The Burdens Of All.

We may sigh o'er the heavy burdens
    Of the black, the brown and white;
But if we all clasped hands together
    The burdens would be more light.
How to solve life's saddest problems,
    Its weariness, want and woe,
Was answered by One who suffered
    In Palestine long ago.

He gave from his heart this precept,
    To ease the burdens of men,
"As ye would that others do to you
    Do ye even so to them."
Life's heavy, wearisome burdens
    Will change to a gracious trust
When men shall learn in the light of God
    To be merciful and just.

Where war has sharpened his weapons,
    And slavery masterful had,
Let white and black and brown unite
    To build the kingdom of God.
And never attempt in madness
    To build a kingdom or state,
Through greed of gold or lust of power,
    On the crumbling stones of hate.

The burdens will always he heavy,
    The sunshine fade into night,
Till mercy and justice shall cement
    The black, the brown and the white.
And earth shall answer with gladness,
    The herald angel's refrain,
When "Peace on earth, good will to men"
    Was the burden of their strain.

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was an African American abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher, public speaker, and writer. Born free in Baltimore, Maryland, she was one of the first African American women to be published in the United States. She was active in social reform movements and used her poetry and prose to advocate for abolition and women's rights. Her best-known works include the poetry collection "Forest Leaves" and the novel "Iola Leroy."

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

English

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