Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE LITTLE CLOUD, by JOHN HOWARD BRYANT First Line: As when, on carmel's sterile steep Last Line: The blessed liberty of god. Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Missouri Compromise; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty | ||||||||
As when, on Carmel's sterile steep, The ancient prophet bowed the knee, And seven times sent his servant forth To look toward the distant sea; There came at last a little cloud, Scarce larger than the human hand, Spreading and swelling till it broke In showers on all the herbless land; And hearts were glad, and shouts went up, And praise to Israel's mighty God, As the sear hills grew bright with flowers, And verdure clothed the valley sod, -- Even so our eyes have waited long; But now a little cloud appears, Spreading and swelling as it glides Onward into the coming years. Bright cloud of Liberty! full soon, Far stretching from the ocean strand, Thy glorious folds shall spread abroad, Encircling our beloved land. Like the sweet rain on Judah's hills, The glorious boon of love shall fall, And our bond millions shall arise, As at an angel's trumpet-call. Then shall a shout of joy go up, -- The wild, glad cry of freedom come From hearts long crushed by cruel hands, And songs from lips long sealed and dumb And every bondman's chain be broke, And every soul that moves abroad In this wide realm shall know and feel The blessed Liberty of God. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOVE THE WILD SWAN by ROBINSON JEFFERS AFTER TENNYSON by AMBROSE BIERCE QUARTET IN F MAJOR by WILLIAM MEREDITH CROSS THAT LINE by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE EMANCIPATION by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER |
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