The poem describes the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on enslaved Africans. It recounts the journey from Africa to America, highlighting the brutal conditions and suffering endured by those brought across the ocean. The speaker reflects on their own experiences, recalling the pain of separation from family and homeland. The poem also touches on themes of identity, culture, and resilience in the face of oppression.
By Phillis Wheatley · First published 1773 · Genre: Poetry, Slave Narrative, Religious Literature