Poem: Bondage
Author: Olivia Ward Bush-Banks [1869–1944] [bio] 
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16

A Tribute to Colored Motherhood

1

Up through the ruthless sacrilege

Of outraged motherhood,

 These women came,

With bodies scarred,

5

With anguished souls.

Still upward—with undaunted faith

To do and dare

 Expanding into glowing

Womanhood.

10

To-day, these matchless women rise.

In peerless- dusk-brown beauty,

 Destined to be

A priceless Heritage

To their children

15

 Of to-morrow.

To cite this poem:

MLA
Bush-Banks, Olivia Ward. “Bondage.” Columbia Granger's World of Poetry Online. 2026. Columbia University Press. 26 Feb. 2026. <http://www.columbiagrangers.org>.

Chicago Manual of Style
Olivia Ward Bush-Banks. “Bondage.” Columbia Granger's World of Poetry Online. http://www.columbiagrangers.org (accessed February 26, 2026). 

          
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