negro laughs and prays to god for light! Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE NIGHT THAT LORCA COMES, by BOB KAUFMAN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: The white south shall gather / at preservation hall Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.); Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE OCTOROON, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One drop of midnight in the dawn of life's pulsating stream Last Line: Whose every breath is kindliness, whose hearts are purest gold. Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE OLD FREEDMAN, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: He sits in front of the bright, blazing grate Last Line: He had taken his fight, to his home on high. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE OLD MAMMY, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hush, lil baby, en go ter sleep Last Line: Er heap sight mo' dan his mudder do! Subject(s): African Americans; Babies; Mothers; Sleep; Negroes; American Blacks; Infants THE OLD PLANTATION, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O I'm sick an' tired an' lonely Last Line: Kiss 'em good-night now forever—an' then lay me down to sleep. Subject(s): African Americans; Plantation Life; Slavery; Tennessee; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs THE OLD REPAIR MAN, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: God is the old repair man Last Line: It is good we have the old repair man. Subject(s): African Americans; God; Negroes; American Blacks THE POLISHERS OF BRASS, by TOI DERRICOTTE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am thinking of the men who polish brass in georgetown Last Line: Started, it has already tarnished, and they must begin again Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE PREACHER: RUMINATES BEHIND THE SERMON, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I think it must be lonely to be god Last Line: In solitude. Without a hand to hold. Subject(s): African Americans; God; Negroes; American Blacks THE REACTIONARY POET, by ISHMAEL REED Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If you are a revolutionary Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE RIVALS, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Look heah! Is I evah tole you 'bout de curious / way I won Last Line: "folks, heaben knows!" Subject(s): African Americans; Courtship; Hearts; Love; Single People; Negroes; American Blacks; Bachelors; Unmarried People THE SAND-MAN, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I know a man Last Line: We know the sand-man's come. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SCARLET WOMAN, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Once I was good like the virgin mary and the minister's wife Last Line: Gin is better than all the water in lethe. Subject(s): African Americans; Prostitution; Negroes; American Blacks; Harlots; Whores; Brothels THE SERMON ON THE WARPLAND, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And several strengths from drowsiness campaigned Last Line: "complete; continuous." Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SONG OF THE SMOKE, by WILLIAM EDWARD BURGHARDT DU BOIS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am the smoke king Last Line: I am black. Alternate Author Name(s): Du Bois, W. E. B. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SOUTHERN REFUGEE, by GEORGE MOSES HORTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What sudden ill the world await Last Line: The place of beauty -- my native home. Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) THE SOUTHERN ROAD, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: There the black river, boundary to hell Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Southern States; Underground Railroad; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) THE SPARROW, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: A little bird with plumage brown Last Line: Nor know our loss till they are gone. Subject(s): African Americans; Sparrows; Negroes; American Blacks THE SPIRIT VOICE; OR, LIBERTY CALL TO THE DISENFRANCHISED, by CHARLES L. REASON Poem Text First Line: Come! Rouse ye brothers, rouse! A peal now breaks Last Line: From partial bondage to a life indeed. Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Toussaint L'ouverture (1743-1803); Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty THE SPRING CRICKET CONSIDERS THE QUESTION OF NEGRITUDE, by RITA DOVE Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: I was playing my tunes all by mysel Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SUN DO MOVE', by NAOMI LONG (WITHERSPOON) MADGETT Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Who wouldn't believe Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE SUNDAYS OF SATIN-LEGS SMITH, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Inamoratas, with an approbation Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks THE SUPPLIANT, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Long have I beat with timid hands upon life's leaden door Last Line: The strong demand, contend, prevail; the beggar is a fool! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks THE THINGS IN BLACK MEN?ÇÖS CLOSETS, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: On the top shelf Subject(s): African Americans; Death; Clothing & Dress; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The THE TRUE AMERICAN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: America, here is your son, born of your iron heel Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks THE TURNCOAT, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: An' so ole tho'nton bounced you Last Line: Lizie, tek dis boy away! Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THE WEARY BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Droning a drowsy syncopated tune Last Line: He slept like a rock or a man that's dead. Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Blues (music); Jazz; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks THE WHITE CHRISTS, by GUY FITCH PHELPS Poem Text First Line: The white christs come from the east Last Line: Till the black christs shall be born. Subject(s): African Americans; Jesus Christ; War; Negroes; American Blacks THE WHITE CITY, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I will not toy with it nor bend an inch Last Line: Are sweet like wanton loves because I hate. Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Hate; Men; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry THE WHITE HOUSE, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text 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 THE WOMEN YOU ARE ACCUSTOMED TO, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The edge / of this Last Line: Your burning blood, your dancing tongue Subject(s): African Americans Women; Negroes; American Blacks THE WORLD IS A MIGHTY OGRE, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I could love her with a love so warm Last Line: Have mercy on a humble bard, o lord! Subject(s): African Americans; Longing; Negroes; American Blacks THE WORLD IS FULL OF REMARKABLE THINGS, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Quick night / easy warmth Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks THEME FOR ENGLISH B, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The instructor said / go home and write Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Schools; Negroes; American Blacks; Students THEY CLAPPED, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They clapped when we landed Last Line: Dream they saw a free future Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THIS IS A FATHERLAND TO ME, by JOSEPH CEPHAS HOLLY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh! Tell me not of fatherland Last Line: We may abide if anywhere. Subject(s): African Americans; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; America THIS IS THE END, by JEAN DE BOSSCHERE Poem Text First Line: Open the divine comedy Last Line: Still stick to his fingers. ... Subject(s): African Americans; Children; Comedy; Laughter; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Childhood; Serfs THREE MODES OF HISTORY AND CULTURE, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Chalk mark sex of the nation, on walls we drummers Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks THURSDAY EVENING BEDTIME, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Afraid of the dark / is afraid of mom Subject(s): African Americans; Family Life; Negroes; American Blacks; Relatives THWARTED, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Down in the cabin all things were gay Last Line: "good bye uncle sam,"" comes with a foiled grin." Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks TIME THE HANGMAN, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Poor old abner, poor old white-haired nigger Last Line: Are on your knees, and you are silent and broken. Subject(s): African Americans; Old Age; Negroes; American Blacks TIRED, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I am tired of work; I am tired of building up somebody else's civilization Last Line: I am tired of civilization. Subject(s): African Americans; Civilization; Social Protest; Negroes; American Blacks TO A DARK MOSES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You are the one Subject(s): African Americans; Moses; Negroes; American Blacks TO A HUSBAND, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Your voice at times a fist Last Line: I sit at home and see it all / through you Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Love - Marital; Negroes; American Blacks; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love TO A YOUNG WIFE, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was a fool to dream that you Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Negroes; American Blacks TO AMY, by OLIVER MURRAY EDWARDS Poem Text First Line: Once on a time there was a girl Last Line: Just like the monkeys in the zoo. Subject(s): African Americans; Children; Girls; Negroes; American Blacks; Childhood TO BOBBY SEALE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Feel free Last Line: Was made for / men Subject(s): African Americans; Seale, Bobby (b. 1936); Negroes; American Blacks TO P.J. (2 YRS OLD WHO SED WRITE A POEM FOR ME IN PORTLAND, OREGON), by SONIA SANCHEZ Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If I cud ever write a Subject(s): African Americans; Poetry & Poets; Negroes; American Blacks TO THE DIASPORA: YOU DID NOT KNOW YOU WERE AFRIKA, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When you set out for afrika Last Line: Your work, that was done, to be done to be done to be done Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors & Ancestry; Negroes; American Blacks; Heritage; Heredity TO THE WHITE FIENDS, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Think you I am not fiend and savage too? Last Line: To show thy little lamp: go forth, go forth! Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry TOBY'S REPLY, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O toby was a darky who could pick the banjo fine Last Line: "wait on de students, massa."" he promptly made reply." Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Universities & Colleges; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers TONGUE-TIED IN BLACK AND WHITE, by MICHAEL S. HARPER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In los angeles / while the mountains cleared of smog Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks TRUMPET PLAYER, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The negro / with the trumpet at his lips Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song & Music; Music & Musicians; Negroes; American Blacks TUSKEGEE, by LESLIE PINCKNEY HILL Poem Text First Line: Wherefore this busy labor without rest? Last Line: The south will wear eternally a stain. Subject(s): African Americans; Southern States; Tuskegee Institute; Negroes; American Blacks; South (u.s.) UNCLE IKE'S BIRTHDAY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Well uncle ike! This beats me Last Line: "tank you sah; I must go." Subject(s): African Americans; Birthdays; Uncles; Negroes; American Blacks UNCLE JAKE AND THE LEVEE, by BELLE RICHARDSON HARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: De lord holps dem dat hopls deyselves Last Line: "he ain't de man what I tuck him fur!" Subject(s): African Americans; Doubt; Labor & Laborers; Religion; Negroes; American Blacks; Skepticism; Work; Workers; Theology UNCLE JIMMIE'S YARN, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Did I evah tell you, sonny Last Line: Way back in 'sixty-three Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks UNCLE PETER, by LEILA STEPHENS Poem Text First Line: He was just an old darkey Last Line: "so mah eyes kin see you!" Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks UNDER OBLIGATIONS (A NEGRO PARSON'S CHRISTMAS SERMON), by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I notice dat de weddah's rathah chilsome, mo' o' less, Last Line: Kase yo's undah obligashuns to ole santa claus. Alternate Author Name(s): King, Ben Subject(s): African Americans; Blacks; Christmas; Santa Claus; Sermons; Negroes; American Blacks; Nativity, The; Nicholas, Saint UP FROM SLOBBERY, by HARRYETTE MULLEN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Subject(s): African Americans; Language; Social Commentaries; Negroes; American Blacks; Words; Vocabulary UP-BEAT, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the gutter / boys who try Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks VAGABONDS, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are the desperate Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Labor & Laborers; Negroes; American Blacks; Work; Workers W'Y DE BLACK FOLKS AM SO GOOD, by LOUISE AYRES GARNETT Poem Text First Line: Dere's some w'at says dat de lawd wuz out Last Line: Goes lopin' t'other way. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks W.W., by AMIRI BARAKA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Back home the black women are all beautiful Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Black Nationalism; Negroes; American Blacks WAKE, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tell all my mourners Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WARNING, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Daddy, Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WARNING: AUGMENTED, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Don't let your dog curb you! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WE OWN THE NIGHT, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We are unfair Last Line: We own the night Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WE REAL COOL; THE POOL PLAYERS. SEVEN AT THE GOLDEN SHOVEL, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: We real cool. We / left school. We Last Line: Die soon. Variant Title(s): We Real Cool Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Children; Americans; Death; Labor & Laborers; Men; United States; Youth; Negroes; American Blacks; Dead, The; Work; Workers; America WE WALK THE WAY OF THE NEW WORLD, by HAKI R. MADHUBUTI Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: We run the dangercourse Alternate Author Name(s): Lee, Don L. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WE WEAR THE MASK, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: We wear the mask that grins and lies Last Line: We wear the mask! Subject(s): African Americans; Grief; Hypocrisy; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Sorrow; Sadness; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry WHAT I AM, by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: Fred sanford's on at 12 Last Line: Fred tells lamont Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WHAT?, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some pimps wear summer hats Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WHEN DE CO'N PONE'S HOT, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Dey is times in life when nature Last Line: An' de co'n pone's hot. Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WHEN MALINDY SINGS, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: G'way an' quit dat noise, miss lucy Last Line: Ez malindy sings. Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Song & Music; Singing & Singers; Negroes; American Blacks; Songs WHICH, by ALICE D. LIPPMANN Poem Text First Line: Brown man, brown man, brown man, brother Last Line: Flower the fields where daylight grows? Subject(s): African Americans; Brotherhood; Negroes; American Blacks WHITE THINGS, by ANNE SPENCER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Most things are colorful things - the sky, earth, and sea Last Line: "man-maker, make white!" Alternate Author Name(s): Bannister, Anne Bethel Scales Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WHY ARE THEY HAPPY PEOPLE?, by MAYA ANGELOU Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Skin back your teeth, damn you Last Line: With your kin Subject(s): African Americans; Happiness; Negroes; American Blacks WHY'S/WISE: WISE 1, by AMIRI BARAKA Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography First Line: If you ever find / yourself Last Line: To get / out! Alternate Author Name(s): Jones, Leroi Subject(s): African Americans; Wit & Humor; Negroes; American Blacks WINTER POEM, by YOLANDE CORNELIA GIOVANNI Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Once a snowflake fell Alternate Author Name(s): Giovanni, Nikki Subject(s): African Americans; Winter; Negroes; American Blacks WISHES, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm tired of pacing the petty round of the ring of the thing Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - Women; Wishes; Negroes; American Blacks WOOFER (WHEN I CONSIDER THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN), by TERRANCE HAYES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I consider the much discussed dilemma Last Line: Linked by a blood filled baton in one great historical relay Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks WORLD WAR II, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What a grand time was the war! Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks YARDBIRD'S SKULL, by OWEN DODSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The bird is lost Subject(s): African Americans; Jazz; Music & Musicians; Parker, Charlie ('bird') (1920-1955); Skulls; Negroes; American Blacks YET DO I MARVEL, by COUNTEE CULLEN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I doubt not god is good, well-meaning, kind Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry YOUNG AFRIKANS, by GWENDOLYN BROOKS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Who take today and jerk it out of joint Variant Title(s): Young Africans Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks YOUNG GAL'S BLUES, by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I'm gonna walk to the graveyard Alternate Author Name(s): Hughes, Langston Subject(s): African Americans; Negroes; American Blacks |
|