Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PORTRAIT IN GEORGIA by JEAN TOOMER

Poet Analysis

First Line: HAIR--BRAIDED CHESTNUT,
Last Line: of black flesh after flame
Subject(s): LYNCHING; RACISM; GEORGIA (STATE) AFRICAN AMERICANS - WOMEN; RACIAL PREJUDICE; BIGOTRY;
Hair-braided chestnut,
coiled like a lyncher's rope,
Eyes-fagots,
Lips-old scars, or the first red blisters,
Breath-the last sweet scent of cane,
And her slim body, white as the ash
of black flesh after flame.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net