Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BARRIER by CLAUDE MCKAY

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: I MUST NOT GAZE AT THEM ALTHOUGH
Last Line: You're fair and I am dark
Subject(s): RACE AWARENESS; LOVE - LOSS OF;
I must not gaze at them although
Your eyes are dawning day;
I must not watch you as you go
Your sun-illumined way;
I hear but I must never heed
The fascinating note,
Which, fluting like a river reed,
Comes from your trembling throat;
I must not see upon your face
Love's softly glowing spark;
For there's the barrier of race,
You're fair and I am dark.



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