For an Unsuccessful Sinner

I boasted my sins were sure to sink me
Out of all sound and sight of glory;
And the most I've won for all my pains
Is a century of purgatory.

Credit

This poem is in the public domain.

Author

Countee Cullen

Born on May 30, 1903, in New York City, Countee Cullen was one of the most important voices of the Harlem Renaissance

Date Published

01/01/1925