Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TIME THE HANGMAN by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: POOR OLD ABNER, POOR OLD WHITE-HAIRED NIGGER
Last Line: ARE ON YOUR KNEES, AND YOU ARE SILENT AND BROKEN.
Subject(s): AFRICAN AMERICANS; OLD AGE; NEGROES; AMERICAN BLACKS;
Poor old Abner, poor old white-haired nigger!
I remember when you were so strong
you hung yourself by a rope round the neck
in Doc Hollister's barn to prove you could beat
the faker in the circus -- and it didn't kill you.
Now your face is in your hands, and your elbows
are on your knees, and you are silent and broken.



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