The Barrier
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’s other poems:
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