Southern Mansion - A poem by Arna Bontemps

Arna Bontemps - Southern Mansion

Poplars are standing there still as death
And ghosts of dead men
Meet their ladies walking
Two by two beneath the shade
And standing on the marble steps.

There is a sound of music echoing
Through the open door
And in the field there is
Another sound tinkling in the cotton:
Chains of bondmen dragging on the ground.

The years go back with an iron clank,
A hand is on the gate,
A dry leaf trembles on the wall.
Ghosts are walking.
They have broken roses down
And poplars stand there still as death.

Added: on March 15th, 2007 at 11:54 PM | Viewed: 7713 times | Comments and analysis of Southern Mansion by Arna Bontemps Comments (13)

Southern Mansion - Comments and Information
Poet: Arna Bontemps Poem: Southern Mansion Poem of the Day: Dec 4 2000 Comment 13 of 13, added on January 9th, 2008 at 8:19 AM. This poem sucks. OKay so not only is this poem boring its very stupid. Seriously i wish i never read it because it def. wasted my time. and i dont think its bout weed but it would make it better... Katie from Australia Comment 12 of 13, added on April 18th, 2007 at 10:58 PM. I love the way Bontemps depicts the slavery movement and put in clear images the conditions the slaves were made to go through. His imagery about the living conditions of blacks in wooden buildings yet having the happiness of living is great. I think he merged the elements chronologically and in comprehensive details. I love this poem. Kwasi Oppong from United States Comment 11 of 13, added on March 15th, 2007 at 11:54 PM. I am a very big Arna fan and i have to agree with the comment left by dr. benton. It took me a while to understand what bontemps was trying to say in Golgotha is a mountain. after a few times reading it i got the main point of his poem. when he uses mountains he is referring to the hardships of the african americans. the mountains represent the deaths of them! Sonya Vaio from Ecuador More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Southern Mansion, has received 13 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Arna Bontemps with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Arna Bontemps Poem: Southern Mansion Last read: Jul 25 2008, 10:29AM Poem of the Day: Dec 4 2000 Viewed 7713 times. Added on March 15th, 2007 at 11:54 PM.

Bontemps Info
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