On Virtue, poetry by Phillis Wheatley

Image Credit: Schomburg Center

Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753 – December 5, 1784), born in West Africa, was the first published professional African-American female and first published African-American poet. She was sold into slavery at the age of seven, and then transported to North America. Purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, they taught her to read, write and encouraged her poetry. Wheatley was one of the best-known poets in pre-nineteenth-century America. 

Her fame in England and American colonies came through the publication of her Poems on Various Subjects and Religious and Moral (1773). George Washington praised Wheatley's work as well as her master's son, African-American poet Jupiter Hammon sang her praises in his own poem. She was emancipated after the death of her master John Wheatley. she married John Peters and had three children, two of whom proceeded her in death.

As we continue to celebrate National Poetry Month, please enjoy this poem, On Virtue, by Phillis Wheatley.

On Virtue

By Phillis Wheatley  

O Thou bright jewel in my aim I strive

To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare

Wisdom is higher than a fool can reach.

I cease to wonder, and no more attempt

Thine height t’explore, or fathom thy profound.

But, O my soul, sink not into despair,

Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand

Would now embrace thee, hovers o’er thine head.

Fain would the heav’n-born soul with her converse,

Then seek, then court her for her promis’d bliss.

Auspicious queen, thine heav’nly pinions spread,

And lead celestial Chastity along;

Lo! now her sacred retinue descends,

Array’d in glory from the orbs above.

Attend me, Virtue, thro’ my youthful years!

O leave me not to the false joys of time!

But guide my steps to endless life and bliss.

Greatness, or Goodness, say what I shall call thee,

To give an higher appellation still,

Teach me a better strain, a nobler lay,

O thou, enthron’d with Cherubs in the realms of day!