Classic stories of the author Olivia Ward Bush-Banks

Olivia Ward Bush-Banks

As an American author, poet, and journalist of African-American and Montaukett heritage, Olivia Ward Bush-Banks celebrated both of her heritages in her work. After being noticed by Paul Laurence Dunbar, she published two volumes of poetry and became a member of the early Harlem Renaissance.

Classics

Regret

Olivia Ward Bush-Banks

I said a thoughtless word one day,
A loved one heard and went away;
I cried: "Forgive me, I was blind;
I would not wound or be unkind."
I waited long, but all in vain,
To win my loved ... [+]

Classics

19th Century 20th Century African American Literature 1 min

Morning on Shinnecock

Olivia Ward Bush-Banks

The rising sun had crowned the hills,
And added beauty to the plain;
O grand and wondrous spectacle!
That only nature could explain.

I stood within a leafy ... [+]

Classics

19th Century 20th Century African American Literature 1 min

A Picture

Olivia Ward Bush-Banks

I drew a picture long ago—
A picture of a sullen sea;
A picture that I value now
Because it clears Life's mystery.

My sea was dark and full of gloom;
I painted rocks ... [+]

Classics

19th Century 1 min

The Plains of Peace

Olivia Ward Bush-Banks

Again my fancy takes its flight,
And soars away on thoughtful wing,
Again my soul thrills with delight,
And this the fancied theme, I sing,
From Earthly scenes awhile, I find release, ... [+]

A New Kind of Literary Pulse

A New Kind of Literary Pulse

Olivia Ward Bush-Banks

Regret

Morning on Shinnecock

A Picture

The Plains of Peace