Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,
And sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth,
Stealing my breath of life, I will confess
I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!
Her vigor flows like tides into my blood,
Giving me strength erect against her hate.
Her bigness sweeps my being like a flood.
Yet as a rebel fronts a king in state,
I stand within her walls with not a shred
Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer.
Darkly I gaze into the days ahead,
And see her might and granite wonders there,
Beneath the touch of Time's unerring hand,
Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand.
This is a great poem. i love to read Claude McKay's poems. He IS the BEST poet since Shakespeare.
Such an interesting poem presented nicely. Thanks for sharing and congratulations for the poem of the day.
This could be understood as nothing less than an affirmation of his belief in the greatness of America.........well thought out piece excellently crafted........thanks for sharing
I love this poem. As Italian with a denied visa and a consequently denied dream, I feel this poem a lot. Thanks for sharing such an amazing set of emotions.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
alas..........it was written some time back..........america is changed now