Am I sadly cast aside, <br /> On misfortune's rugged tide? <br /> Will the world my pains deride <br /> Forever? <br /> Must I dwell in Slavery's night, <br /> And all pleasure take its flight, <br /> Far beyond my feeble sight, <br /> Forever? <br /> Worst of all, must Hope grow dim, <br /> And withhold her cheering beam? <br /> Rather let me sleep and dream <br /> Forever! <br /> <br /> Something still my heart surveys, <br /> Groping through this dreary maze; <br /> Is it Hope? -- then burn and blaze <br /> Forever! <br /> <br /> Leave me not a wretch confined, <br /> Altogether lame and blind -- <br /> Unto gross despair consigned, <br /> Forever! <br /> <br /> Heaven! in whom can I confide? <br /> Canst thou not for all provide? <br /> Condescend to be my guide <br /> Forever: <br /> <br /> And when this transient life shall end, <br /> Oh, may some kind eternal friend <br /> Bid me from servitude ascend, <br /> Forever!<br /><br />George Moses Horton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-slave-s-complaint/
