Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MULATTO, by CLAUDE MCKAY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MULATTO, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Because I am the white man's son - his own
Last Line: To gain the utmost freedom that is life.
Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli
Subject(s): Mulattos; Racism; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry


Because I am the white man's son -- his own
Bearing the bastard birth-mark on my face,
I will dispute his title to his throne,
Forever fight him for my rightful place.
There is a searing hate within my soul,
A hate that only kin can feel for kin,
A hate that makes me vigorous and whole,
And spurs me on increasingly to win.
Because I am my cruel father's child,
My love of justice stirs me up to hate,
A warring Ishmaelite, unreconciled,
When falls the hour I shall not hestitate
Into my father's heart to plunge the knife
To gain the utmost freedom that is life.





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