The Ordeal
The poem explores the struggles and resilience of a Black individual facing societal scorn and the weight of racial oppression. The speaker addresses a brother figure, imploring him not to dismiss their shared experiences and burdens. The speaker acknowledges the heavy load of being Black, suggesting that it may also reflect the brother's own life challenges. Despite the hardships, the speaker maintains a sense of dignity and strength, refusing to succumb to despair or hatred. The poem emphasizes the importance of personal destiny and the desire for self-identity, distinct from the expectations or experiences of others. The speaker's determination to navigate life's difficulties with grace and a smile highlights a profound inner strength. The imagery of planets and the Maker's imprint suggests a cosmic connection and a sense of belonging within a larger universe, reinforcing the idea that every individual has their own path to follow. Overall, the work encapsulates themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for personal agency amidst systemic oppression. It serves as a powerful reflection on the complexities of race and the enduring spirit of those who confront adversity.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, African American Literature, Social Commentary · 136 words
First lines
Ho: my brother, Pass me not by so scornfully I'm doing this living of being black, Perhaps I bear your own life-pack, And heavy, heavy is the load That bends my body to the road.
But I have kept a smile for fate, I neither cry, nor cringe, nor hate, Intrepidly, I strive to bear This handicap: The planets wear The Maker's imprint, and with mine I swing into their rhythmic line; I ask -- only for destiny, Mine, not thine.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ordeal 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, African American Literature, Social Commentary, Lyrical, Modernist
- Length: 136 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and thematic depth.
- African American Literature — The poem addresses the experiences and struggles of being black, reflecting cultural and social themes relevant to African American identity.
- Social Commentary — The themes explore societal issues, including race and personal struggle, providing critique and reflection on the human condition.
- Lyrical — The writing style is personal and expressive, emphasizing the speaker's emotional journey and resilience.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · African American Experience · Racism · Social Justice · Slavery · Freedom · Emancipation · Identity · Culture · History · Society