Lucian B. Watkins, "The Color Line" (1910)
What is this writhing, hissing thing of earth
That dost essay to wield a potent spell
Of greater divide? To label human worth
With characteristic mark of heaven or hell?
That counts of note a certain shade of face
As all demerit for that human race?
This thing deep-bellied in the mental dust
Of prejudice and ashes of dead thought?
This thing of birth and life malignant?
Must it live and breathe defiance aught
To human progress? No. It’s head shall feel
The certain crushing of a righteous heel!
Published in Richmond Planet, July 16, 1910