Claude McKay

I know the dark delight of being strange,The loneliness of wisdom among fools

— Claude McKay

The shivering birds beneath the eavesHave sheltered for the night.

— Claude McKay

The pavement slabs burn loose beneath my feet,Where boldly shines your shuttered door of glass.

— Claude McKay

Oh, I must keep my heart inviolateAgainst the potent poison of your hate.

— Claude McKay

If we must die, O let us nobly die,Shall be constrained to honor us though dead!

— Claude McKay

Although she feeds me bread of bitterness,I love this cultured hell that tests my youth!

— Claude McKay

The wine-flushed, bold-eyed boys, and even the girls,I knew her self was not in that strange place.

— Claude McKay

Deep in the secret chambers of my heartI bear it nobly as I live my part.

— Claude McKay

I have forgotten much, but still rememberThe poinsettia's red, blood-red in warm December.

— Claude McKay

Oh some I know! I have embalmed the days,At noon and evening in the flame-heart’s shade.

— Claude McKay

Like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack,Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back!

— Claude McKay

And, hungry for the old, familiar ways,I turned aside and bowed my head and wept.

— Claude McKay