Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO AMERICA, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO AMERICA, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: How would you have us, as we are?
Last Line: Or tightening chains about your feet?
Subject(s): Justice; World War I; First World War


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?





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