Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753 – December 5, 1784) was the first published African-American female poet.[1] Born in West Africa, she was sold into slavery at the age of seven and transported to North America. She was purchased by the Wheatley family of Boston, who taught her to read and write, and encouraged her poetry when they saw her talent.
At the age of 14, Phillis published a poem in the Rhode Island Mercury. The poem is based on a shipwreck and the miraculous escape of its survivors. "On Messrs. Hussey and Coffin,"like the most fashionable 18th century English poetry, makes full use of classical allusion:
"On Messrs Hussey and Coffin"
Did Fear and Danger so perplex your Mind,
As made you fearful of the Whistling Wind?
Was it not Boreas knit his angry Brow
Against you? or did Consideration bow?
To lend you Aid, did not his Winds combine?
To stop your passage with a churlish Line,
Did haughty Eolus with Contempt look down
With Aspect windy, and a study'd Frown?
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