Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE SUPPLIANT by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: LONG HAVE I BEAT WITH TIMID HANDS UPON LIFE'S LEADEN DOOR
Last Line: THE STRONG DEMAND, CONTEND, PREVAIL; THE BEGGAR IS A FOOL!
Subject(s): AFRICAN AMERICANS; AFRICAN AMERICANS - WOMEN; NEGROES; AMERICAN BLACKS;

Long have I beat with timid hands upon life's leaden door,
Praying the patient, futile prayer my fathers prayed before,
Yet I remain without the close, unheeded and unheard,
And never to my listening ear is borne the waited word.

Soft o'er the threshold of the years there comes this counsel cool:
The strong demand, contend, prevail; the beggar is a fool!



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