Anne Spencer

Anne Spencer was born on February 6, 1882, Anne Bethel Scales Bannister on a plantation in Henry County, Virginia to former slaves, Joel Cephus Bannister and Sarah Louise Scales. Her mother was the daughter of a wealthy

Letter to My Sister

by Anne Spencer (1882–1975)

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16

It is dangerous for a woman to defy the gods;

To taunt them with the tongue's thin tip,

Or strut in the weakness of mere humanity,

Or draw a line daring them to cross;

The gods own the searing lightning,

The drowning waters, tormenting fears

And anger of red sins.

Oh, but worse still if you mince timidly—

Dodge this way or that, or kneel or pray,

Click here for complete poem