Phillis Wheatley

African American Poetry

Poems  -  Biography  -  Pictures  -  eBooks

Phillis Wheatley was the first African American to be published. Her collection, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, was published on September 1, 1773. A sample poem is shown below:

 
O N   V I R T U E.

O Thou bright jewel in my aim I strive
To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare
Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach.
I cease to wonder, and no more attempt
Thine height t' explore, or fathom thy profound.
But, O my soul, sink not into despair,
Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand
Would now embrace thee, hovers o'er thine head.
Fain would the heav'n-born soul with her converse,
Then seek, then court her for her promis'd bliss.

   Auspicious queen, thine heav'nly pinions spread,
And lead celestial Chastity along;
Lo! now her sacred retinue descends,
Array'd in glory from the orbs above.
Attend me, Virtue, thro' my youthful years!
O leave me not to the false joys of time!
But guide my steps to endless life and bliss.
Greatness, or Goodness, say what I shall call thee,
To give me an higher appellation still,
Teach me a better strain, a nobler lay, 20
O thou, enthron'd with Cherubs in the realms of day!

more poems

How did she become the first African American writer to be published, when most slaves were forbidden to read and write? Learn more... A biography and pictures are included in the eBook version of Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. 

Adobe PDF

Features:
Windows, Mac, & Linux Compatibility - Printable - Advanced Navigation

Get eBook!

Microsoft Reader

Features:
Windows & Pocket PC Compatible - Text-to-Speech - ClearType - Notes - Drawing - Advanced Navigation & Viewing Options

Get eBook!

Palm

Features:
Palm Compatible - Basic Navigation & Viewing Options

Get eBook!