Curtain by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of life, struggle, and the inevitability of death. It begins with a reflection on the ease of surrendering to the end of life after enduring a long, joyless existence. The speaker acknowledges the weariness of daily life, marked by a relentless pursuit of happiness that often feels elusive. As night falls, the transition from day to darkness symbolizes the end of life, evoking a sense of rebellion within the heart against this finality. The imagery of trailing light suggests a desperate search for joy and fulfillment, highlighting the human condition of striving against adversity. The poem captures the tension between acceptance of mortality and the innate desire to cling to life and its fleeting pleasures. Ultimately, it presents a poignant meditation on the struggles faced throughout life, culminating in the acceptance of death as a natural conclusion to the journey. The emotional weight of the poem resonates with the universal experience of longing for happiness amidst the inevitability of loss.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Existential · 122 words
First lines
When one has lived 'Tis not so hard To fold the hands, To say, "Good-night,"
And creep away Behind the dark; But 'tis not strange The heart rebels When sounds of night Ring down the day That was a weary, joyless way From early dawn To setting sun: How eagerly we trail the light For crumbs of happiness we fend, And struggle, struggle -- to the end!
What this Textopian page supports
Curtain is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1925 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: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Existential, Modernist, Philosophical
- Length: 122 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Inevitably by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- The Watcher by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Recompense by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Proving by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Footsteps by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- To Your Eyes by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyrical — The emotional expression and personal reflection on life and struggle characterize it as lyrical.
- Existential — Themes of life, struggle, and the search for meaning reflect existential concerns.
- Modernist — The introspective nature and focus on individual experience align with modernist themes.
Tags
Poetry · African American Literature · Early 20th Century · Free Verse · Social Justice · Racism · Suffrage · Feminism · Domesticity · Marriage · Motherhood · Identity