Proving by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores themes of love, sacrifice, and devotion. The speaker expresses an unwavering commitment to a beloved, even in the face of societal rejection and personal suffering. The imagery of a leper symbolizes isolation and the harsh judgment of the world, while the speaker's willingness to share in this exile highlights a deep emotional bond. The beloved is depicted as a celestial presence, embodying light and inspiration in the speaker's life. This juxtaposition of darkness and light emphasizes the transformative power of love. The speaker's heart is portrayed as a vessel driven by the beloved's essence, suggesting that their love is both a source of strength and a guiding force. Throughout the work, the speaker's voice conveys a sense of urgency and passion, reinforcing the idea that true love transcends adversity. The emotional intensity is palpable, as the speaker articulates a desire to embrace both the joys and the burdens of their connection. The poem ultimately celebrates the resilience of love, asserting that it can endure even the most challenging circumstances.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 70 words
First lines
Were you a leper bathed in wounds And by the world denied, I'd share your fatal exile As a privilege, with pride.
You are the very sun, the moon, The starlight of my soul, The sounding motif of my heart Its impetus and goal!
What this Textopian page supports
Proving 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, Romanticism, Lyric, Modernism, African American Literature
- Length: 70 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Resolution by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Inevitably by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Repulse by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Poem To The Black Beloved by Langston Hughes
- Divide by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Heritage by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and imagery.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, devotion, and idealization of the beloved align with Romantic literary traditions.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional nature of the poem reflects the characteristics of lyric poetry.
- Modernism — The exploration of complex emotions and individual experience can be associated with modernist themes.
Tags
Poetry · African American Literature · Early 20th Century · Free Verse · Social Justice · Racism · Suffrage · Feminism · Marriage · Family · Identity · Community