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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
GIVE HIM HIS DUE, by LEVI BISHOP Poet's Biography First Line: These sentimental lines we write Last Line: To swell the shout of victory. Subject(s): Blacks; Nations; Reconstruction (1865-1876) | |||
These sentimental lines we write, Make this deduction: In sixty-five, when all unite For "reconstruction." The African is here, with sombre hue In culture as in skin. Yet he was true, E'en to oppressors, when, in deadly strife, Millions went forth "to save a nation's life." The danger, toil and death he shared; He stormed the breach, his breast he bared, In faith devout; He stood as of a nation's brave, And heard, while sinking to the grave, The victor shout. Then give him what is due; strike off his chain: For blood like water poured, this much we gain: Freedom we purge forever of the shame Of bondage deep. We vindicate our name. Then let him have his due. Let earth and sea Echo the cannon's roar, and speak him free. This much we may and should. He earned it well: Then let his race, and now and ever tell Of his deliverance. His lot at best Is pitiful. His future is the test How fast and far 'tis safe and best to go, In lifting up a race now sunk so low. But this we safely, justly, nobly can -- Proclaim, at least, and make him free; Let him stand forth, as he was made, a man, To swell the shout of victory. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THADDEUS STEVENS by PHOEBE CARY THE REAR GUARD by IRENE FOWLER BROWN RECONCILIATION (FROM THE SOUTH TO THE NORTH; IN VIEW OF THE NEW YEAR) by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE SOUTH CAROLINA TO THE STATES OF THE NORTH by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE THE KING OF THE PLOW by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE THE RETURN OF PEACE by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE THE STRICKEN SOUTH TO THE NORTH by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE THE UNION OF BLUE AND GRAY by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE CHRISTMAS EVE, SOUTH, 1865 by MARY TUCKER LAMBERT A HOP AT SARATOGA by LEVI BISHOP |
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