Poems About Slavery: Finding Rhyme in Historical Strife

Slavery is a dark chapter in human history that has left an indelible mark on society. Throughout the centuries, poets have used their craft to shed light on the horrors faced by enslaved individuals, their struggles, and their resilience. This article delves into the realm of poems about slavery that rhyme, exploring how poets have used rhyme schemes to convey the complexities of this deeply painful subject.

The Power of Rhyme

Rhyme is a powerful tool in poetry, capable of enhancing the emotional impact and accessibility of a piece. When used in poems about slavery, rhyme can serve to both captivate readers' attention and convey the profound emotional turmoil experienced by those who were enslaved.

Paul Laurence Dunbar, a prominent African American poet of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often utilized rhyme to address the theme of slavery. In his poignant poem, "Sympathy," Dunbar employs a rhyme scheme (ABAB CDCD EFEF GG) to convey the pain and longing for freedom experienced by the enslaved:

I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,
When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,—
When he beats his bars and would be free;
It is not a carol of joy or glee,
But a prayer that he sends from his heart's deep core,
But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings—
I know why the caged bird sings!

The rhyme scheme in Dunbar's poem serves to emphasize the contrast between the caged bird's longing for freedom and the harsh reality of its confinement. The melodic quality of the rhyme scheme intensifies the emotional depth of the poem, allowing readers to empathize with the plight of the enslaved.

Poems that Rhyme: Voices of the Enslaved

Beyond Dunbar's work, there are numerous other poems that explore the topic of slavery through the lens of rhyme. Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American female poet, skillfully employed rhyme in her poem "On Being Brought from Africa to America." With its rhyme scheme (AABBCCDD), the poem conveys the complex emotions surrounding her journey from Africa to enslavement in 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, Negroes, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.

Wheatley's use of rhyme in this poem serves as a powerful tool to challenge the prejudices and stereotypes of her time. The rhyming couplets highlight the stark contrast between her enslavement and her belief in Christianity, inviting readers to question the contradictions inherent in the institution of slavery.

Poems about slavery that rhyme offer a unique perspective on the experiences of those who endured this dark period in history. Through the skillful use of rhyme, poets such as Dunbar and Wheatley have succeeded in capturing the emotional struggles, resilience, and longing for freedom that defined the lives of the enslaved. These poems serve as a testament to the power of poetry to shed light on difficult subjects and inspire reflection and empathy.

As we continue to explore the rich tapestry of literature, it is essential to acknowledge and appreciate the artistic contributions that have emerged from the painful history of slavery. These poems, with their rhyme and rhythm, offer us glimpses into the lives of those who suffered and remind us of the importance of never forgetting the past.