The Slave Auction – Poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper 1825-1911
The sale began—young girls were there,
Defenseless in their wretchedness,
Whose stifled sobs of deep despair
Revealed their anguish and distress.
And mothers stood, with streaming eyes,
And saw their dearest children sold;
Unheeded rose their bitter cries,
While tyrants bartered them for gold.
And woman, with her love and truth—
For these in sable forms may dwell—
Gazed on the husband of her youth,
With anguish none may paint or tell.
And men, whose sole crime was their hue,
The impress of their Maker’s hand,
And frail and shrinking children too,
Were gathered in that mournful band.
Ye who have laid your loved to rest,
And wept above their lifeless clay,
Know not the anguish of that breast,
Whose loved are rudely torn away.
Ye may not know how desolate
Are bosoms rudely forced to part,
And how a dull and heavy weight
Will press the life-drops from the heart.
Feb 19, 2016 @ 21:19:52
Wonderful Vera.
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 21:20:53
She was a outstanding poet!
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 21:23:15
An important message too.
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 21:27:42
Absolutely! All of her poems are powerful to the plight, and the fight for freedom.
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 21:30:29
Yes!
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 21:33:36
Blessings and peace Nicodemas!
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 21:35:03
You too my friend.
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 21:35:30
Thank you.
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 22:17:06
Beautiful and heart wrenching… 😢
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 22:41:52
Yes it is Sibella!
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 22:47:47
I don’t understand why the humanity had to go and is going through so much pain… some things I can’t even read because they make me sad for days and cause me physical pain…
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 22:54:44
The feeling is mutual. I want to grasp it all, but it’s not good for the body, soul or spirit. God bless them all!
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 23:01:17
Yes, I agree! Despite all the pain and suffering on this planet we have to remember that God is in control and one day everything will make sense.
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 23:04:23
I too feel this is true. God has a plan. We will walk in His glory when the time is right!!!
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Feb 19, 2016 @ 23:11:02
Amen sister! 💞🙏🏽 Have a wonderful night and peaceful dreams! Gnight my friend!
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Feb 20, 2016 @ 07:40:58
Good morning! Have a great weekend. Iam going out of town to visit someone friends, see you next weeklll 😃 God bless you!!
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Feb 20, 2016 @ 08:24:13
Good morning Vera! That’s what I did yesterday because I had a day off. Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy your friends! Blessings and Peace. ✌️💓
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Feb 20, 2016 @ 10:54:34
Thank you Sibella! Right back at ya. ✌💓👍
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Feb 20, 2016 @ 12:02:49
Thanks, my friend! 💐
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Feb 24, 2016 @ 18:20:09
I wish the Black Poets and writers wrote more in the past. These times cannot be forgotten. The children of today do not undertstand the hate behelded by the USA for race. Black, Native American and women. Last to gain respect and human statue. Only real book about the Native Americans is a book written by a great woman name “Helen Jackson- A century of dishonor”. She gave names of leaders and told of the many massacres. Always a pleasure to read your words my friend.
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Feb 24, 2016 @ 18:44:01
I do too John. You’re correct. I would like to think if all aspects of history was taught, it would impact our youth. They need to know the struggle to appreciate, and respect the ease of their lives today. I will have to read ..A century of dishonor.. Thank you John!
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Feb 24, 2016 @ 18:50:47
You will be amazed by this woman. She wrote plays and books. Her plays still being done in California. A brave woman.
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Feb 24, 2016 @ 18:53:38
I will see if I can get an ebook. Wow! She sounds like a warrior!
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Feb 24, 2016 @ 18:58:29
I just purchased the book. ☺
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Feb 25, 2016 @ 08:54:36
You will enjoy. Her book is above me.
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Feb 25, 2016 @ 08:56:14
Have a blessed day John. Peace
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