Black Woman
The poem explores the complex emotions of a Black woman grappling with the harsh realities of the world. It opens with a direct address to a child, emphasizing a protective instinct against the cruelty and sin that permeate society. The speaker expresses a deep sense of sorrow and helplessness, indicating that the world is not a safe place for innocence. The repeated refrain of not allowing the child entry symbolizes a refusal to expose the child to the harshness of life. The speaker acknowledges the pain of denying the child's desires, highlighting an internal conflict between maternal love and the desire to shield the child from suffering. The imagery of "monsters" represents the societal evils and injustices that threaten the well-being of the innocent. As the poem progresses, the speaker's anguish becomes more pronounced, revealing a profound understanding of the struggles faced by Black individuals, particularly women, in a world rife with oppression. The decision to withhold birth signifies a rejection of bringing new life into a hostile environment, underscoring themes of survival, sacrifice, and the weight of generational trauma. The tone is somber and reflective, capturing the tension between hope and despair. The speaker's voice resonates with a sense of urgency, urging the child to remain still and safe, while simultaneously grappling with the implications of such a choice. The work ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the intersection of motherhood, race, and the societal challenges that shape the experiences of Black women.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 148 words
First lines
Don't knock at my door, little child, I cannot let you in, You know not what a world this is Of cruelty and sin.
Wait in the still eternity Until I come to you, The world is cruel, cruel, child, I cannot let you in!
Don't knock at my heart, little one, I cannot bear the pain Of turning deaf-ear to your call Time and time again!
You do not know the monster men Inhabiting the earth, Be still, be still, my precious child, I must not give you birth!
What this Textopian page supports
Black Woman is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Feminist Literature, African American Literature
- Length: 148 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Black Woman by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores deep emotional themes through structured verse.
- Literary Fiction — The poem addresses complex themes of motherhood, pain, and societal cruelty, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques societal issues, particularly the harsh realities faced by women and children.
- Feminist Literature — The work reflects feminist themes, focusing on the struggles and choices of women.
Tags
African American Literature · Poetry Collection · Racial Identity · Feminism · Suffrage Movement · Social Justice · Civil Rights · Black Experience · Female Empowerment · Racism · Sexism · Identity Politics