To Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Upon Hearing His
The poem explores themes of identity, longing, and the complexities of heritage. It reflects on the experience of a child born to a mixed-race background, grappling with feelings of alienation and a quest for belonging. The imagery evokes a sense of fragility and vulnerability, portraying the child as both a captive and a seeker. The speaker addresses the child, emphasizing the disconnect between the child's existence and the understanding of those around them. The reference to "sensing motherhood" suggests a deep emotional connection, yet the child remains misunderstood and isolated. The "dusky father" hints at racial and cultural dimensions, while the phrases "frail little captive" and "exiled, cold" convey a sense of abandonment and yearning for acceptance. As the poem progresses, celestial imagery is employed, with "brooding planets" and "drowsy empires" symbolizing the vastness of the universe and the child's search for identity within it. The act of "flinging your arms through their empty space" signifies a desire to reach out and connect, while "seeking the breast of an unknown face" underscores the longing for maternal comfort and recognition. Overall, the work encapsulates the struggle of navigating a complex identity, highlighting the emotional turmoil of seeking connection in a world that often feels indifferent or unwelcoming. The juxtaposition of innocence and the harsh realities of existence creates a poignant reflection on the nature of belonging and the search for self amidst societal expectations and personal heritage.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric Poetry, African American Literature · 78 words
First lines
Strange to a sensing motherhood, Loved as a toy -- not understood, Child of a dusky father, bold; Frail little captive, exiled, cold.
Oft when the brooding planets sleep, You through their drowsy empires creep, Flinging your arms through their empty space, Seeking the breast of an unknown face.
What this Textopian page supports
To Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Upon Hearing His 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, Lyric Poetry, African American Literature, Romanticism, Modernism
- Length: 78 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Upon Hearing His 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 To Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Upon Hearing His?
- 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
- Magnolia Flowers by Langston Hughes
- Ballade To A Lady To Annabelle by Franklin P. Adams
- To Anne Oh Say Not Sweet Anne by Lord Byron
- Cabaret by Langston Hughes
- When Sue Wears Red by Langston Hughes
- Her Eyes Twin Pools by James Weldon Johnson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of identity, motherhood, and longing through lyrical language.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- African American Literature — The poem reflects the experiences and cultural identity of African Americans, particularly through the reference to a 'dusky father'.
- Romanticism — The poem exhibits elements of Romanticism, such as emotional depth and a focus on nature and the individual.
Tags
Poem · Ode · Sonnet · Lyric Poetry · Free Verse · American Literature · Early 20th Century · African American Writer · Music Inspired · Praise Poem · Celebratory Tone · Formal Language