The Barrier

Claude McKayClaude McKay

1 min read · 12.4K reads

I must not gaze at them although
Your eyes are dawning day;
I must not watch you as you go
Your sun-illumined way; I hear but I must never heed
The fascinating note,
Which, fluting like a river reed,
Comes from your trembing throat; I must not see upon your face
Love's softly glowing spark;
For there's the barrier of race,
You're fair and I am dark.
Claude McKay
About the poet

Claude McKay

1889 - 1948/JamaicanClaude McKay was a Jamaican writer and poet. He was a communist in his early life, but after a visit to the Soviet Union, decided that communism was too disciplined and confining. McKay was involved in the Harlem Renaissance and wrote thre…

View profile & all 50 Poems / Stories

More Poetry & Stories You May Like