Published on Academy of American Poets (https://poets.org)


On Being Brought from Africa to America

'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic die."
Remember, Christians, Negros, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

Credit


This poem is in the public domain.

Author


Phillis Wheatley

Born around 1753, Phillis Wheatley was the first black poet in America to publish a book.

Date Published: 1773-01-01

Source URL: https://poets.org/poem/being-brought-africa-america