7 Must-Read Countee Cullen Poems

Countee Cullen was one of the most influential voices of the Harlem Renaissance. He was a poet, novelist, children’s writer, and more. Today, many poets credit Countee Cullen as one of their primary influences.

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Any Human to Another

‘Any Human to Another’ by Countee Cullen connects humans through the shared experience of sorrow, advocating empathy and compassion.

Cullen is broadly known for his poems published during the Harlem Renaissance. However, he believed that poetry is beyond race and didn't want to be a poet known for racial concerns; this is evident in this poem, which advocates for human unity beyond race. It uses universal human emotions, particularly sorrow and grief, to depict the intrinsic connection between humans while advocating for empathy and compassion.

The ills I sorrow at

Not me alone

Like an arrow

Pierce to the marrow,

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Tableau

‘Tableau’ by Countee Cullen is a powerful poem about two men, one black and one white, who appear to be romantic partners.

Countee Cullen was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, a literary movement of the 1920s that celebrated African American culture and artistry. His work, including ‘Tableau,’ is known for its elegant and powerful language, often addressing themes of racial identity and social justice, blending traditional forms with modern themes.

Locked arm in arm they cross the way

The black boy and the white,

The golden splendor of the day

The sable pride of night.

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To John Keats, Poet, at Spring Time

‘To John Keats, Poet, at Spring Time’ by Countee Cullen is a poem about spring and poetry. It is addressed to John Keats and spends its lines praising spring and the deceased poet’s influence.

Countee Cullen's poetry, including 'To John Keats, Poet, at Spring Time,’ reflects his deep engagement with literary tradition and his admiration for past poets like John Keats. Cullen’s work often blends classical elements with modern sensibilities, celebrating poetry's ability to capture beauty and human emotion in timeless ways.

I cannot hold my peace, John Keats;

There never was a spring like this;

It is an echo, that repeats

My last year's song and next year's bliss.

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Atlantic City Waiter

‘Atlantic City Waiter’ by Countee Cullen is a deeply thoughtful poem. In it, Cullen describes the actions, strength, and pride of an Atlantic City waiter.

With subtle poise he grips his tray

Of delicate things to eat;

Choice viands to their mouths half way,

The ladies watch his feet

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From the Dark Tower

‘From the Dark Tower’ by Countee Cullen is a thoughtful poem about the Black experience. It suggests that there is a brighter future on the horizon.

We shall not always plant while others reap

The golden increment of bursting fruit,

Not always countenance, abject and mute,

That lesser men should hold their brothers cheap;

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Incident

‘Incident’ by Countee Cullen describes a terrible incident from the poet’s youth that occurred when he was happily visiting Baltimore.

Once riding in old Baltimore,

Heart-filled, head-filled with glee,

I saw a Baltimorean

Keep looking straight at me.

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Yet Do I Marvel

‘Yet Do I Marvel’ by Countee Cullen is a poem about faith. No matter the darkness the speaker sees in the world, he maintains his faith in his own role in God’s plan.

I doubt not God is good, well-meaning, kind,

And did He stoop to quibble could tell why

The little buried mole continues blind,

Why flesh that mirrors Him must some day die,

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7 Must-Read Countee Cullen Poems

Any Human to Another

Tableau

To John Keats, Poet, at Spring Time

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