Poem for Black History Month: Tribute to Phillis Wheatley - Poet

For I am white and never knew, how much the blacks had to go through.

I look back at any African Americans life, and see the struggle, pain and strife.

Phillis Wheatley is the story I'd like to tell, I am so proud of her accomplishments as well.

Born in Africa in 1753, at only seven she was committed to slavery.

Kidnapped on the Phyllis in 1761, she was so named under a New England sun.

Boston bought by John Wheatley, this family were kind and supportive to her you see.

They taught her how to read and write, and told her things would be alright.

Many poems came from her at age thirteen, this type of talent mainly unseen.

A poem of support in 1768, on stamp act repeal a subject of great debate.

George Whitefield in 1770 subject of, a wonderful poem that many did love.

Although her poems were widely adored, the thought she could write was abhorred.

She was challenged by Boston's best, in Court in 1772 on a literary test.

Sad to think back you see, that she had to prove herself constantly.

She believed if we could just educate her race, that they could prevail and embrace.

It wasn't until a year later in October 1773, that she earned her freedom from slavery.

Poems on Various Subjects was published in 1774, people read it and wanted more.

It said that when she went to London to publish her book, everyone gave her a second look.

Accepted there and welcomed too they say, she found less racism as in the USA.

Jupiter Hammond a fellow poet in 1778, wrote an ode to Wheatly that made her feel great.

Happiness came to her bittersweet, her husband John Peters she did meet.

With him she bore three children although, two died young and off he would soon go.

She had another book that was ready to go, that no one would publish why I don't know.

Back as a servant she would soon be, trying to take care of an old John Wheatley.

At the young age of only thirty one, by 1784 her life was done.

Though much of Boston salutes her today, with statues and buildings named per say,

I think how sad it must have been, to see her die a poor penniless woman.

If this poem was a color it would be grey, it unites black and white of modern day.

I wished she lived here in this place, where Obama won the Presidential Race.

For this world is now a time and place, where success can be on any face.

I salute you the famous poet Phillis Wheatley, and I hope you are resting peacefully.

Not only an importantly person in black history, your poems have so inspired me.