At the Cross-Roads

By Marcus B. Christian

How shall I walk -- a Negro in the South --

Hemmed round and round within a wall of hate?

Shall I speak out against wrongs -- shut my mouth --

Bow down my head -- or else, defy the State?

Shall I walk as a man, or like a slave --

Decry outrages, or withhold my breath?

Shall I walk weakly, humbly, to the grave --

Or raise the flag of treason and of death?

I would be good, but in this land of ours

The road is tortuous -- I, a soul denied;

Although I stand for Truth against the Powers,

I may be jailed or maimed or crucified.

O Oracles, speak out -- I cannot dwell

Always between bright heaven and black hell.

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