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Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Searching... Subject: SLAVERY Matches Found: 482 UPDATE command denied to user 'poetryex_users'@'localhost' for table `poetryex_poems`.`subcnt` "JIM CRACK CORN, OR THE BLUE TAIL FLY", by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: When I was young I us'd to wait / on massa and hand him de plate Last Line: "I nebber forget till de day I die, / ole massa an' dat blue tail fly" Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;flies;slavery; Negro Spirituals;serfs "PUSHAN, GOD OF PASTURE", by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "pushan, god of golden day" Last Line: And we follow ever more! Subject(s): Farm Life;fields;slavery; Agriculture;farmers;pastures;meadows;leas;serfs 25 EXPOSURES, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: What makes our pictures Last Line: Then endures silence. Subject(s): Photography & Photographers; Slavery; Serfs A CERTAIN POET ON THE DEBATES, by EDGAR LEE MASTERS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why do I speak with such authority? Last Line: And drop a tear on all the sorry waste. Subject(s): Lincoln-douglas Debates; Slavery; Serfs A CORN SONG, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: On the wide veranda white Last Line: Says de day is done. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Slavery; Serfs A CREOLE SLAVE-SONG, by JAMES MAURICE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What bird is that, with voice so sweet Last Line: I cannot cut the cane to-day! Alternate Author Name(s): Thompson, Maurice Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs A CURSE FOR A NATION: PROLOGUE, by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I heard an angel speak last night Last Line: I send it over the western sea. Subject(s): Curses; Slavery; United States; Serfs; America A METAPHYSICAL JOURNEY; FROM POSTCARDS, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dear folks / enclosed, is the ordinary river Last Line: "there is no abstract art; you must start with something." Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs A PARODY, by FREDERICK DOUGLASS Poem Text First Line: Come, saints and sinners, hear me tell Last Line: "and this goes down for union." Alternate Author Name(s): Bailey, Frederick Augustus Washington Subject(s): Clergy; Hypocrisy; Slavery; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Serfs A PLANTATION MELODY, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: De trees is bendin' in de st'om Last Line: Lay low in de wildaness. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Slavery; Serfs A POEM ON THE FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW, SELECTION, by ELYMAS PAYSON ROGERS Poem Text First Line: Law! What is law? The wise and sage Last Line: And victory will be complete. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs A POEM TO MY NOTEBOOK, ACROSS WINTER, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The flock of birds takes shape Last Line: I hope Subject(s): Birds; Slavery; Serfs A PRAYER TO LIFE, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Pray you, my master, let me keep my dream Last Line: Pray you, my master, let me keep my dream. Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs. Subject(s): Desire; Love; Slavery; Serfs A SABBATH SCENE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Scarce had the solemn sabbath-bell Last Line: Undo the heavy burden! Subject(s): Sabbath; Slavery; Sunday; Serfs A SLAVE GIRL, by DAMASCIUS Poem Text First Line: O zozima, your soul was ever free Last Line: And now your body too hath liberty. Subject(s): Freedom; Slavery; Liberty; Serfs A SONG FOR THE TIME, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Up, laggards of freedom! - our free flag is cast Last Line: For earth wearies of them and god's over all! Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Fremont, John Charles (1813-1890); Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs A STORY, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Her sorrow was the size Last Line: And things changed. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs A SUMMONS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Men of the north-land! Where's the manly spirit Last Line: Maintain the right! Subject(s): Censorship; Slavery; Serfs A TROJAN SLAVE, by EDWIN MUIR Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've often wandered in the fields of troy Subject(s): Troy; Trojan War; Slavery; Serfs A WAYSIDE CROSS, by THOMAS SAMUEL JONES JR. Poem Text First Line: August with sombre dooms old sagas wail Last Line: In mystic runes upon a wayside cross. Subject(s): Alphabets; Slavery; Serfs A WIFE, by THEODOSIA (PICKERING) GARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I stretch out both my hands to you Last Line: For all their wistful prayer to you! Alternate Author Name(s): Faulks, Frederick J., Mrs. Subject(s): Household Employees; Marriage; Sexism; Slavery; Women; Servants; Domestics; Maids; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Serfs ABOLITIONIST, by GEORGE ROBERT ACWORTH CONQUEST Poem Source First Line: The clear-cut, alien fault he understood Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery ACTEA, by JAMES RENNELL RODD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: When the last bitterness was past, she bore Last Line: Because she loved, thou art not wholly fiend. Alternate Author Name(s): Rennell, 1st Baron Subject(s): Fidelity; Nero, Roman Emperor (37-68 A.d.); Slavery; Faithfulness; Constancy; Serfs AD OLUM, by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Call me not rebel though in what I sing Last Line: Set free thy slave; thou settest free thyself. Alternate Author Name(s): Martial Subject(s): Revolutions; Slavery; Tyranny & Tyrants; Serfs AFTER THAT, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Every story has its lean meat Last Line: I've kissed her fright. Subject(s): Rape; Revenge; Slavery; Women - Abused; Serfs; Wife Beating AFTER THE TRUCKERS' RESTURANT, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Men look at curves in the dark Last Line: She can hear it (sleeping). Subject(s): Slavery; Trucks & Trucking; Serfs ALL THE WAY HOME, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lamps hung like a lynching Last Line: All the way home. Subject(s): Home; Slavery; Solitude; Serfs; Loneliness ALLEGRA AND TRISTITIA, by ANNA BUNSTON DE BARY Poem Text First Line: Tristitia, the dark, the pale Last Line: For evermore. Subject(s): Hearts; Love; Slavery; Serfs AMBIGUITIES, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I call it dress Last Line: I want to go dancing. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs AMERICAN ROOTS: MORAL ASSOCIATIONS, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Kinship / is emabarrassing the wind Last Line: And it's your world, brother. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs AMERICAN SONNET (10), by WANDA COLEMAN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Our mothers wrung hell and hardtack from row Alternate Author Name(s): Coleman-straus, Wanda Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs AN APPEAL, by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Art thou indeed among these Last Line: 11/20/67 Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; England; Freedom; Slavery; English; Liberty; Serfs AN APPEAL TO WOMEN, by SARAH LOUISA FORTEN Poem Text First Line: Oh, woman, woman, in thy brightest hour Last Line: Upon the altar of immortal fame. Alternate Author Name(s): Ada Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Women; Anti-slavery; Serfs AN EPISTLE TO CURIO, by MARK AKENSIDE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thrice has the spring beheld thy faded fame Last Line: And teach her slaves that vice was born to fear. Subject(s): Freedom; Roman Empire; Slavery; Tyranny & Tyrants; Liberty; Serfs; Dictators ANNIVERSARY, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When she walked by Last Line: He likes to comb her hair. Subject(s): Cancer (disease); Love; Slavery; Stillbirth; Serfs; Death - Childbirth ARISEN AT LAST, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I said I stood upon thy grave Last Line: In freedom's holy pentecost. Subject(s): Freedom; Massachusetts; Slavery; Liberty; Serfs ARS POETICA, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the edge of the forest Last Line: For the sake of this poem. Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Slavery; Serfs AT THE CEMETERY, WALNUT GROVE PLANTATION, SOUTH CAROLINA, 1989, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Among the rocks / at walnut grove Last Line: Here lies / hear Subject(s): Americans; United States; African Americans; Slavery; Cemeteries; America AT WASHINGTON, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With a cold and wintry noon-light Last Line: Ere the long night-silence cometh, and with us it is not day! Subject(s): Slavery; Washington, D.c.; Serfs AUCTION STREET, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Consider the drum Last Line: The ground you walk is holy Subject(s): Slavery; Auctions AUNT AGNES HATCHER TELLS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: After the war when rationing was over Last Line: Slide out babies like payday from that %billion dollar behind Subject(s): African Americans - History; Death; Family Life; Hunger; Slavery; War AUNT PHOEBE'S REMONSTRANCE, by R. F. WILLIAMS JR. Poem Text First Line: My missis! You gwine to marry her, you say! Last Line: An' fin' my chile. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs AWAY TO CANADA, by JOSHUA MCCARTER SIMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I'm on my way to canada Last Line: I will remember thee. Subject(s): Slavery; Underground Railroad; Serfs BACCHUS ON BEVERAGES (FROM BACCHUS IN TUSCANY), by FRANCESCO REDI Poem Source First Line: Talk of chocolate Last Line: That sparkles warm in sansovine Subject(s): Alcoholics And Alcoholism; Beer; Drinks And Drinking; Poisons And Poisoning; Slavery BEAUTIFUL SLAVE, by GIAMBATTISTA MARINI Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Black, yes, but beautiful. Sweet paradox Last Line: But whose dark eyes shine brighter than your day Alternate Author Name(s): Marino, Giambattista; Marino, Giovanni Battista Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Beauty; Love - Cultural Differences; Slavery BEDDING DOWN, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The redness of the apples Last Line: And spend the night. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs BEING PROPERTY ONCE MYSELF, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Same thing for men Subject(s): Slavery; Liberty BENIGN NEGLECT/WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI, 1970, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Suppose you were dreaming about your family Last Line: Good-bye, johnny. Subject(s): Death; Murder; Slavery; Dead, The; Serfs BIBLE DEFENCE OF SLAVERY, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Take sackcloth of the darkest dye Last Line: Make heathens at your doors! Subject(s): Bible; Slavery; Serfs BIGLOW PAPERS: LETTER ... TO JOSEPH T. BUCKINGHAM, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Mister eddyter, our hosea wuz down Last Line: Ef there's thousands o' my mind Subject(s): Military Service, Voluntary; Slavery; Soldiers; U.s. - Mexican War (1846-1848) BLACK GIRL FULO, by JORGE MATEUS DE LIMA Poem Source First Line: Now it so happened she came Last Line: That black girl fulo! Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Brazil; Rape; Slavery BLUE EYE, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: So many are trying to get what you Last Line: And raw, unpolished gem of my desire Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Slavery BONDS, by SARAH JOSEPHA BUELL HALE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ye may place the trusty guard Last Line: He would pine with earth's poor thirst. Alternate Author Name(s): Hale, Sara; Hale, Sarah Josepha Subject(s): Slavery; Truth; Serfs BROWN OF OSSAWATOMIE [DECEMBER 2, 1859], by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: John brown of ossawatomie spake on his dying day Last Line: To love! Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Capital Punishment; Freedom; Slavery; United States - History; Anti-slavery; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Liberty; Serfs BURIAL OF BARBER, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Bear him, comrades, to his grave Last Line: Of the freedom of the west! Subject(s): Barber, Thomas; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Funerals; Kansas; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Burials; Serfs BURY ME IN A FREE LAND, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Make me a grave where'er you will Last Line: Is bury me not in a land of slaves. Subject(s): Freedom; Slavery; Liberty; Serfs BUSHMAN, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It is a long night, I have Last Line: Black, %triple %vision %never leaves Subject(s): African Americans - History; Basquiat, Jean-michel (1960-1988); Freedom; Paintings And Painters; Puerto Rico; Slavery CACHOEIRA, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We slept, woke, breakfasted, and met the man Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Cachoeira, Brazil; Tourists; Slavery; Convents; Serfs CALIBAN ON ARIEL, by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The tongue is loosed of that most lying slave Last Line: So perfect: they but bid thee -- 'hagseed, hence!' Subject(s): Hell; Slavery; Serfs CARNIVAL, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sun's return is magical Last Line: Trying to become one with the gods. Subject(s): Carnivals; Slavery; Sun; Serfs CHANSON D'OR, by ANN HAMILTON (1902-) Poem Text First Line: I shall have a gold room Last Line: With a gold sword. Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Anna E.; Hamilton, A. E.; Hamilton, Anne E. Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Slavery; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Serfs CHANUKAH, by CECILIA GERSON Poem Text First Line: The hand of time moves o'er the dial Last Line: That leap to glory and to god! Subject(s): Fasts & Feasts; Hanukkah; Jews; Slavery; Judaism; Serfs CHILDREN IN SLAVERY, by ELIZA LEE CABOT FOLLEN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: When children play the livelong day Last Line: The flesh must creep, and woes are deep %when children are not glad Subject(s): Children; Slavery CHILDREN OF THE SUN, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We are children of the sun Last Line: Liberty! Fraternity! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs CHIVALRY AND SLAVERY, SELECTION, by JOHN BURKE Poem Text First Line: It chanced that in a southern state Last Line: * * * Subject(s): American Civil War; Cruelty; Death; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; United States - History; Dead, The; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs CHRISMUS ON THE PLANTATION, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: It was chrismus eve, I mind hit fu' a mighty gloomy day Last Line: So evahone was gay dat night, an' watched de chrismus in. Subject(s): Christmas; Slavery; Southern States; Nativity, The; Serfs; South (u.s.) CHRISTMAS NIGHT IN THE QUARTERS, by IRWIN RUSSELL Poem Source First Line: When merry christ-day is done Subject(s): Christmas; Slavery CHURCHGOING, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The lutherans sit stolidly in rows; Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Christianity; Slavery; Hypocrisy; Serfs CLERICAL OPPRESSORS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Just god! And these are they Last Line: As in their home above. Subject(s): Clergy; Slavery; Social Protest; United States - History; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Serfs COMPARATIVE SLAVERY, by JANET HAMILTON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Tell me not of negro slavery Last Line: Success awaits you from above Alternate Author Name(s): Hamilton, Janet Thompson Subject(s): Poverty; Slavery CONSTELLATIONS, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nighttime / fore I go to bed Last Line: Grandma ole. Subject(s): Grandparents; Slavery; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers; Serfs COTTON FAMINE AND THE LANCASTER OPERATIVES, SELS., by ELLEN+(2) JOHNSTON Poem Source First Line: Britons with slavery should have no part Last Line: Reels staggering drunk up to the bar of heaven Subject(s): Slavery; Temperance CREOLE SLAVE SONG, by GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The english muskets went bim! Bim! Last Line: A musket shot from an englishman. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs CREOLE SLAVE SONG: BELLE LAYOTTE, by GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I done been 'roun' to evvy spot Last Line: I done been, etc. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs CREOLE SLAVE SONG: CRIOLE CANDJO, by GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: One day one young creole candio Last Line: "yass, seh, I ziss leave meck merrie." Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs CREOLE SLAVE SONG: THE DIRGE OF SY. MALO, by GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Alas! Young men, come, make lament Last Line: For carrion crows to feed upon. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs CREOLE SLAVE SONG: THE SONG OF CAYETANO'S CIRCUS, by GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Das cap'm cayetano Last Line: Wid 'is monkey an' 'is nag! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs CROSS THE RIVER, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: Harriet tubman %coming down the river Last Line: There is a home - somewhere Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Tubman, Harriet (1820-1913) CRUX VIA CAELORUM: 2, by PATRICK CAREY Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Whilst it doth rain, freeze, snow Last Line: Less than a naked slave endures for fear? Subject(s): Slavery DABNEY'S WIFE; SPRING 1863, by JOANNE LOWERY Poem Source First Line: It was all their idea, not hooker's Last Line: And rinsed and did not miss a thing Subject(s): African Americans - Women; American Civil War; Blood; Slavery; Soldiers; U.s. - History; War Injuries; Women And War DANCING WITH WOLVES, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We've become the place Last Line: As lonely as we hunted the buffalo away. Subject(s): Modern Man; Slavery; Serfs DANIEL NEALL, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Friend of the slave, and yet the friend of all Last Line: And feel how true a man has walked with us on earth. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs DAUGHTER - BAHIA, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: I am caught in the roar of the ocean Last Line: As I walk on the land of the daughter Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Angola; Fear; Slavery DEATH OF CHARLES FOLLEN, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O, not for thee weep; we weep Last Line: But thy pure spirit is in bliss. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Follen, Charles (1796-1840); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs DEFEAT, by PARVIN SYAL Poem Source First Line: They all pass, they feel and pass Last Line: Defeated and captured in a war Subject(s): Slavery DEJA VU, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: It happens sometimes when walking down the street, standing on a Last Line: Speak other tongues, worship different spirits and save whatever we can, as we move on Subject(s): African Americans - History; Memory; Past; Slavery DERNE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Night on the city of the moor! Last Line: Of suffering for a fallen race! Subject(s): Eaton, William (1764-1811); Slavery; Serfs DEVIL'S WORKING OVERTIME, by ANNE WALDMAN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Damn skeeters Subject(s): Labor And Laborers; Sin; Slavery DON JUAN: CANTO 14, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If from great nature's or our own abyss Last Line: Caesar himself would be ashamed of fame. Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron Variant Title(s): The Sceptic And His Poem Subject(s): Don Juan; Slavery; Wilberforce, William (1759-1833); Serfs DOWN TO THE NINES, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Oh owner of wind %keeper of river mists Last Line: We are down to the nines Subject(s): African Americans - History; Memory; Slavery; Women DREAM, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: That evening sinda thought she heard the drums Last Line: & hope to see you soon yrs cal Subject(s): Slavery DREAMER, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There are few probabilities through Last Line: That it jogs Subject(s): Dreams; Sea Voyages; Slavery; Faith; Christianity; Social Commentaries ECONOMY OF SLAVERY, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: One mouth and one back to two hands,' is the law Last Line: The mouths go half fed, and the backs half protected. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs EIN FESTE BURG IST UNSER GOTT, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We wait beneath the furnace blast Last Line: Endure and wait and labor! Subject(s): American Civil War; Luther, Martin (1483-1546); Slavery; U.s. - History; Serfs ELEPHANT ROCK, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We take place in what we believe Last Line: Jesus saves Subject(s): Slavery; Social Problems; United States; Serfs; America ELIZA HARRIS, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Like a fawn from the arrow, startled and wild Last Line: For the child of her love is no longer a slave! Subject(s): Slavery; Stowe, Harriet Beecher (1811-1896); Serfs ELIZABETH KECKLEY: 30 YEARS A SLAVE AND 4 YEARS IN THE WHITE HOUSE, by E. ETHELBERT MILLER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tall man lincoln looking out the windows Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Slavery; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Serfs EMANCIPATION, by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Corncob constellation, / oyster shell, drawstring pouch, dry bones Last Line: We're free Subject(s): Freedom; Slavery; Liberty; Serfs EMANCIPATION OF THE SERFS, by HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Again, sweet bells of the russias Last Line: Than throned as the conquering tzar! Subject(s): Freedom; Russia; Slavery; Liberty; Soviet Union; Russians; Serfs ENIGMA (1), by MATTHEW PRIOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: By birth I'm a slave, yet can give you a crown Last Line: Sink when it rains, and when it freezes swim. Subject(s): Curiosities & Wonders; Life; Love; Slavery; Serfs ENSLAVED, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh when I think of my long-suffering race Last Line: To liberate my people from its yoke! Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): African Americans - History; Slavery; Black Heritage; Serfs EPISTLE TO WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, ESQ. .. BILL ABOLISHING SLAVE TRADE, by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Cease, wilberforce, to urge thy generous aim! Last Line: Tells how you strove, and that you strove in vain. Alternate Author Name(s): Aikin, Anna Letitia Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Wilberforce, William (1759-1833); Anti-slavery; Serfs EPITAFIO, by ECE AYHAN Poem Source First Line: They came drowned in the afternoon to the blue house Last Line: And their sister, also, on the mossy rocky road to africa Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Travel EPITAPH, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A slave yet wearing on my head a crown Last Line: I fell a victim to the jealous turk. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Epitaphs; Slavery; Tears; Serfs ETHIOPA, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O minstrel lyre of ancient ethiop Last Line: Throughout the world his fellows of the dusk. Subject(s): Africa; Ethiopia; Haiti; Slavery; Serfs EXPOSTULATION, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Our fellow-countrymen in chains! Last Line: Shall call an answer down from heaven! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Follen, Charles (1796-1840); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs FAREWELL OF A VIRGINIA SLAVE MOTHER TO HER DAUGHTERS SOLD INTO BONDAGE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gone, gone - sold and gone Last Line: Woe is me, my stolen daughters! Subject(s): Farewell; Mothers; Slavery; Social Protest; Parting; Serfs FIRST PRAYER FOR THE HOTTENTOTSGOD, by BREYTEN BREYTENBACH Poem Source First Line: They say, little beast, little creator, the elders say Last Line: Chastise those who debased your people to slavery Subject(s): Slavery FOLLEN: ON READING HIS ESSAY, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Friend of my soul! As with moist eye Last Line: On him whose dearest name is love! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Follen, Charles (1796-1840); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs FOR FREEDOM, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Thank god! 'tis the war-cry! They call us; we come; Last Line: O comrades, strike boldly! Our triumph is nigh! Alternate Author Name(s): Dean Subject(s): African Americans - Military; American Civil War; Slavery; Soldiers; U.s. - History; Serfs FOR KINTE, by OLIVER LAGRONE Poem Source First Line: You would not bend Last Line: Rejoined to life %in time and space Subject(s): Slavery FOR MARY STUART, IN CAPTIVITY, by PIERRE DE RONSARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Though by wide seas and time we sundered are Last Line: To free from slavery a queen so fair! Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; France; Mary, Queen Of Scots (1542-1587); Slavery; Time; Mary Stuart; Serfs FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The age is dull and mean. Men creep Last Line: The safe appeal of truth to time! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY, by ELIZA LEE CABOT FOLLEN Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My country, that nobly could dare Last Line: And send forth the glorious word, %this is not the land of the slave Subject(s): Fourth Of July; Slavery FOR THESE CONDITIONS THERE IS NO ABORTION, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They say the tongue is only praxis Last Line: Not hangers and quinine and soda. Subject(s): Abortion; Slavery; Social Problems; Women - Abused; Serfs; Wife Beating FORMERLY A SLAVE' (AN IDEALIZED PORTRAIT, BY E. VEDDER), by HERMAN MELVILLE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sufferance of her race is shown Last Line: Sibylline, yet benign. Subject(s): American Civil War; Paintings & Painters; Slavery; United States - History; Vedder, Elihu (1836-1923); Serfs FRAGMENT, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The hand of fate cannot be stayed Last Line: God is not love, no, god is law. Subject(s): African Americans; Injustice; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs FREE AT LAST, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "free at last, free at last; / I thank god I'm free at last" Last Line: O free at last Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;freedom;slavery; Negro Spirituals;liberty;serfs FREE LABOR, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I wear an easy garment Last Line: For deeds of guilt and wrong. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs FREEDOM (2), by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Men! Whose boast it is that ye Last Line: In the right with two or three. Variant Title(s): Sung At The Anti-slavery Picnic In Dedham;stanzas On Freedom Subject(s): Freedom; Slavery; Liberty; Serfs FREEDOM IN BRAZIL, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With clearer light, cross of the south Last Line: Go out and leave thee free. Subject(s): Brazil; Freedom; Slavery; Brazilians; Liberty; Serfs FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW, by ANN PRESTON Poem Source First Line: The land whose cradle freedom rocked, the nation of the brave Last Line: Till god himself forsakes his world, this law shall not prevail Subject(s): Slavery; Social Protest GAUDY SLAVE TRADER, by WAYNE KOESTENBAUM Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Everyone hates the gaudy slave trader, for good reason Last Line: But until then, resistance will be my only form of slumber Subject(s): Slavery GEORGE L. STEARNS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He has done the work of a true man Last Line: "good and faithful, enter in!" Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Stearns, George Luther (1809-1867); Anti-slavery; Serfs GLADNESS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My ole man named silas: he Last Line: O gladness! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Children; Death; God; Happiness; Slavery; Childhood; Dead, The; Joy; Delight; Serfs GOOD-BYE! OFF FOR KANSAS, by JOHN WILLIS MENARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Good-bye ye bloody scenes of long ago Last Line: I'll sing and give the good lord thanks! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Kansas; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs GROS-ILET, by DEREK WALCOTT Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From this village, soaked like a grey rag in salt water Last Line: The sea grapes bitter, the language is that of slaves. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs GROTESQUE, by RUTH GUTHRIE HARDING Poem Text First Line: With the first light on the skyline came the rapping of the sickles Last Line: "and the fields with harvest teeming have forgot them all too soon!" Alternate Author Name(s): Burton, Richard, Mrs. Subject(s): Fields; Injustice; Labor & Laborers; Memory; Slavery; United States - Race Relations; Pastures; Meadows; Leas; Work; Workers; Serfs HARRIET BEECHER STOWE, by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: She told the story, and the whole world wept Last Line: A race to freedom and herself to fame. Subject(s): Slavery; Stowe, Harriet Beecher (1811-1896); Writing & Writers; Serfs HARRIET BEECHER STOWE: SLAVERY AND THE DOMESTIC LIFE, by SAM CORNISH Poem Source First Line: When I mentioned slavery Subject(s): Slavery; Stowe, Harriet Beecher (1811-1896) HAYNIE, by WILLIAM MILLER Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: My great-grandfather %is buried in an unmarked grave Last Line: New clothes, %glass for the windows Alternate Author Name(s): Laureate Of The Nursery Subject(s): American Civil War; Slavery; Suicide; U.s. - History; War HE IMAGINED THE GORGEOUS PATTERN OF THE NEW SKIN AND SETTLED FOR AMERI, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The quiet which is my wife endures Last Line: Into the sunset of our bleeding children. Subject(s): Death; Slavery; Social Problems; Dead, The; Serfs HEAR, O RICHMOND! AND GIVE EAR, O CAROLINA!, by THOMAS WENTWORTH HIGGINSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: If the attack on the court house has no greater effect Last Line: Henceforth worcester is canada to the slave Subject(s): Slavery; Social Protest HEREAFTER, by ELIZABETH RACHEL CHAPMAN Poem Source First Line: Whire men and free!' is this the highest bliss Last Line: Our darkness, let us in thy hands lie still Subject(s): Racism; Slavery HISTORIC EPISODES, by PETER WELLINGTON CLARK Poem Source First Line: Toussaint %sticking out his tongue Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906); Jesus Christ; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Slavery; Toussaint L'ouverture (1743-1803) HONOUR'S APPEAL TO JUSTICE, by OLIVA WARD BUSH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Unjust, untrue, is he who dares Last Line: For right and right alone we plead. Alternate Author Name(s): Bush-banks, Oliva Ward Subject(s): African Americans; Justice; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs HOUSE SLAVE, by RITA DOVE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The first horn lifts its arm over the dew-lit grass Last Line: I weep. It is not yet daylight Subject(s): Slavery HOW MARY GREW, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With wisdom far beyond her years Last Line: Is just to grow -- as mary grew! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Women; Anti-slavery; Serfs HUG THE BEAR!, by VICTOR GUSTAVE PLARR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: So 'twas for this that with consuming rage Last Line: And down each cesspool stuff a tricolor! Subject(s): Brotherhood; Flags; France; Hugo, Victor (1802-1885); Slavery; Serfs HYMN FOR THE AFRICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With thy pure dews and rains Last Line: The lord of lords! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs HYMN FOR THE FIRST OF AUGUST, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Where britannia's emerald isles Last Line: Shout for slavery's overthrow! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs HYMN WRITTEN FOR THE MEETING OF THE ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O thou, whose presence went before Last Line: The glorious freedom of the just! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs I SEE, by TOMAZ SALAMUN Poem Source First Line: Hunters dressed in sunlight, I see roes with dogs Last Line: The night smells in ca' foscari Subject(s): Factories; Labor And Laborers; Slavery I WENT TO THE VALLEY, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: My soul got happy %and I stayed all day Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; U.s. - Race Relations; Virginia (state) I WOULD NOT LIVE ALWAYS, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I would not live always; I ask not to stay Last Line: And, free from his master, the slave be at peace. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs ICHABOD, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: So fallen! So lost! The light withdrawn / which one he wore! Last Line: And hide the shame! Subject(s): Slavery; Social Protest; Webster, Daniel (1782-1852); Serfs IF I LIE, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: If I lie with the demon now Last Line: I rise and follow the slave abroad Subject(s): Devil; Explorers; Slavery; Temptation IN BONDAGE, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I would be wandering in distant fields Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs IN BONDS, by ALICE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: While shines the sun, the storm even then Last Line: Grows pitiful, and snaps the chain. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs IN MEMORIAM, NINTH OF AB, by BEN AVROM Poem Text First Line: And all is lost! Thy valiant sons are dead Last Line: And in thy glory, make our glory rise! Subject(s): Death; Jews; Memory; Slavery; Dead, The; Judaism; Serfs IN REMEMBRANCE OF JOSEPH STURGE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the fair land o'er watched by ischia's mountains Last Line: Transfigured into love! