Claude McKay: A Rhapsody Poet - Page 2© Nichel Anderson
Page 2
Oct 16, 2001
During this era, race was a major issue, and the poets, writers, and political thinkers wrote and spoke about these issues very passionately. For the individual in (poets) we find many mentions of a particular word; Shroud. This very word was the center point in a previous review of mine by poet Countee Cullen, The Shoud of Color where Cullen expresses the
same sentiments. I think this is very significant due to these are black men expressing their now freedom but feeling somewhat forced or inclined to be covered in a Shroud. McKay writes:
“Can penetrate into the Negro’s ken, or feel the thickness of the shroud of night, which hides and buries him from other men.”
I feel that McKay wanted to express in The Negro’s Tragedy the history of bondage both physically and spiritually. I viewed his passionate poem to say that his story can only be told by Negro's Ken because they are the ones that have experienced and lived the turmoil each day of their lives.
I truly love it. It has all the makings of true talent. Passion. Such love to speak the truth of his heart. Courageous. It said things that others are afraid to
say - not understanding this process will release their bondage ... and give them their freedom. And so it is.
The Negro's Tragedy
It is the Negro's tragedy I feel
Which binds me like a heavy iron chain,
It is the Negro's wounds I want to heal
Because I know the keenness of his pain.
Only a thorn-crowned Negro and no white
Can penetrate into the Negro's ken,
Or feel the thickness of the shroud of night
Which hides and buries him from other men.
So what I write is urged out of my blood.
There is not a white man who could write my book,
Though many think their story should be told
Of what the Negro people ought to brook.
Our statement roam the world to set things right.
This Negro laughs and prays to God for Light!
By: Claude Mckay (1980 – 1948)
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In response to message posted by Renie_Burghardt:
Hey Renie! Thank you so much for visiting and reading McKay poem, it w ...
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What a wonderful review, Nichel. You put your heart and soul into it. The poem, A Negro's Tragedy, is a beautifully written poem. And of course, it tells it like it is. No white man can truly ever ...
-- posted by Renie_Burghardt
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In response to message posted by w_benefield:
Hey Walter! It is so great to hear from a good old friend. I am glad that y ...
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In response to message posted by Sunbear:
Hi Tom! Thank you so much for visiting and reading my latest poetry review. I r ...
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I digged the article on Claude Mckay. If I'm correct didn't Mckay write a autobiography set in Harlem? I am always amazed by the skill of great poets it is something about putting words down that leav ...
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