Saturday, April 11, 2026

April Is National Poetry Month! 


TO AMERICA

Published in "THE CRISIS Magazine," NOVEMBER 

1917.


JAMES WELDON JOHNSON

RENOWNED HARLEM RENAISSANCEX POET X WRITER X 

NOVELIST X ESSAYIST X EDUCATOR X CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST 

DIPLOMAT X LAWYER X LYRICIST PLAYWRIGHT 

 



How would you have us, as we are?
Or sinking 'neath the load we bear?
Our eyes fixed forward on a star?
Or gazing empty at despair?

Rising or falling? Men or things?
With dragging pace or footsteps fleet?
Strong, willing sinews in your wings?
Or tightening chains about your feet?

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.