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Sturge, Joseph (1793-1859); Anti-slavery; Serfs IN THE EVIL DAYS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The evil days have come, the poor Last Line: This night of wrong! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs INDEED, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I married a girl in the summer who slept on the beach Last Line: To silence, to you. It is a good one. Subject(s): Change; Marriage; Slavery; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Serfs INSCRIPTION FOR 'SAMBO', BLACK SLAVE, D. 1736; LANCASHIRE, by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: Full sixty years the angry winter's wave Last Line: Then the great judge his approbation founds %not on man's colour, but his worth of heart Subject(s): Slavery INTERMEZZO, by MARILYN NELSON Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pomp, at the foot of her lacy bed Last Line: To give pomp a marble Alternate Author Name(s): Waniek, Marilyn Nelson Subject(s): Slavery; Reconstruction (1865-1876); Freedom INVITATION TO A HUSBAND, by ANNETTE PATTON CORNELL Poem Text First Line: I need to go away with you, my dear Last Line: And be just lovers for a whole long day! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs IRONING, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I opened my history book one day Last Line: I wouldn't be here. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs JOHN BROWN, by WILLIAM HERBERT CARRUTH Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Had he been made of such poor clay as we Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery JOHN BROWN, by PHOEBE CARY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Men silenced on his faithful lips Last Line: Settled forever on his head! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs JOHN BROWN, by HARRY LYMAN KOOPMAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The sea-bound landsman looking back to shore Last Line: Our tossing bark of progress sunward steers. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs JOHN BROWN, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: John brown died on the scaffold for the slave Last Line: Freedom reigns to-day! Alternate Author Name(s): Dean Variant Title(s): The President's Proclamation Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Capital Punishment; Freedom; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Liberty; Serfs JOHN BROWN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Writ in between the lines of his life-deed Last Line: God! How the merest man loves one like that! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs JOHN BROWN, by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Though for your sake I would not have you now Last Line: I shall have more to say when I am dead. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs JOHN BROWN, by WILLIAM HASKELL SIMPSON Poem Source First Line: John brown - that's all; a serious-purposed man Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery JOHN BROWN, by JOHN ORLEY ALLEN TATE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Alternate Author Name(s): Tate, Allen Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery JOHN BROWN, by EUGENE FITCH WARE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: States are not great %except as men may make them Alternate Author Name(s): Ironquill Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery JOHN BROWN OF OSAWATOMIE [OCTOBER 16, 1859], by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: John brown in kansas settled, like a steadfast yankee farmer Last Line: May trouble you more than ever, when you've nailed his coffin down! Variant Title(s): How John Brown Took Harper's Ferry;john Brown At Harper's Ferry;how Old John Brown Took Harper's Ferry Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs JOHN BROWN'S BODY, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They came on to fish-hook gettysburg in this way, after this fashion Last Line: And the strange south moved against you, lean members lost in the corn Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Gettysburg Campaign (1863); Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Slavery; United States - History; Anti-slavery; Gettysburg, Battle Of; Serfs JOHN BROWN'S BODY, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They came on to fish-hook gettysburg in this way, after this fashion Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Gettysburg Campaign (1863); Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States; Slavery; U.s. - History JOHN BROWN'S BODY, by CHARLES SPRAGUE HALL Poem Text First Line: John brown's body lies a-mould-ring in the grave Last Line: Hip, hip, hip, hip, hurrah! Variant Title(s): Glory Hallelujah! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Freedom; Patriotism; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Liberty; Serfs JOHN BROWN'S BODY (1), by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: John brown's body lies a-mould'ring in the grave Last Line: As we go marching on. %hip, hip, hip, hip, hurrah! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Freedom; Slavery JOHN BROWN'S BODY (2), by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: John brown's body lies a-mould'ring in the grave Last Line: "now has come the glorious jubilee, / when all mankind are free" Subject(s): "abolitionists;brown, John (1800-1859);freedom;slavery;war;" Anti-slavery;liberty;serfs JOHN BROWN'S BODY (3), by UNKNOWN Poem Source First Line: John brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave Last Line: For, the dawn of old john brown has brightened into day %and his soul is marching on Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; U.s. - History JOHN BROWN: A PARADOX, by LOUISE IMOGEN GUINEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Compassionate eyes had our brave john brown Last Line: In the old broken heart of our hanged john brown! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs JOHN BROWN; MEMORIAL TO BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I've been to palestine Last Line: Old john brown. Alternate Author Name(s): Lindsay, Vachel Subject(s): Abolitionists; African Americans; Brown, John (1800-1859); Consolation; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs JOY IN THE WOODS, by CLAUDE MCKAY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: There is joy in the woods just now Alternate Author Name(s): Edwards, Eli Subject(s): Forests; Slavery; Woods; Serfs JUDAS MACCABEUS, by HENRY SNOWMAN Poem Text First Line: Victor of god! O thou whose lamp of fame Last Line: Come, great deliverer, arise! Arise! Subject(s): Courage; Jews; Patriotism; Slavery; Valor; Bravery; Judaism; Serfs KANSAS, by GLEN BAKER Poem Text First Line: This land of undulating prairies Last Line: To roll across the national sky. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Kansas; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs KATHLEEN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O norah, lay your basket down Last Line: With her darling on his knee. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs KENTUCKY, 1833, by RITA DOVE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is sunday, day of roughhousing. We are let out in the woods Last Line: If we could read, would change our lives Subject(s): Slavery; Books & Reading KIDNAPPERS!, by JAMES FREEMAN CLARKE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: When anthony burns was taken down state street Last Line: We are kidnappers and man-stealers still Alternate Author Name(s): C., J. F. Subject(s): Slavery; Social Protest LABORER, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I work for what I get Last Line: To her children. Subject(s): Black (color); Discontent; Labor & Laborers; Slavery; Dissatisfaction; Work; Workers; Serfs LAMP BURNS SURE - WITHIN, by EMILY DICKINSON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: As that the slave - is gone Variant Title(s): Poem: 233; Poem: 24 Subject(s): Slavery LE MARAIS DU CYNGE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A blush as of roses Last Line: The march of the day. Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Marais Du Cygne (river), Kansas; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs LEARNING TO READ, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Very soon the yankee teachers / came down and set up school Last Line: As the queen upon her throne. Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Americans; Bible; Schools; Slavery; Southern States; United States; Students; Serfs; South (u.s.); America LECOMPTON'S BLACK BRIGADE, by CHARLES GRAHAM HALPINE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Single-handed, and surrounded by lecompton's Last Line: Through all the coming years. Alternate Author Name(s): O'reilly, Miles Subject(s): Democratic Party (u.s.); Douglas, Stephen A. (1813-1861); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Political Conventions; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs LEDA'S HANDMAIDEN, by ELEANOR WILNER Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I was leda's intimate, and slave Last Line: We share. Alternate Author Name(s): Wilner, Eleanor Rand Subject(s): Household Employees; Slavery; Servants; Domestics; Maids; Serfs LEE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother's people Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers; Generals; Lee, Robert Edward (1807-1870); Slavery; Southern States; Virginia (state); Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) LEE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: My mother's people Last Line: Chaining his mother to lee Subject(s): African Americans; Fathers; Generals; Lee, Robert Edward (1807-1870); Slavery; Southern States; Virginia (state) LEGGETT'S MONUMENT, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Yes, pile the marble o'er him! It is well Last Line: Of the brave heart beneath, but of the builders' shame! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Leggett, William (1801-1839); Monuments; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs LETTER FROM A MISSIONARY, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Last week - the lord be praised for all his mercies Last Line: Amen: so mote it be. So prays your friend. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Kansas; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs LIBERTY FOR ALL, by WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: They tell me, liberty! That in thy name Last Line: And, by a mighty hand, the oppressed he yet shall save! Subject(s): Brotherhood; Fourth Of July; Slavery; Social Protest; Independence Day; Serfs LINES, by ALFRED GIBBS CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Wake not again the cannon's thundrous voice Last Line: Light vanishes beneath the sun's eclipse. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs LINES, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At the portals of the future Last Line: By their blight, from strand to strand? Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs LINES FROM A LETTER TO A YOUNG CLERICAL FRIEND, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A strength thy service cannot tire Last Line: Shall, childlike, claim the love of thee! