Copper Sun

Poet playwright novelist graduate of DeWitt Clinton High New York University and Harvard University Countee Cullen (1903-1946) emerged as a leading literary figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Copper Sun his second book of poetry explores the emotional consequences of being black Christian bisexual and a poet in Jazz Age America-such as in the following Confession:If for a day joy masters meThink not my wounds are healed;Far deeper than the scars you seeI keep the roots concealed.They shall bear blossoms with the fall;I have their word for thisWho tend my roots with rains of gallAnd suns of prejudice.Countee Cullen's poetry is illustrated with 16 decorative cuts created by Charles Cullen (no relation to the poet) in extravagant Art Deco style.