Arts & Sciences

Poetry

by Claude McKay 1889–1948

From Harlem Shadows

Arts & Sciences

Sometimes I tremble like a storm-swept flower,
And seek to hide my tortured soul from thee.
Bowing my head in deep humility
Before the silent thunder of thy power.
Sometimes I flee before thy blazing light,
As from the specter of pursuing death;
Intimidated lest thy mighty breath,
Windways, will sweep me into utter night.
For oh, I fear they will be swallowed up--
The loves which are to me of vital worth,
My passion and my pleasure in the earth--
And lost forever in thy magic cup!
I fear, I fear my truly human heart
Will perish on the altar-stone of art!

MLA

McKay, Claude. “Poetry.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/mckay/47/.

Chicago

McKay, Claude. “Poetry.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/mckay/47/.

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