In a gay jar upon his shoulder The slave morosely carries wine. His road is rough with bog and boulder, And in the sky no starlights shine. Into the dark with stabbing glances He peers, his careful steps are slow, Lest on his breast as he advances The staining wine should overflow. I bear my amphora of sorrow, Long brimming with the wine it hides; There poison for each waiting morrow Ferments within the painted sides. I follow secret ways and hidden To guard the evil vessel, lest A careless hand should pour unbidden Its bitterness upon my breast. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NOBODY'S LOOKIN' BUT DE OWL AND DE MOON (A NEGRO SERENADE) by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON ITALIAN PICTURES: JULY IN VALLOMBROSA by MINA LOY ACROSS THE RED SKY by KATHERINE MANSFIELD BLACK EAGLE RETURNS TO ST. JOE by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |