Escape by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of isolation, sorrow, and the desire for escape from emotional pain. The speaker invokes shadows as a protective force, seeking refuge from the relentless pursuit of sorrow. The imagery of being enveloped by darkness symbolizes a longing for anonymity and safety, where the weight of grief cannot reach. The repetition of "shadows" emphasizes the speaker's desperation for concealment and the profound solitude that accompanies their emotional state. The work reflects a deep internal struggle, illustrating the tension between the desire for connection and the overwhelming presence of sorrow. The speaker's plea for shadows to embrace them highlights a yearning for solace in a world filled with pain, suggesting that sometimes, retreating into darkness can feel like the only option for relief. The poem ultimately captures the complexity of human emotions, particularly the interplay between despair and the search for peace.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Symbolism · 94 words
First lines
Shadows, shadows, Hug me round So that I shall not be found By sorrow: She pursues me Everywhere, I can't lose her Anywhere.
Fold me in your black Abyss, She will never look In this --
Shadows, shadows, Hug me round In your solitude Profound.
What this Textopian page supports
Escape is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1918 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: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Symbolism, Modernist, Romanticism
- Length: 94 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyrical — The emotional expression and personal themes reflect a lyrical quality.
- Symbolism — The use of shadows and solitude symbolizes deeper emotional struggles.
- Modernist — The themes of isolation and existential reflection align with modernist literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century Poetry · Free Verse · Social Justice · Racial Equality · Feminism · Suffrage Movement · African American Experience · Emancipation · Freedom · Hope