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs LINES ON THE DEATH OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, by JAMES MONROE WHITFIELD Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: The great, the good, the just, the true Last Line: The blessings, truth and virtue given Subject(s): Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848); Amistad (schooner); Presidents, United States; Slavery LINES ON THE DEATH OF S. OLIVER TORREY, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gone before us, o our brother Last Line: And thy spirit ours! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Torrey, S. Oliver; Anti-slavery; Serfs LINES ON THE PORTRAIT OF A CELEBRATED PUBLISHER, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A moony breadth of virgin face Last Line: Preserved in slavery's amber! Subject(s): Publishing; Slavery; Publishers; Serfs LINES WRITTEN AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF JOSEPH STURGE, by ELIZABETH H. WHITTIER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Fair islands of the sunny sea! Midst all rejoicing things Last Line: Who here walked with the multitude, and sat at meat with all! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Sturge, Joseph (1793-1859); Anti-slavery; Serfs LISTS, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Anger, the water boiling Last Line: Smiles, ancient forms of justice Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs LITTLE SAM, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Lo, de cabin's empty Last Line: Will take dis po' ole nigger home, to be wid little sam. Subject(s): African Americans - Children; Slavery; Serfs LIVINGSTONE, by FRANCIS BROOKS Poem Text First Line: On dusky shoulders Last Line: Death! Subject(s): Africa; Courage; Immortality; Slavery; Valor; Bravery; Serfs LONGIN' FUR TENNESSEE (A LAMENT FROM YANKEE LAND), by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O, I'm longin' jes'er longin' fur a sight ob / tennessee Last Line: Fur er grabe in tennessee. Subject(s): Farm Life; Homesickness; Plantation Life; Sheep; Slavery; Tennessee; Agriculture; Farmers; Serfs LOOKING AT A BUS STOP, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Water is just a five-letter word Last Line: That autumn hurts. Subject(s): Bus Terminals; Slavery; Trees; Serfs LYNCHING AND BURNING, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Men lean toward the wood Last Line: People lived there. Now we live there... Subject(s): Children; Ku Klux Klan; Lynching; Parents; Slavery; Childhood; Parenthood; Serfs LYRIC 12, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I believe in myself slowly Last Line: It takes my wonder. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs LYRIC 13, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: With emotion / the wind holds out its empty hands Last Line: Was I really awake when I saw this. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs LYRIC 14, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You take this earth we live on Last Line: What have you learned to say to each other? Subject(s): Lust; Slavery; Women; Serfs MANY A THOUSAND DIE, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: No more driver call for me Last Line: "no more hundred lash for me, / many a thousand die" Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs MANY THOUSAND GONE, by UNKNOWN+172 Poem Source First Line: No more auction block for me Last Line: No more mistress' call for me, %many thousand gone Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs; Freedom; Slavery MASSA'S IN DE COLD GROUND, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: Round de meadows am a ringing Last Line: "down in de corn fields, etc" Subject(s): African Americans;death;slavery;tears; "negroes;american Blacks;dead, The;serfs; MASSACHUSETTS (2), by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: And have they spurned thy word Last Line: Its lightest whisper shall be heard. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Massachusetts; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs MASSACHUSETTS TO VIRGINIA, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The blast from freedom's northern hill, upon its southern way Last Line: No fetters in the bay state, -- no slave upon our land! Subject(s): Massachusetts; Slavery; Virginia (state); Serfs MATTER, by JEAN FOLLAIN Poem Source First Line: Above matter %a dream floats Last Line: Dead furs %hang on the pallid wall Subject(s): Household Employees; Slavery MEDICINE MEN, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Slavers stole them out of akebulan Last Line: Furious movement of african life %claiming its own Subject(s): African Americans; African Americans - History; Malcolm X (malcolm Little) (1925-1965); Movement; Protest, Social; Slavery MELANCHOLY TOWERS, by ROLF JACOBSEN Poem Source First Line: The slaves had huge hands and they built gloomy towers Last Line: Where swallows weave out in great sweeps in the air %like the silent strokes of a whip Subject(s): Grief; Melancholy; Slavery MITHRIDATES AT CHIOS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Know'st thou, o slave-cursed land! Last Line: To break, not wield, the scourge wet with their blood and tears. Subject(s): Chios (island), Greece; Mithridates Vi Eupator (d. 63 B.c.); Slavery; Mithrodates The Great; Serfs MOLASSES REEF WRECK, by LAURENCE LIEBERMAN Poem Source First Line: No telling %how many ships Last Line: Face banishment from these our sovereign %blest shores Subject(s): Artifacts; Colonialism; Columbus, Christopher (1451-1506); Coral; Disasters; Diving And Divers; Explorers; Seaweed; Shipwrecks; Slavery; Spain; West Indies MONTICELLO, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: God declares no independence Last Line: From this black sally %branded with jefferson hair Subject(s): Slavery MORAVIAN MISSIONS, by JAMES MONTGOMERY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Was there no mercy, mother of the slave Last Line: He wakes to life, he springs to liberty. Alternate Author Name(s): The Common Lot Subject(s): Missions & Missionaries; Moravian Brethren; Slavery; Serfs MOSES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I walk on bones Last Line: God had got his eye on Subject(s): Bible; Moses; Old Age; Slavery; Serfs MOSES, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I walk on bones Last Line: Like a bush %god got his eye on Subject(s): Bible; Moses; Old Age; Slavery MURILLO AND HIS SLAVE; A LEGEND OF SPAIN, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Whose work is this?' murillo said Last Line: And learn how well his son could paint. Subject(s): Murillo, Bartolome Esteban (1617-1682); Slavery; Serfs MY FATHER'S STORY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: There is an ancient story Last Line: Mindless of the winter's blast. Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs MY LAST NAME, by NICOLAS GUILLEN Poem Source First Line: Ever since school Last Line: Foreign and free as the air Subject(s): African Americans; Ancestors And Ancestry; Ethnic Identity; Freedom; Slavery NEGRO BOY'S TALE, by AMELIA OPIE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Haste! Hoist the sails! Fair blows the wind! Last Line: The negro's chains asunder rend! Alternate Author Name(s): Alderson, Amelia Subject(s): Blacks; Boys; Slavery NEGRO GIRL, by IRENE COOPER ALLEN Poem Text First Line: Negro girl, - tall, dusky - skinned diana Last Line: Ignorant, are you happy? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Cosmetics; Slavery; Serfs NEGRO, SEPT. 1806, by CHARLOTTE RICHARDSON Poem Source First Line: Whence that agonizing groan? Last Line: Till oppression yields her sway, %and the oppressed, taste of peace Subject(s): Abolitionists; Blacks; Slavery NEW GOSPEL, by RUTH WILLS Poem Source First Line: So the south has been blest with a new revelation Last Line: And own the worst faith of the pagan as mine Subject(s): Confederate States Of America; Slavery NEW NATION, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A mountain of white ice Subject(s): United States - History; Native Americans; Massacres; Slavery; Indians Of America; American Indians; Indians Of South America; Serfs NEW SPIRITUAL, by JOY DAVIDMAN Poem Source First Line: Shout like bells across the nation Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery NIGGER ISLAND, by GARY FINCKE Poem Source First Line: At noon, near the river, the guide Last Line: The hypnosis of names sending %us upland to our painless homes Subject(s): African Americans; Revolutions; Slavery O BLACK AND UNKNOWN BARDS, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O black and unknown bards of long ago Last Line: You sang a race from wood and stone to christ. Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music; Bards; Jesus Christ; Slavery; Serfs ODE ON THE FRIGATE CONSTITUTION, by PHILIP FRENEAU Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thus launch'd at length upon the main Last Line: The tyrant and the storm Subject(s): Slavery ODE, BY THE CONSTITUENTS OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Not from the bloody field Last Line: New life to give. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848); Presidents, United States; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs ODES I, 38. TO HIS SLAVE, by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Persian grandeur I abhor Last Line: Fitliest 'neath the scant vine-shade. Alternate Author Name(s): Horace Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs OF THE BOY AND THE CRIER, by GAIUS VALERIUS CATULLUS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With a fair boy a crier we behold Last Line: What should we think, but he would not be sold? Alternate Author Name(s): Catullus, Caius Valerius Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs OFFICIAL PIETY, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A pious magistrate! Last Line: Whining a prayer for help to hide the key! Subject(s): Hypocrisy; Law & Lawyers; Piety; Slavery; Serfs OLD OSAWATOMIE, by CARL SANDBURG Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: John brown's body under the morning stars Last Line: On a six-foot stage of dust. Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; U.s. - History; Anti-slavery; Serfs ON HEARING OF INTENTION .. TO PURCHASE THE POET'S FREEDOM, by GEORGE MOSES HORTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When on life's ocean first I spread my sail Last Line: And the last beam of hope was almost gone. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs ON LIBERTY AND SLAVERY, by GEORGE MOSES HORTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Alas! And am I born for this Last Line: With songs of liberty! Variant Title(s): Liberty And Slavery Subject(s): Americans; Freedom; Slavery; United States; Liberty; Serfs; America ON THE BILL PASSED IN ENGLAND REGULATING THE SLAVE TRADE ..., SELS., by HELEN MARIA WILLIAMS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The hollow winds of night no more Last Line: Creation wears no form of grace! