African American Poetry: A Digital Anthology

Edward S. Silvera, "The Unknown Soldier" (1927)

“Behold our son, our valiant dead,” 
They say to one another— 
And all the while 
None ever thinks 
That he might be my brother: 
But I am glad he holds his peace, 
I’m glad he can’t come back; 
I'd hate to see Love crucified 
If he, by chance, were black. 


Published in Ebony and Topaz, 1927

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