a poet I like

Simon the Cyrenian Speaks
by Countee Cullen

He never spoke a word to me,
And yet He called my name;
He never gave a sign to me,
And yet I knew and came.

At first I said, "I will not bear
His cross upon my back;
He only seeks to place it there
Because my skin is black."

But He was dying for a dream,
And He was very meek,
And in His eyes there shone a gleam
Men journey far to seek.

It was Himself my pity bought;
I did for Christ alone
What all of Rome could not have wrought
With bruise of lash or stone.


Countee Cullen (1903-1946) wrote this poem, his take on Simon of Cyrene, a man who helped Jesus carry his cross through Jerusalem. According to different versions of the story, he was either forced by the Romans, asked by Jesus, or acted out of his own free will. The poem deals primarily with two experiences: being black and believing in Jesus. Being white and Jewish, I cannot associate personally with either of these viewpoints, but the poem still speaks to me. The arrangement of the words, the rhythm and rhyme, and the allusion to an ancient tale all give power to his lines. Even though a huge gap of time and personal experience separates us, I can still appreciate Cullen's ideas and poetry. He is, in my opinion, one of the more talented poets of the 20th century. In summary, I love to read good poems and share them with others. What do you think about this poem?