Handwritten poem "Unconquered and Unconquerable" in Manuscript, Lewis H. Latimer, undated.
Context
In this undated poem, Lewis Latimer suggests his determination to surmount every challenge and hardship-personal, financial, and spiritual-including the painful past of slavery and the present reality of racism.
Collection
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]
Transcription
Transcription
Unconquered and Unconquerable
by L. H. Latimer
What tho’ I suffer through the years,
Unnumbered wrongs, unnumbered fears,
My soul doth still forbid me tears;
Unconquered and unconquerable.
What tho’ my bed of thorns be made;
What tho’ my onward course be stayed;
My soul soars upward undismayed,
Unconquered and unconquerable.
What tho’ by chains confined I lie;
What tho’ by brutal hands I die;
My soul will upward ever fly,
Unconquered and unconquerable.
I scorn the hand that does me wrong,
Tho’ suffering days and years be long,
My soul still sings that deathless song,
Unconquered and unconquerable.
