One of the Least of these, my Little One
The poem explores the profound experience of an infant confronting a harsh and unwelcoming world. The child, born into a society that often marginalizes and discriminates against him due to his race, perceives the world with a sense of wonder and confusion. The imagery of "frowning earth" and "scowling" reflects the societal barriers and prejudices that the child faces. Despite this adversity, the poem introduces a divine presence that embodies love and compassion, contrasting the world's hostility. This God-like figure symbolizes hope and acceptance, offering solace to those who are marginalized. The work emphasizes themes of innocence, resilience, and the transformative power of love in the face of societal rejection. The juxtaposition of the child's vulnerability and the divine's unwavering support highlights the potential for redemption and understanding in a world often devoid of compassion. The poem ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles of identity and the quest for belonging in a prejudiced society.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, Spiritual/Religious · 88 words
First lines
The infant eyes look out amazed upon the frowning earth, A stranger, in a land now strange, child of the mantled-birth; Waxing, he wonders more and more; the scowling grows apace; A world, behind its barring doors, reviles his ebon face: Yet from this maelstrom issues forth a God-like entity, That loves a world all loveless, and smiles on Calvary!
What this Textopian page supports
One of the Least of these, my Little One 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, Social Commentary, Spiritual/Religious, Literary Fiction, Historical Context
- Length: 88 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
Good citation fit
- Work identity for One of the Least of these, my Little One 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering One of the Least of these, my Little One?
- How does this poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Sonnet To The Mantled by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Benediction by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Listen Lord by James Weldon Johnson
- Requiem by Emily Dickinson
- A Summons by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Waiting by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Social Commentary — The themes address societal issues, particularly race and identity.
- Spiritual/Religious — The poem references divine love and spiritual themes, particularly in relation to suffering.
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes and character emotions, typical of literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · African American Literature · Motherhood · Family · Love · Loss · Grief · Sorrow · Longing · Yearning · Hope · Faith