I many times thought Peace had come — Black Slave

I many times thought Peace had come ¹
When Peace was far away－
As Wrecked Men－deem they sight the Land－
At Centre of the Sea－

And struggle slacker－but to prove ⁵
As hopelessly as I－
How many the fictitious Shores－
Before the Harbor be－

(F.737/J.739)

[1] I:: a black slave who came to America by sea.
[3] as Wrecked Men:: the slave's life like wrecked men.
[4] Sea:: a hint on travel by sea; European immigrant and African slave, both came by sea and both had a hard life.
[5] slacker but to prove:: as a black slave. The use of "slacker but" hints at "but blacker."
[7] Shores:: supports.
[8] Harbor:: a shelter.