The Book of American Negro Poetry/The Barrier

by Claude McKay

THE BARRIER

I must not gaze at them although
 Your eyes are dawning day;
I must not watch you as you go
 Your sun-illumined way;

I hear but I must never heed
 The fascinating note,
Which, fluting like a river-reed,
 Comes from your trembling throat;

I must not see upon your face
 Love's softly glowing spark;
For there's the barrier of race,
 You're fair and I am dark.

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