Mary+Jenness

Mary Jenness- Poet by Emily Fair 4th period Mary Jenness was an influential poet of the Harlem Renaissances. She wrote two poems that were recognized by the black and white community’s, the first is “The negro laughs back” and the other is “Secret”. ** The Negro laughs back **

You laugh, and I must hide the wound Your laughter cuts in me; You strike, and I must turn the cheek Like One of Galilee. And have you never envied me The joy that turns your rod- You that have made me who I am, Condemned to be like God?

** Secret ** O you that strike will never flinch From hearts you cannot feel. Though I that turn the cheek may hide A wound that does not heal. Yet something in you has to die And something in me live- I thank you for the gift of hate That keeps me sensitive!