Color (Cullen)/Suicide Chant

by Countee Cullen

Varia

Suicide Chant

I AM the seedThe Sower sowed;I am the deed His hand bestowedUpon the world.

Censure me not If a rank weed floodThe garden plot, Instead of a budTo be unfurled.

Bridle your blame If the deed prove lessThan the bruited fame With which it cameFrom nothingness.

The seed of a weed Cannot be flowered,Nor a hero’s deed Spring from a coward.

Pull up the weed; Bring plow and mower;Then fetch new seed For the hand of the Sower.