POEM

Midway

by Naomi Long Madgett
I’ve come this far to freedom and I won’t turn back.
I’m climbing to the highway from my old dirt track.
I’m coming and I’m going
And I’m stretching and I’m growing
5 And I’ll reap what I’ve been sowing or my skin’s not black.
I’ve prayed and slaved and waited and I’ve sung my song.
You’ve bled me and you’ve starved me but I’ve still grown strong.
You’ve lashed me and you’ve treed me
And you’ve everything but freed me
10 But in time you’ll know you need me and it won’t be long.
I’ve seen the daylight breaking high above the bough.
I’ve found my destination and I’ve made my vow;
So whether you abhor me
Or deride me or ignore me,
15 Mighty mountains loom before me and I won’t stop now.
Photograph of a winding dirt road through a green field with mountains in the distance
In Other Words

  • reap what I’ve been sowing get what I deserve

  • the daylight breaking high above the bough that there is hope

  • abhor me hate me

  • Or deride Disrespect

Before You Move On

  • 1. Interpret What does the speaker mean by “I won’t turn back”?

  • 2. Inference What struggle does the speaker describe?

  • 3. Symbol Reread the last line of the poem. What do the mountains symbolize?