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Frances Ellen Watkins Harper's poems were first published in abolitionist periodicals in 1839. One such periodical was for "Frederick Douglass" Paper" (Graham, xxxv). In her early twenties, Harper's first book of poems, Forest Leaves, was published in 1846; however, no copies of the work are now in existence(Ferguson,).
Harper's interest in the anti-slavery movement intensified. From 1854 until her death, Harper was totally devoted to her the struggles of the Negro race and to social causes (Brawley, 290). This led her to become "a professional lecturer for the abolitionist movement and was supported by various anti-slavery societies as she traveled from town to town, lecturing and reading her poems" (Bloom, 66). She also spoke on issues such as spousal abuse, child neglect, drunkenness, and the double standard men placed upon woman (Hill, 346).
Because of her marriage to Fenton Harper in 1860, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper withdrew from public life. Fenton died shortly after the birth of their daughter, Mary in 1864. Harper then resumed her passion for the Negro cause until her death in 1911.
Five of the many poems written by Harper, The Dying Mother, The Slave Mother, Advice to the Girls, Bury Me in a Free Land and Jamie's Puzzle all dealt with different aspects of slavery life. .
"The Dying Mother".
Come nearer to me husband.
Now the aching leaves my breast,.
But my eyes are dim and weary,.
And to-night I fain would rest.
Clasp me closer to your bosom.
Ere I calmly sleep in death;.
When your arms are enfolded around me.
I would yield my parting breath.
Bring me now my darling baby, .
God's own precious gift of love.
Tell her she must meet her mother.
In the brighter world above.
When her little feet grow stronger.
To walk life's paths untrod,.
That His love is a strong tower,.
And His arms a hiding place.
Tell them-but my voice grows fainter-.
Surely, husband, this is death-.
Tell them that their dying mother.