George Moses Horton, Myself

I feel myself in need 
   Of the inspiring strains of ancient lore, 
My heart to lift, my empty mind to feed, 
   And all the world explore. 

I know that I am old 
   And never can recover what is past, 
But for the future may some light unfold 
   And soar from ages blast. 

I feel resolved to try, 
   My wish to prove, my calling to pursue, 
Or mount up from the earth into the sky, 
   To show what Heaven can do. 

My genius from a boy, 
   Has fluttered like a bird within my heart; 
But could not thus confined her powers employ, 
   Impatient to depart. 

She like a restless bird, 
   Would spread her wings, her power to be unfurl'd, 
And let her songs be loudly heard, 
   And dart from world to world.