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



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AMERICA, by                 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


Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,
And sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth,
Stealing my breath of life, I will confess
I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!
Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,
Giving me strength erect against her hate.
Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.
Yet as a rebel fronts a king in state,
I stand within her walls with not a shred
Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.
Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,
And see her might and granite wonders there,
Beneath the touch of Time's unerring hand,
Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.




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