Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TOUSSAINT L'OVERTURE: HIS MANHOOD, by GEORGE CLINTON ROWE


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TOUSSAINT L'OVERTURE: HIS MANHOOD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thus, up to manhood he arose
Last Line: "and conquer here."
Subject(s): Toussaint L'ouverture (1743-1803)


Thus, up to manhood he arose,
A man of wisdom, strength, repose,
Integrity;
Beloved by all both far and near,
Respected for his character
And industry.

Then he was married to Suzan,
A help-meet true for such a man;
For many years
The loved companion of his life,
Sharing his honors, toils and strife,
His hopes and fears.

He saw with pain the cruel lot
Of Brethren dear, and ne'er forgot
To humbly pray,
That He, who calms the ocean's wave,
Would bring deliverance to the slave,
And haste the day.

In reading, 'neath his gaze there fell
Prophetic words, which long and well,
And thoughtfully,
He pondered, for in them appear
Visions of a deliverer
From slavery.

"Where is the man whom Nature owes
To her vexed children -- the negroes?
He will appear!
With standard raised for liberty,
Impetuous as a stormy sea,
And conquer here."





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