[W]e have always resented the natural inclination of most white people to demand spirituals the moment it is known that a Negro is about to sing. So often the request has seemed to savor of the feeling that we could do this and this alone.
For we must be one thing or the other, an asset or a liability, the sinew in your wing to help you soar, or the chain to bind you to earth. - Countee Cullen
For we must be one thing or the other, an asset or a liability, the sinew in your wing to help you soar, or the chain to bind you to earth.
- Countee Cullen
I cut my teeth as the black raccoon-- For implements of battle. - Countee Cullen
I cut my teeth as the black raccoon-- For implements of battle.
There is no secret to success except hard work and getting something indefinable which we call 'the breaks. - Countee Cullen
There is no secret to success except hard work and getting something indefinable which we call 'the breaks.
Lord, I fashion dark gods, too, Daring even to give You Dark despairing features - Countee Cullen
Lord, I fashion dark gods, too, Daring even to give You Dark despairing features
The key to all strange things is in thy heart..../ My spirit has come home, that sailed the doubtful seas. - Countee Cullen
The key to all strange things is in thy heart..../ My spirit has come home, that sailed the doubtful seas.
We were not made to eternally weep. - Countee Cullen
We were not made to eternally weep.
My poetry has become the way of my giving out what music is within me. - Countee Cullen
My poetry has become the way of my giving out what music is within me.
I have a rendezvous with life. - Countee Cullen
I have a rendezvous with life.
If I am going to be a poet at all, I am going to be POET and not NEGRO POET. - Countee Cullen
If I am going to be a poet at all, I am going to be POET and not NEGRO POET.
Login to join the discussion
Login to join the discussion