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Booker T. Washington

By Paul Laurence Dunbar

Topics: classic

The word is writ that he who runs may read.     What is the passing breath of earthly fame?     But to snatch glory from the hands of blame--     That is to be, to live, to strive indeed.     A poor Virginia cabin gave the seed,     And from its dark and lowly door there came     A peer of princes in the world's acclaim,     A master spirit for the nation's need.     Strong, silent, purposeful beyond his kind,     The mark of rugged force on brow and lip,     Straight on he goes, nor turns to look behind     Where hot the hounds come baying at his hip;     With one idea foremost in his mind,     Like the keen prow of some on-forging ship.

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"The word is writ that he who runs may read...."

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Author:Paul Laurence Dunbar

"The word is writ that he who runs may read...." by Paul Laurence Dunbar

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"The Text is taken from Percy's Reliques (1765), vol. i. p. 71, 'given from two MS. copies, transmitted from Scotland.' Herd had a very similar bal"

Paul Laurence Dunbar

About Paul Laurence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906) was an American poet and novelist who was one of the first African-American writers to gain national prominence. His poems in dialect—including "When Malindy Sings"—and standard English explore Black life with humor, pathos, and dignity.

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