Phillis Wheatley: A Slave No More Part II

"You Never Wrote That!"
I loved all my studies, but I especially enjoyed learning about heroes of the past. I wanted to write about people in my time who were doing great things in God's strength. When I was 13, I wrote my first poem. When Pastor Whitefield died in 1770, I composed an elegy to honor him.

"This is superb!" Mrs. Wheatley exclaimed. "I'm taking this to the newspaper immediately."

I thought she was exaggerating. Would anyone really want to read my poetry? But Mrs. Wheatley was right. The newspaper published my poem and people actually liked it! Encouraged, I continued to submit poetry for publication, but not everyone appreciated this.

"Are you trying to tell me that a slave wrote these?" they asked.

"No Negro could write at all, let alone poetry!" some accused.

Mrs. Wheatley found me crying one day. "What is it, child?" She said as she sat next to me.

"Those people think I'm worthless and stupid because of my skin color."

She shook her head. "Phillis, they don't understand. God made you. He gave you your gift and He is pleased with you."

After that, she approached famous people who knew me, and they signed a document. It said, "We whose Names are under-written, do assure the World . . . that the Poems specified in the following Page were . . . written by Phillis, a young Negro Girl. . . She has been examined by some of the best Judges, and is thought qualified to write them." Among the signers were the Massachusetts governor and lieutenant governor, John Hancock, the Rev. Samuel Mather, and five judges. They helped me believe in myself.

A Book of Poetry
One day Mrs. Wheatley told me, "Your poems should be collected in a book so more people can read them."

When no one would believe that a slave could write, she reassured me. "Phillis, God has given you an extraordinary gift, and He will open doors."

Some lines from Phillis' poem "On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield." Behold the prophet in his tow'ring flight! He leaves the earth for heav'n's unmeasur'd height, He prayed that grace in ev'ry heart might dwell, He longed to see America excel; He charg'd its youth that every grace divine Should with full lustre in their conduct shine.

Help came in the form of a great lady, Selina, the Countess of Huntington, in England. She had been Mr. Whitefield's friend. To my surprise, she sent for me.

Once again, I crossed the expanse of ocean, this time as a first-class passenger. In London, the Countess treated me as a complete equal in her grand home. But all the grandeur paled in comparison to the joy I felt upon first seeing the leather-bound copy of Poems on Various Subjects Religious and Moral. My poems on great people of faith and on God's redeeming work through Jesus Christ were in print for many people to read!

I Meet George Washington
Back in America, I received many letters and visits from those who were now enjoying my poetry. It was the time of the American Revolution, and I wrote many poems about liberty. I dedicated one to General George Washington. When he read it, he sent for me! As I curtsied, he smiled.

"So this is the poetess," he said. "I had not realized you were so young."

"Yes, sir."

"I thank you for the kind poem you wrote about me."

"It is all true," I said, meeting his gaze.

"As are you," he replied. "As are you."

• Suggested reading:
  • Phillis Wheatley by Victoria Sherrow (Chelsea House Publishers)
  • A Voice of Her Own by Kathryn Lasky (Candlewick Press)
• Websites:
  • Glimpses #89 and #130 highlight slavery and are available at www.chinstitute.org/glimpses or call 1-800-468-0458.
  • www.brownvboard.org/brwnqurt/01-1/01-1f.htm
• Activities:
  • Phillis Wheatley quiz
  • Phillis Wheatley acrostic challenge

Return to Part One of this Phillis Wheatley "Glimpses for Kids" children's worship bulletin insert.