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery ON THE CAPTURE OF CERTAIN FUGITIVE SLAVES NEAR WASHINGTON, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Look on who will in apathy, and stifle they who can Last Line: Erelong the great avenger takes the work from out his hands. Subject(s): Freedom; Slavery; Liberty; Serfs ON THE CONGO, by HARRY EDMUND MARTINSON Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: Our ship, the sea smithy, swerved out of the tradewinds Last Line: Rubber negroes were going on with their slave lives Subject(s): Congo (river); Slavery ON THE WRETCHED LOT OF THE SLAVES IN THE ISLES OF WESTERN INDIA, by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O death, leaving the gates of darkness, come Last Line: The sufferers thy name shall dart to heaven Subject(s): Slavery; West Indies ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS', by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The religion of sweet jesus Last Line: By a christian gun Subject(s): Christianity; Missionaries & Missions; Slavery; Serfs ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS', by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The religion of sweet jesus Last Line: Tis holier to die %by a christian gun Subject(s): Christianity; Missionaries And Missions; Slavery ORTHODOXIES 12, by ECE AYHAN Poem Source First Line: His name goes back. He tried to find them, finduktar Last Line: He was famous for his disrespect for his ancestors; but is punished Subject(s): Ancestors And Ancestry; Slavery ORTHODOXIES 16, by ECE AYHAN Poem Source First Line: A byzantine trompe l'oeil. A dance. A game. The Last Line: Straight. Believing like an orthodox, armenian, he sang like an ottoman. Hey Subject(s): Armenia; Children; Slavery ORTHODOXIES 24, by ECE AYHAN Poem Source First Line: At the chapel of the three angels, a ritual. The scarlet Last Line: Theodoros, the commander with the black dimple Subject(s): African Americans; Churches; Slavery ORTIZ (1528), by HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Go bring the captive, he shall die Last Line: "away with the warrior's plume!" Subject(s): America - Exploration; Cuba; Ortiz, Juan (16th Century); Slavery; Serfs OTTAWA, MN, CEMETERY-1992, by PHILIP S. BRYANT Poem Source First Line: A million years ago Last Line: Seem to squawk at the thought of it Subject(s): African Americans - History; Racism; Slavery; U.s. - History OUR FLAG, SELS., by T. H. UNDERWOOD Poem Source First Line: I heard the furious stamping of a heel Last Line: As royally as lies the noblest clay Subject(s): American Civil War; Life; Pain; Slavery; U.s. - History OUR LADY OF CONGRESS, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The opposition likes dry poems Last Line: But the luck we have left. Subject(s): Language; Poetry & Poets; Slavery; Words; Vocabulary; Serfs PADDING IT, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Hasing it out like niggers on a two and a / tanner sub Last Line: The journey to ballachulish, for this is the song of it. Subject(s): Farm Life; Labor & Laborers; Slavery; Travel; Agriculture; Farmers; Work; Workers; Serfs; Journeys; Trips PATH, by AIME CESAIRE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Let us take up again Last Line: Depending on the stubbornness to ripen Subject(s): Negritude (literary Movement); Slavery PEARLE'S POEM, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She sits in the marketplace Last Line: Part fire. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 35. AL-GHAFIR, by EDWIN ARNOLD Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Know ye of hassan's slave? Hassan the son Last Line: Forgive a brother's injury. Subject(s): God; Islam; Slavery; Serfs PENNSYLVANIA HALL, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Not with the splendors of the days of old Last Line: Its consecration unto freedom's god! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Arson; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs PITY FOR POOR AFRICANS, by WILLIAM COWPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I own I am shocked at the purchase of slaves Last Line: He shared in the plunder, but pitied the man. Subject(s): Africa; Slavery; Serfs PLANTATION HYMN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hear dat rum'lin' in de sky! Last Line: As he goes walkin' by! Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs; Jesus Christ; Slavery; Negro Spirituals; Serfs PLANTATION SERMON, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Doan' you hyeah me preachin' Last Line: An' we's in de valley. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs PLYMOUTH ROCK, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Escaped from all the perils of the sea Last Line: Ne'er let them wear, o god, or forge a bondman's chains! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs POEM COMPOSED FOR .. THE VIGILANT COMMITTEE OF PHILADELPHIA, by DANIEL ALEXANDER PAYNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Rise, god of freedom! From thy throne of light Last Line: "be free! Be free! Ye ransomed lands, be free!" Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; United States; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs; America POEMS ON THE SLAVE TRADE: 1, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hold your mad hands! For ever on your plain Last Line: And calls, to share the prey, his kindred demon war. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs POEMS ON THE SLAVE TRADE: 2, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Why dost thou beat thy breast and rend thine hair Last Line: And bless with liberty and death the slave! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs POEMS ON THE SLAVE TRADE: 3, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Oh he is worn with toil! The big drops run Last Line: A sable brother writhes in silent woe. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs POEMS ON THE SLAVE TRADE: 4, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tis night the mercenary tyrants sleep Last Line: And weeps for him who will return no more. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs POEMS ON THE SLAVE TRADE: 5, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Did then the bold slave rear at last the sword Last Line: But sweetens with revenge, the draught of death. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs POEMS ON THE SLAVE TRADE: 6, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: High in the air exposed the slave is hung Last Line: "against the deep damnation of your deed." Variant Title(s): "high In The Air Exposed The Slave Is Hung""; Subject(s): Abolitionists; Freedom; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Liberty; Serfs POPEYE'S KITCHEN, A LETTER FROM THE INDIAN SCHOOL 2, by LAURA TOHE Poem Source First Line: Went to the presbyterian church this morning. May jean said they served Last Line: Washing those pots and don't mess with popeye Subject(s): Native Americans; Native Americans - History; Navajo Indians; Racism; Slavery PRAYER FOR THE SLAVE, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Almighty god! Thou giver Last Line: A vast, a ransomed host! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs PRAYER OF THE ABOLITIONIST, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We ask not that the slave should lie Last Line: That the wrong-doer may repent. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs PRAYER OF THE OPPRESSED, by JAMES MONROE WHITFIELD Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: O great jehovah! God of love Last Line: Adore the wonders of thy hand Subject(s): Prayer; Slavery PROGRESSION; OR, THE SOUTH DEFENDED: SLAVERY, by MARY SOPHIE SHAW HOMES Poem Text First Line: The book of books we confidently quote Last Line: Gainst wild fanaticism's fickle laws. Alternate Author Name(s): Mayfield, Millie Subject(s): American Civil War; Bible; Cruelty; Slavery; Southern States; United States - History; Serfs; South (u.s.) PURIFICATION OF THE TRIBE, by JACQUELINE JOHNSON Poem Source First Line: Used to be, %we threw our different ones Last Line: A purification of the tribe Subject(s): African Americans - History; Poetry And Poets; Slavery RADICAL, by MARIANNE MOORE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tapering / to a point, conserving everything Last Line: To hinder. Subject(s): Carrots; Slavery; Serfs RANDOLPH OF ROANOKE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O mother earth! Upon thy lap Last Line: Were now one hero living! Subject(s): Randolph, John (1773-1833); Slavery; Virginia (state); Serfs RANTOUL, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: One day, along the electric wire Last Line: "by following where he led the way!" Subject(s): Abolitionists; Rantoul, Robert (1805-1852); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs READING A STORY TO MY CHILD, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This is a small boy Last Line: In a ragged coat. Subject(s): Children; Fathers & Sons; Parents; Slavery; Childhood; Parenthood; Serfs REMANT GHOSTS AT DAWN, by OLIVER LAGRONE Poem Source First Line: Vultures waft circles Last Line: Frozen for new eyes %at break of another dawn Subject(s): Slavery REMEMBERING NAT TURNER, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We saw a bloody sunset over courtland, once jerusalem Last Line: The marker split for kindling a kitchen fire. Subject(s): African Americans; Jerusalem; Slavery; Turner, Nat (1800-1831); Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs REWARD, by KEVIN YOUNG Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Run away from this sub- / scriber for the second time Subject(s): African Americans - History; Slavery; Escapes; Black Heritage; Serfs; Fugitives RITNER, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thank god for the token! One lip is still free Last Line: "our country and liberty! God for the right!" Subject(s): Abolitionists; Pennsylvania; Ritner, Joseph (1780-1869); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs ROBERT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Was born obedient / without questions Last Line: The color of his life / was nigger Subject(s): African Americans; Obedience; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs ROBERT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Was born obedient %without questions Last Line: The color of his life %was nigger Subject(s): African Americans; Obedience; Slavery ROMANCERO: BOOK 1. HISTORIES: KING DAVID, by HEINRICH HEINE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Despots smiling yield their breath Last Line: "that said joab's brains to scatter." Subject(s): David (d. 962 B.c.); Death; Religion; Slavery; Solomon (10th Century B.c.); Dead, The; Theology; Serfs ROMANCERO: BOOK 1. HISTORIES: THE ASRA, by HEINRICH HEINE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Daily went the wondrous lovely Last Line: "who, whene'er they love, must perish." Subject(s): Daughters; Love; Slavery; Serfs RUNAGATE RUNAGATE, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Runs falls rises stumbles on from darkness into darkness Subject(s): Slavery; Underground Railroad; Serfs RUNAGATE RUNAGATE, by ROBERT EARL HAYDEN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Runs falls rises stumbles on from darkness into darkness Last Line: Come ride-a my train %mean mean mean to be free Subject(s): Slavery; Underground Railroad RUNNING ACROSS TO THE LOT, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Our fathers were dead and %our brothers were dying Subject(s): African Americans - History; Despair; Ethnic Identity; Slavery SAINT THOMAS IN INDIA, by NEWMAN HOWARD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Christ risen, commanded thomas, saying 'begone! Last Line: "take this!"" he said, ""I yield my crown to christ." Subject(s): Death; India; Religion; Saints; Singing & Singers; Slavery; Dead, The; Theology; Songs; Serfs SANSON AGONISTES; DECEMBER 2, 1859, by ROSE TERRY COOKE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You bound and made your sport of him, philistia! Last Line: Hark! How the rafters bend and swerve and shake! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs SCROLL IS OPEN, by SARAH LOUISA FORTEN Poem Source First Line: The scroll is open - many a name is written Last Line: Erect and free, the image of his god Alternate Author Name(s): Ada Subject(s): Abolitionists; Freedom; Slavery; Women's Rights SERF, by IGNATIUS ROYSTON DUNNACHIE CAMPBELL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: His naked skin clothed in the torrid mist Last Line: And ploughs down palaces, and thrones, and towers Alternate Author Name(s): Campbell, Roy Subject(s): Revolutions; Slavery SERFS, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: In the lands that the leagueless and lonely, where / fugitive, funeral-paced Last Line: They are our serfs and our — brothers, slighted, forsaken, outcast. