Old Black Men

Georgia Douglas JohnsonSad

They have dreamed as young men dream Of glory, love and power; They have hoped as youth will hope Of life’s sun-minted hour.

They have seen as others saw Their bubbles burst in air, And they have learned to live it down As though they did not care.

Georgia Douglas Johnson

Mood:: Sad
Topics:: hope, dream, bubble, resignation

What is this poem about?

Summary

Johnson writes about older Black men and the quiet weight they carry. In youth, they dreamed of glory, love, and power, and they hoped for life’s bright, sunlit possibilities. But their dreams burst like bubbles, and over time they learned to hide the disappointment behind a mask of indifference.

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They have as young men dream

Of glory, love and ;

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Old Black Men

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