Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FATHERLAND, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FATHERLAND, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Where is the true man's fatherland?
Last Line: His is a world-wide fatherland!
Subject(s): Brotherhood; Patriotism


WHERE is the true man's fatherland?
Is it where he by chance is born?
Doth not the yearning spirit scorn
In such scant borders to be spanned?
O yes! his fatherland must be
As the blue heaven wide and free!

Is it alone where freedom is,
Where God is God and man is man?
Doth he not claim a broader span
For the soul's love of home than this?
O yes! his fatherland must be
As the blue heaven wide and free!

Where'er a human heart doth wear
Joy's myrtle-wreath or sorrow's gyves,
Where'er a human spirit strives
After a life more true and fair,
There is the true man's birthplace grand,
His is a world-wide fatherland!

Where'er a single slave doth pine,
Where'er one man may help another, --
Thank God for such a birthright, brother, --
That spot of earth is thine and mine!
There is the true man's birthplace grand,
His is a world-wide fatherland!





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