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Slavery; Work; Workers; Serfs SHE UNDERSTANDS ME, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is all blood and breaking Last Line: The same wound the same blood the same breaking Subject(s): Blood; Slavery; Serfs SHE UNDERSTANDS ME, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It is all blood and breaking Last Line: She is always emptying and it is all %the same wound the sam blood the same breaking Subject(s): Blood; Slavery SHE'S FREE!, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How say that by law we may torture and chase Last Line: For the child of her love is no longer a slave. Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Slavery; Social Protest; Women; Serfs SHEMSELNIHAR, by GEORGE MEREDITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O my lover! The night like a broad smooth wave Last Line: Thy coming, and earn curse of shemselnihar! Subject(s): Love; Slavery; Serfs SINCE 1619, by MARGARET ABIGAIL WALKER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How many years since 1619 have I been singing spirituals? Last Line: Lean and hungry and tired of my dry bones and years? Alternate Author Name(s): Walker, Margaret+(1) Subject(s): African Americans - Song And Music; Black Songs; Slavery SKYLARK LEAVING HER NEST, by JOHN CLARE Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Right happy bird, so full of mirth Last Line: That upon every memory dwells %among home-fed delights Subject(s): Birds; Birds' Nests; Larks; Slavery SLAVE, by JOSE-MARIA DE HEREDIA (1842-1905) Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Nude, sordid, frightful, offal-fed, a slave Last Line: Objectivity, its careful workmanship, and its reserve. Subject(s): Grief; Slavery; Sorrow; Sadness; Serfs SLAVE AND EMPEROR, by ALFRED NOYES Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The emperor mocked at nazareth Last Line: To save his world again. Subject(s): Death; Fear; Jesus Christ; Slavery; Dead, The; Serfs SLAVE DEATH SONG, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Oh, my chariot is swinging Last Line: Jesus, take me home. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs SLAVE MARRIAGE CEREMONY SUPPLEMENT, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: Dark an' stormy may come de wedder Last Line: She's now yo' own. Salute yo' bride Subject(s): African Americans - Song & Music;black Songs;marriage;slavery; Negro Spirituals;weddings;husbands;wives;serfs SLAVE QUARTERS, by JAMES DICKEY Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the great place the great house is gone from - in the sun Last Line: Acknowledge, but own? Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs SLAVE QUARTERS, by JAMES DICKEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In the great place the great house is gone from - in the sun Last Line: Amazing eyes, and not %acknowledge, but own? Subject(s): Slavery SLAVE TRADE: NEW ORLEANS, by CHARLES REZNIKOFF Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To begin with, the slaves had to wash themselves well Subject(s): Slavery; Mothers; Grief; Serfs; Sorrow; Sadness SLAVE'S CREED, by JORGE HERNANDEZ Poem Source First Line: I believe in god as a detergent that delivers me Last Line: In any case chango understands me Subject(s): Labor And Laborers; Slavery SLAVE-HUNTERS ARE IN BOSTON, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Dirty work for a country that is so loud about freedom as ours! Subject(s): Slavery; Social Protest SLAVEHOLDER'S ADDRESS TO THE NORTH STAR, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Star of the north, thou art not bigger Last Line: If there's a fixed star in the sky. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs SLAVERY, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Slavery is a foul and monstrous idol Last Line: To be worshipped again %with human sacrifice Subject(s): Slavery; Social Protest SLAVERY, by ROBERT HERRICK Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tis liberty to serve one lord; but he Last Line: Who many serves, serves base servility. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs SLAVERY (1), by GEORGE MOSES HORTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Slavery, thou peace-disturbing thief Last Line: And thunders, let the slave be free! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs SLAVERY (2), by GEORGE MOSES HORTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When first my bosom glowed with hope Last Line: Yes! There I shall be blest. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs SLAVES, by JAMES GRAINGER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Yet, planter, let humanity prevail.- / perhaps the negro, in his native land Last Line: The blacks should cultivate the cane-land isles. Subject(s): African Americans; Oppression; Plantation Life; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SLAVESHIPS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Loaded like spoons Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Exiles; Jesus Christ; Marginality, Social; Slavery; Estrangement; Outcasts; Serfs SLAVESHIPS, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Loaded like spoons Last Line: Can this sin live Subject(s): Alienation (social Psychology); Dissenters; Exiles; Jesus Christ; Marginality, Social; Slavery SLIPPING ON HIS COAT, HE SAID, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: When I was a slave, I made money Last Line: The company of slaves.' Subject(s): Ambition; Freedom; Money; Slavery SONG, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sons of slaves and Last Line: A life of death is the death of life Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SONG, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Sons of slaves and Last Line: Bricks and sticks and diamonds witness %a life of death is the death of life Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery SONG OF IRON, SELS., by KANE O'DONNEL Poem Source First Line: O'er flaming, roaring forges Last Line: Hurrah! The brand of freedom, %the iron arm of god! Subject(s): American Civil War; Industry; Singing And Singers; Slavery; U.s. - History SONG OF SLAVES IN THE DESERT, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where are we going? Where are we going Last Line: Where are we going, rubee? Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs SONG OF SLAVES, SELS., by KANE O'DONNEL Poem Source First Line: Hang thy sword upon the wall Last Line: As cowards on their father's graves, %and slaves, slaves all Subject(s): American Civil War; Slavery; U.s. - History SONG OF THE SON, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pour, o pour that parting soul in song Subject(s): African Americans; Holidays; New Year; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs SONG OF THE SON, by JEAN TOOMER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Pour, o pour that parting soul in song Last Line: Caroling softly souls of slavery Subject(s): African Americans; Holidays; New Year; Slavery SONG TO THE RUNAWAY SLAVE, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "go 'way from dat window, 'my honey, my love'" Last Line: Dat you cain't git yo' lodgin' here Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs SONNET, by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When we can all so excellently give Last Line: The glory of eternal partnership. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs SORROWS OF YAMBA, OR THE NEGRO WOMAN'S LAMENTATION, by HANNAH MORE Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: In st. Lucia's distant isle Last Line: There 'the weary are at rest' Subject(s): Blacks; Lament; Saint Lucia, West Indies; Slavery; Women SOUTH, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Recitation Poet's Biography First Line: I returned to a stand of pines, / bone-thin phalanx Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi; Slavery; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) SOUTH, by NATASHA TRETHEWEY Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I returned to a stand of pines, %bone-thin phalanx Last Line: In my native land, this place they'll bury me Subject(s): African Americans; Mississippi; Slavery; Southern States SOUTHERN COMFORT: A GENTLEMAN, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Evenings / the sky turns blood Last Line: Or lost. Subject(s): Farm Life; Slavery; Agriculture; Farmers; Serfs SOUTHERN ROAD, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Source Poet's Biography First Line: There the black river, boundary to hell Last Line: I have to love you, though they sweep me far. %and I set forth upon the southern road Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Southern States; Underground Railroad STANZAS FOR THE TIMES, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Is this the land our fathers loved Last Line: One voice shall thunder, we are free! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs STRIKE ONE, STRIKE TWO: A SAVAGE SONG, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am as safe as I can Last Line: Put it here. Subject(s): Male Chauvinism; Slavery; Serfs STRONG MEN, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Full Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They dragged you from the homeland Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Slavery; Social Protest; Strength; Negroes; American Blacks; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Serfs STRONG MEN, by STERLING ALLEN BROWN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They dragged you from the homeland Last Line: The strong men gittin' stronger %strong men %stronger Subject(s): African Americans; Racism; Slavery; Social Protest; Strength SUMNER, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O mother state! The winds of march Last Line: Shall longest pause at sumner's name! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Sumner, Charles (1811-1874); Anti-slavery; Serfs SUNDAY, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Today, / the sea has its own religion Last Line: Love starts over and over again. Subject(s): Slavery; Swimming & Swimmers; Serfs; Swimmers SURVIVAL, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Where is my father? Last Line: All by himself. Subject(s): Blacks; Fathers; Slavery; Serfs SWEET MEAT HAS SOUR SAUCE; OR, THE SLAVE-TRADER IN THE DUMPS, by WILLIAM COWPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A trader I am to the african shore Last Line: Which nobody can deny. Subject(s): Africa; African Americans; Slavery; Trade; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs TALK, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He hand on me back Last Line: Nobody but you. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs TEN DOLLARS REWARD, by JAMES LAUGHLIN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How did this story end? Last Line: How did this one's story end? Subject(s): Slavery TENNESSEE HERO, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He stood before the savage throng Last Line: And showed his gaping wounds %before the unslumbering eye Subject(s): Slavery TEXAS: VOICE OF NEW ENGLAND, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Up the hillside, down the glen Last Line: "blessed of our fathers' god!" Subject(s): Slavery; Texas; Serfs THE AFRICAN CHIEF, by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Chained in the market-place he stood Last Line: The foul hyena's prey. