Motherhood

                                                                 Motherhood
                                                      Georgia Douglas Johnson
                                                               (1880-1966)

                                  Don’t knock on my door, little child 
                                  I cannot let you in;
                                  You know not what a world this is
                                  of cruelty and sin.
                                  Wait in the still eternity
                                  Until I come to you. 
                                  The world is cruel, cruel, child, 
                                  I cannot let you through.

                                  Don’t knock at my heart, little one
                                  I cannot bear the pain
                                  Of turning deaf ears to your call,
                                  Time and time again.
                                  You do not know the monster men
                                  Inhabiting the earth.
                                  Be still, be still, my precious child,
                                  I cannot give you birth.  

Email Poem |