by Jupiter Hammon
This piece was written as a moral guide for young people. Like much of his work, it focuses on spiritual preparation, the afterlife, and the importance of faith. It is one of the most approachable of Hammon’s writings for students today, especially for discussing how religion shaped the lives of African Americans during this era. Continue reading A Poem for Children with Thoughts on Death
by Jupiter Hammon
This poem, composed while in Hartford, was dedicated to Phillis Wheatley, a fellow Black poet and devout Christian. Although the two never met, Hammon admired Wheatley’s work. His poem to her includes twenty-one four-line stanzas, each paired with a verse from the Bible. The address encourages her to continue writing and stay true to her Christian faith. It also shows Hammon’s belief in the power of Black literature to inspire and guide others. The poem highlights the intellectual exchange between early Black writers. Continue reading An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatley
by Jupiter Hammon
In 1761, Hammon became the first Black poet published in the United States when his poem, “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries,” was printed as a broadside in Hartford. Written on Christmas Day in 1760, the poem expresses his deep Christian faith and marks the beginning of a decades-long literary career. This is Hammon’s first published poem and a foundational piece in the history of African American literature. Continue reading An Evening Thought
by Lydia Sigourney
First of that train which cursed the wave,
And from the rifled cabin bore,
Inheritor of wo,—the slave
To bless his palm-tree’s shade no more, Continue reading To the First Slave Ship
by Lydia Sigourney
How fair upon the admiring sight,
In Learning’s sacred fane,
With cheek of bloom, and robe of white,
Glide on yon graceful train.
Blest creatures! to whose gentle eye
Earth’s gilded gifts are new,
Ye know not that distrustful sigh
Which deems its vows untrue. Continue reading School of Young Ladies.
by Ann Plato
Deep in this grave her bones remain,
She’s sleeping on, bereft of pain,
Her tongue in silence now does sleep,
And she no more time’s call can greet. Continue reading Reflections, Written on Visiting the Grave of a Venerated Friend
by Ann Plato
Britannia’s isles proclaim,
That freedom is their theme;
And we do view those honor’d lands,
With soul-delighting mien. Continue reading To the First of August.
by Ann Plato
When in the morning’s misty hour,
When the sun beems gently o’er each flower;
When thou dost cease to smile benign,
And think each heart responds with thine,
When seeking rest among divine,
Forget me not. Continue reading Forget Me Not.
by Ann Plato
Teach me, O! Lord, the secret errors of my way,
Teach me the paths wherein I go astray,
Learn me the way to teach the word of love,
For that’s the pure intelligence above.
As well as learning, give me that truth forever–
Which a mere worldly tie can never sever,
For though our bodies die, our souls will live forever. Continue reading Lines, Written Upon Being Examined In School Studies for the Preparation of a Teacher.
by Ann Plato
Day after day I sit and write,
And thus the moments spend–
The thought that occupies my mind,–
Compose to please my friend. Continue reading Advice to Young Ladies