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Poetry · Chapter

Sinner explained

A humble, lonely, poor, and Black sinner cries out for mercy from the Lord, acknowledging their lowly state and sinfulness before God.

What happens

A humble, lonely, poor, and Black sinner cries out for mercy from the Lord, acknowledging their lowly state and sinfulness before God.

Themes in this chapter

  • Racial Identity and Oppression

    The speaker identifies as 'Po’ an’ black', linking racial identity with humility and sinfulness in a plea for mercy.

  • Poverty and Class Struggle

    The speaker's poverty ('Po’') is explicitly stated as part of their humble and lonesome condition.

Characters to notice

  • Unknown

    The speaker, a poor, Black, humble, and lonesome sinner pleading for mercy.

  • Jesus

    Addressed as 'Lord' in the sinner's plea for mercy.

Key passages

  • “Have mercy, Lord! Po’ an’ black An’ humble an’ lonesome An’ a sinner in yo’ sight. Have mercy, Lord!”

    Lord, please show me mercy. I am poor, Black, humble, lonely, and a sinner before you. Have mercy, Lord.

    A direct plea for divine mercy, emphasizing the speaker's marginalized and penitent state.

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