7.4.08
Was the son of slaves, whose father fled to Canada to escape slavery and whose mother was freed after the Civil War. He grew up in Daytona, Ohio, in a household where self-taught readers cherished volumes of history and poetry. His poetry draws from the blues-- spiritual tradition as well as from his reading of European poetry. He became the first widely popular black poet in America.
A maiden wept and, as a comforter, Came one who cried, "I love thee," and he seized Her in his arms and kissed her with hot breath That dried tears upon her flaming cheeks. While evermore his boldly blazing eyes Burned into hers; but she uncomforted Shrank from his arms and only wept more. Then one came and gazed mutely in her face With wide and wistful eyes; but still aloof He held himself; as with a reverent fear, As one who knows some sacred presence nigh. And as she wept he mingled tear with tear. That cheered her soul like dew a dusty flower, -- Until she smiled, approached, and touched his hand! (1872-1906)
written, GeminiSide
