Prolific poet Phillis Wheatley pioneered a space for black women in American literature when her col

Prolific poet Phillis Wheatley pioneered a space for black women in American literature when her collected works were published in 1773. Phyllis was born in West Africa and was brought to Boston as a young girl were she was sold into slavery under the Wheatley family. She had a natural aptitude for writing and already began to create sophisticated works on topics like classicism and Christianity at age 13. Phillis was emancipated shortly after she became a published author, meeting international acclaim for her voice. Sadly she died in her early thirties, writing at least 145 poems in her short career. Though her life was tragic and brief, her works and legacy live on. Here is an excerpt from her poem *On Imagination*, dated between 1767 and 1773:“Though Winter frowns to Fancy’s raptur’d eyesThe fields may flourish, and gay scenes arise;The frozen deeps may break their iron bands,And bid their waters murmur o'er the sands.Fair Flora may resume her fragrant reign,And with her flow'ry riches deck the plain;Sylvanus may diffuse his honours round,And all the forest may with leaves be crown’d:Show'rs may descend, and dews their gems disclose,And nectar sparkle on the blooming rose.”Call number: AC7 W5602 773p http://ow.ly/cepG30iG1F4* * *#kislakcenter #pennlibraries #blackhistorymonth #PhillisWheatley #femalepoet #poetry #blackhistory #specialcollections #firstedition #herstory #Boston #BostonWomensHeritageTrail -- source link

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