Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO HORACE BUMSTEAD, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO HORACE BUMSTEAD, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Have you been sore discouraged in the fight
Last Line: You shall not, no, you shall not, fight alone.
Subject(s): African Americans - Military; Bumstead, Horace (1841-1919); Human Rights; Justice


Have you been sore discouraged in the fight,
And even sometimes weighted by the thought
That those with whom and those for whom you fought
Lagged far behind, or dared but faintly smite?
And that the opposing forces in their might
Of blind inertia rendered as for naught
All that throughout the long years had been wrought,
And powerless each blow for Truth and Right?

If so, take new and greater courage then,
And think no more withouten help you stand;
For sure as God on His eternal throne
Sits, mindful of the sinful deeds of men,
— The awful Sword of Justice in His hand, —
You shall not, no, you shall not, fight alone.





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