3 Must-Read Alice Moore Dunbar-Nelson Poems

Alice Moor Dunbar-Nelson was a poet also known for her work as an essayist and activist. She was born in Louisiana to a family with Native American, Creole, and African American origins. Race and gender played a large role in her poetic works. Her first collection was published in 1895, titled Violets and Other Tales. Unfortunately, a great deal of her work was rejected by publishers due to its subject matter, meaning that most of the public was unaware of her work during her lifetime.

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The Lights at Carney’s Point

‘The Lights at Carney’s Point’ explores the transformative nature of light, shifting from serenity to darkness, and ultimately finding peace and acceptance.

This poem showcases Nelson-Dunbar's ability to vividly depict scenes and atmospheres through rich imagery and figurative language. The poem explores contrasts, such as peace and turmoil, darkness and light, and the transformative power of nature. These themes, along with her use of personification and strong visual descriptions, are elements often found in her poetry. 'The Lights at Carney's Point' provides a glimpse into Alice Moore Nelson-Dunbar's ability to evoke emotions, create imagery, and explore deeper meanings through her poetry.

O white little lights at Carney’s Point,

You shine so clear o’er the Delaware;

When the moon rides high in the silver sky,

Then you gleam, white gems on the Delaware.

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I Sit and Sew

Dunbar-Nelson’s ‘I Sit and Sew’ expresses a woman’s frustration with her confined role, longing to impact the world beyond her sewing.

I sit and sew—a useless task it seems,

My hands grown tired, my head weighed down with dreams—

The panoply of war, the martial tred of men,

Grim-faced, stern-eyed, gazing beyond the ken

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To Madame Curie

Dunbar-Nelson’s ‘To Madame Curie’ praises Curie’s scientific legacy, aspiring to her greatness in combating disease.

Oft have I thrilled at deeds of high emprise,

And yearned to venture into realms unknown,

Thrice blessed she, I deemed, whom God had shown

How to achieve great deeds in woman’s guise.

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The Lights at Carney’s Point

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