Let me not Hate by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores the struggle against hatred in a world filled with pain and adversity. The speaker acknowledges the harsh realities of life, where peace is elusive and darkness threatens to extinguish hope and dreams. Despite being surrounded by negativity and hostility, the speaker expresses a deep desire to maintain love and compassion. The imagery of vipers symbolizes the dangers and betrayals faced, while the flickering altar-gleams represent the fragile yet persistent light of love and faith. The speaker's plea for divine assistance underscores the importance of resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges. Ultimately, the work emphasizes the choice to embrace love over hatred, highlighting the strength required to uphold this commitment amidst a bruising existence.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Social Commentary · 91 words
First lines
Let me not hate, although the bruising world decries my peace, / Gives me no quarter, hounds me while I sleep; / Would snuff the candles of my soul and sear my inmost dreamings.
Let me not hate, though girt by vipers, green and hissing through the dark; / I fain must love. God help me keep the altar-gleams that flicker wearily, anon, / On down the world's grim night!
What this Textopian page supports
Let me not Hate is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Social Commentary, Inspirational, Literary Fiction
- Length: 91 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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- Work identity for Let me not Hate by Georgia Douglas Johnson
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing poetic devices and structure to convey deep emotions and themes.
- Spiritual — The poem explores themes of love, peace, and the struggle against hatred, reflecting a spiritual quest for inner strength.
- Social Commentary — The text addresses the harsh realities of the world and the human condition, critiquing societal issues and personal struggles.
- Inspirational — The poem aims to inspire resilience and the pursuit of love despite adversity.
Tags
Poetry · African American Literature · Anti-Racism · Civil Rights · Emancipation · Freedom · Hope · Human Rights · Identity · Injustice · Love · Peace