Some are teethed on a silver spoon,
With the stars strung for a rattle;
I cut my teeth as the black racoon--
For implements of battle.
Some are swaddled in silk and down,
And heralded by a star;
They swathed my limbs in a sackcloth gown
In the first line, the author is contrasting his experience as a baby to those of wealth- He is “cut” by his teething item, as opposed to a shiny, smooth silver spoon. The “black raccoon” phrase may be a reference to his race, raccoon is sometimes a negative term for African Americans. In addition, raccoons are known for causing trouble and messes, as well as being dirty. This indicates his parents seeing him as a nuisance and having disinterest in him. This indication is further exemplified by the next line, “implements of the battle”.