I enjoy reading and writing poetry and if you follow my posts you made have read one or two of my poems. Today I want to share with you one of my inspirations and the only poet who’s works I have memorized. Countee Cullen.
He was born in 1903 and lived a short but influential life. Cullen studied Latin, Greek and French. His post high school education included graduating Phi Beta Kappa at NYU and obtaining a Masters in English from Harvard. He married the daughter of W. E. B. Dubois but they soon divorced and he accepted himself as a homosexual man. A courageous act for a member of society’s elite even today.
His work has been published in many major publications. He wrote about race and how it effects white and Black America. Countee wanted to bridge the gap between the races with his words and experiences. Nearly a century later, his words are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them. His works accurately identify my experiences in America and touch me deeply. I am grateful for his insight. Below are some of my favorites.
My absolute favorite poem by Countee Cullen is titled The Incident. I think is sums up the experience of Black People in America quite eloquently. Google it, it’s worth it.
