Saturday's Child by Countee Cullen - Famous poems, famous poets. - All Poetry

Saturday's Child

Some are teethed on a silver spoon,
With the stars strung for a rattle;
I cut my teeth as the black racoon—
For implements of battle.
Some are swaddled in silk and down,
And heralded by a star;
They swathed my limbs in a sackcloth gown
On a night that was black as tar.
For some, godfather and goddame
The opulent fairies be;
Dame Poverty gave me my name,
And Pain godfathered me.
For I was born on Saturday—
"Bad time for planting a seed,"
Was all my father had to say,
And, "One mouth more to feed."
Death cut the strings that gave me life,
And handed me to Sorrow,
The only kind of middle wife
My folks could beg or borrow.

Analysis (ai): "Saturday's Child" by Countee Cullen starkly contrasts the experiences of privileged children with those of underprivileged ones. The poem's imagery evokes struggle and hardship, underscoring the cruel disparity of life during the time it was written.

Cullen's diction is deliberate and evocative, employing contrasting language to convey the chasm between the two worlds. While children born into wealth have access to luxury and comfort, the narrator, a "Saturday's Child," faces poverty and despair. The repetition of "some" and "for some" intensifies the contrast, highlighting the injustices faced by those born into less fortunate circumstances.

The poem's thematic exploration of social inequality aligns with Cullen's other works that address racial and economic disparities. "Heritage," for example, similarly confronts the legacy of slavery and the challenges faced by African Americans in early 20th-century society.

While "Saturday's Child" captures the harsh realities of life during the era, it also conveys a sense of resilience and determination. The speaker's acknowledgment of their struggles suggests a deep understanding of the systemic barriers they face, yet it does not diminish their spirit or hope for a better future.

Like (3) 4 Nicely done Keep writing Inspired me Like (3)

Likes: Guilty, Insurgence, Alex Ro

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Guilty - a masterclass in rhyme and movement. a still relevant write.

Amazing

on Feb 25 2024 07:32 AM PST x rate: , , skip edit

- From guest rocky (contact)
nice

on Feb 19 2011 02:10 PM PST x edit

- From guest Lilly (contact)
its a sad poem but i like it and im doing it for school

on Jan 11 2011 11:18 PM PST x edit

- From guest Mike Holm-Nichols (contact)
I was very touched by this poem and I even usedit for a poetry out loud contest for my Freshman language arts class.

on Jun 10 2010 12:38 PM PST x edit

Comments from the archive

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- From guest Barbara Henry (contact)
I just got the connection of this poem's first line to the slave trade that took place between Africa and the U.S. The first line was quoted in the excellent movie "The Great Debaters"but not until I saw the documentary,'The Middle Passage'with the Writer Walter Moseley,did I get the meaning of the first line. In the documentary, the narrator toward the end,could only use his teeth to bite one of the slave carriers because both his hands and feet were bound. I saw the documentary a few days ago,and immediately made the connection with the first four lines of Cullen's poem,"Saturday's Child". Both movies,The Great Debaters and The Middle Passage are awe inspiring,and they both let us know the painful history we should never forget.

on Apr 18 2009 12:41 PM PST x edit

- From guest Castastrophe (contact)
this poem is very sad im doing it for school.

on Mar 30 2009 06:38 AM PST x edit

- From guest Gwendolyn Soper (contact)
What a beautiful poem about disparity.

on Aug 23 2008 05:29 AM PST x edit

- From guest Antigona (contact)
beautiful poem, i'm using it for school

on Feb 26 2007 03:40 AM PST x edit

- From guest Steven (contact)
For the reason as to why this poem is titled such, please reference the popular rhyme: "Monday's Child". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monday%27s_Child

on Feb 24 2007 08:38 PM PST x edit

- From guest DEONDRIC (contact)
I DID THIS POEM IN CLASS I REALLY LOVE I

on Feb 23 2007 04:16 AM PST x edit

- From guest ahmed (contact)
what a great poem godpless u man.....

on Dec 07 2006 02:52 AM PST x edit

- I thought it was really interesting that this is the way that people felt. I truly touched by the hate and the feeling of rejection that were shown in this poem. it has definetly changed my outlook.

on Apr 01 2005 02:41 AM PST x edit

- why is it called saturday's child???

on Dec 18 2004 05:14 AM PST x edit

- It has such a deep meaning in such a short poem. It helps to think of others lives from a different point of view.

on Jan 04 2004 01:36 PM PST x edit

- It is a short poem but I love it

on Dec 08 2003 12:40 AM PST x edit

- i loved it...it tells u so much in such a short poem

on Dec 03 2003 01:09 PM PST x edit

Cyberfreke - I have to say this poem is tite. It really shows the contrast between peoples lives .. I loved it

on Nov 23 2003 03:20 PM PST x edit

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Countee Cullen Follow

Born in 1903 in New York City, Countee Cullen was raised in a Methodist parsonage. He attended De Witt Clinton High School in New York and began writing poetry at the age of fourteen.
An imaginative lyric poet, he wrote in the tradition of Keats and Shelley.

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