Lyrics of a Lowly Life

Focusing on the African American experience, this collection showcases Paul Laurence Dunbar's powerful vision of faith and perseverance. Combining earlier works, it highlights the poet's commitment to his craft, likening poetry to labor in "The Poet and His Song." Dunbar emphasizes the dual role of the poet as a worker and a dreamer. His elegy "Frederick Douglass" reflects on pride and defiance in a society shaped by slavery, illustrating the profound impact of Douglass's legacy. Each poem grounds Dunbar's identity and explores the poet's societal role.