Paul Laurence Dunbar

Unexpressed

  Deep in my heart that aches with the repression,
    And strives with plenitude of bitter pain,
  There lives a thought that clamors for expression,
    And spends its undelivered force in vain.

  What boots it that some other may have thought it?
    The right of thoughts' expression is divine;
  The price of pain I pay for it has bought it,
    I care not who lays claim to it--'t is mine!

  And yet not mine until it be delivered;
    The manner of its birth shall prove the test.
  Alas, alas, my rock of pride is shivered--
    I beat my brow--the thought still unexpressed.