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE AFRICAN CHIEF, by SARAH WENTWORTH MORTON Poem Text Poet Analysis First Line: See how the black ship cleaves the main Last Line: Whose only refuge was the grave. Alternate Author Name(s): Philenia Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE AMERICAN BLACK (A STUDY IN RACE CONSCIOUSNESS), by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE Poem Text First Line: Night! Night! / and of the dawn no promise. Wrong is right Last Line: And dream of freedom that is not a name. Subject(s): African Americans; Freedom; Pain; Slavery; United States - Race Relations; Negroes; American Blacks; Liberty; Suffering; Misery; Serfs THE BATTLE OF CHARLESTOWN, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Fresh palms for the old dominion! Last Line: There's an end of old john brown! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Capital Punishment; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Serfs THE BIGLOW PAPERS: 1. MR. HOSEA BIGLOW SPEAKS, by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thrash away, you'll hev to rattle Last Line: Ef there's thousands o' my mind. Variant Title(s): The Biglow Papers: Letter From Mr. Ezekiel Biglow;to A Recruiting Sergeant Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE BLACK SAMPSON, by JOSEPHINE DEPHINE HENDERSON HEARD Poem Text First Line: There's a sampson lying, sleeping in the land Last Line: By his mighty arm his rights shall be obtained! Subject(s): African Americans; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs THE BLACK SLAVE TRADE; A POEM, by HANNAH MORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: If heaven has into being deign'd to call Last Line: And with thy wide salvation make them free! Variant Title(s): The Slave Trade Subject(s): Freedom; Oppression; Slavery; Liberty; Serfs THE BODIES BROKEN ON, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Good news about the earth Subject(s): Slavery THE BRANDED HAND, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Welcome home again, brave seaman! Last Line: In the van of freedom's onset, the coming of that hand? Subject(s): Freedom; Punishment; Sailing & Sailors; Slavery; Liberty; Serfs THE CALL TO FREEMAN, by MOSES OWEN Poem Text First Line: But for three hundred thousand of freeman true and brave Last Line: That freedom's fires shall brighter glow -- that men can yet be free. Subject(s): American Civil War; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Slavery; U.s. - History; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs THE CARPENTER, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I look at my hands Last Line: Until our bodies fall off. Subject(s): Hands; Labor & Laborers; Slavery; Work; Workers; Serfs THE CHAIN, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Is it his daily toil that wrings Last Line: His chain. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Freedom; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Liberty; Serfs THE CHRISTIAN SLAVE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A christian! Going, gone! Last Line: How long, o god, how long? Subject(s): Auctions; Christianity; Slavery; Serfs THE CREED OF THE SLAVE, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ah lubs de worl' - kain't he'p it, dat's my way Last Line: Ah lubs de worl'. -- kain't he'p it, dat's mah way. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE CRISIS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Across the stony mountains, o'er the desert's drouth and sand Last Line: And mountain unto mountain call, praise god, for we are free! Subject(s): Slavery; United States - Mexican War (1846-1848); Serfs THE CROSS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The cross, if rightly borne, shall be Last Line: Shall rise with bloom and fruit at last. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Friends, Religious Society Of; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Quakers; Serfs THE DANCING BEAR; RECOMMENDED TO THE ADVOCATES OF THE SLAVE TRADE, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rare music! I would rather hear cat-courtship Last Line: Hath baffled justice and humanity! Subject(s): Animals; Bears; Slavery; Serfs THE DAUGHTER OF HERODIAS, by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Three yellow slaves were set to swing Last Line: "to-morrow's supper shall be light." Alternate Author Name(s): Stevenson, Robert Lewis Balfour Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Moon; Slavery; Work; Workers; Serfs THE DAY AFTER THE WAR, by JAMES MADISON BELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Twelve score of years were long to wait Last Line: A part, and help in the distress? Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs THE DEFENSE OF LAWRENCE [SEPTEMBER 14, 1856], by RICHARD REALF Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: All night upon the guarded hill Last Line: The pulses of the grass. Variant Title(s): The Defence Of Lawrence Subject(s): Courage; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Kansas; Slavery; Valor; Bravery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs THE DYING BONDMAN, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Life was trembling, faintly trembling Last Line: He was free among the dead. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE EVERLASTING RETURN, by LOLA RIDGE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: It is dark ... So dark Last Line: And makes no sign . . . Alternate Author Name(s): Lawson, David, Mrs. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE EXILE, by FORD MADOX FORD Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: My father had many oxen Last Line: Of hirelings once queen's daughters and slaves the seed of kings. Alternate Author Name(s): Hueffer, Ford Hermann; Hueffer, Ford Madox Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Southern States; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) THE FAVORITE SLAVE'S STORY, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Well son de story of my life Last Line: She's told her ma you see. Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Stock Exchange; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs THE FIGHT OVER THE BODY OF KEITT, by ANONYMOUS Poem Text First Line: "sing, o goddess, the wrath, the ontamable dander of keitt" Last Line: "like to heralds of old, stepped the sergeant-at-arms and the speaker" Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation;kansas;slavery;u.s. - Congress; Antislavery Movement - United States;serfs THE FUGITIVE, by PRISCILLA JANE THOMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: With bleeding back, from tyrant's lash Last Line: His free, allotted days. Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs THE FUGITIVE SLAVE'S APOSTROPHE TO THE NORTH STAR, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Star of the north! Though night winds drift Last Line: Nor heed the eagle screaming o'er it! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs THE GAG, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Ho! Children of the granite hills Last Line: Nor can ye cry for help, -- ye're gagged! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Atherton, Charles G.; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs THE GIAOUR; A FRAGMENT OF A TURKISH TALE, by GEORGE GORDON BYRON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: No breath of air to break the wave Last Line: Of her he loved, or him he slew. Alternate Author Name(s): Byron, Lord; Byron, 6th Baron Subject(s): Cruelty; Slavery; Turkey; Unfaithfulness; Serfs; Infidelity; Adultery; Inconstancy THE GOOD PART, THAT SHALL NOT BE TAKEN AWAY, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She dwells by great kenhawa's side Last Line: That shines upon her face. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE GRIND, by EMMETT MALOY COUNTS Poem Text First Line: Thrill, bard, sing of the dale and the river Last Line: Too busy to think. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE HANGING OF BLACK CUDJO (1780); A DIALECT BALLAD, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Well, maussa! If you wants to heer, I'll tell you 'bout um 'true Last Line: "but sabe dat gab to stuff de years of de next fool you meet!'" Subject(s): American Revolution; Capital Punishment; Marion, Francis (1737-1795); Slavery; Hanging; Executions; Death Penalty; Serfs THE HASCHISH, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Of all that orient lands can vaunt Last Line: Is powerless to our western cotton! Subject(s): Drugs & Drug Abuse; Slavery; Serfs THE HOP-GARDEN: BOOK 2: THE NAIL IN THE GRASS, by CHRISTOPHER SMART Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When in the bag thy hops the rustic treads Last Line: With indignation at the negro's nail. Subject(s): Grass; Slavery; Serfs THE HOUSE SLAVE, by RITA DOVE Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The first horn lifts its arm over the dew-lit grass Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE HUNTERS OF MEN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Have ye heard of our hunting, o'er mountain and glen Last Line: For pleasure or gain, to the hunting of men? Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE KANSAS EMIGRANTS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We cross the prairie as of old Last Line: The homestead of the free! Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Homesteaders; Kansas; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs THE KIDNAPPING OF SIMS, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Souls of the patriot dead Last Line: From heaven that fell! Subject(s): Sims, Thomas; Slavery; Serfs THE LEAP FROM THE LONG BRIDGE; AN INCIDENT AT WASHINGTON, by SARA JANE CLARKE LIPPINCOTT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Now rest the wretched. The long day is past Last Line: And her sorrow and bondage are o'er. Alternate Author Name(s): Greenwood, Grace Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Escapes; Slavery; Washington, D.c.; Fugitives; Serfs THE LIBERTY BELL, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The liberty bell - the liberty bell Last Line: To both tyrant and slave, in that day of the lord! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Liberty Bell; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs THE LOST OCCASION, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Some die too late and some too soon Last Line: Thy nobler self, thy life at best! Subject(s): Slavery; Webster, Daniel (1782-1852); Serfs THE LOST STATESMAN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: As they who, tossing midst the storm at night Last Line: Till bound, dumb millions there shall see them and rejoice. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Wright, Silas (1795-1847); Anti-slavery; Serfs THE MORNING DREAM (1), by WILLIAM COWPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Forced from home, and all its pleasures Last Line: Ere you proudly question ours! Variant Title(s): Slave's Complaint;the Negro's Complaint Subject(s): Africa; Blacks; Slavery; Serfs THE MORNING STAR, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Rumors open up Last Line: I vote for mr. Anderson. Subject(s): Morning Star; Newspapers; Slavery; Journalism; Journalists; Serfs THE NEGRO BOATMAN'S SONG, by ANONYMOUS - AFRICAN AMERICAN Poem Text First Line: "oh, praise and tanks! De lord he come" Last Line: Or death-rune of our doom! Subject(s): African Americans;american Civil War;freedom;slavery;u.s. - History; Negroes;american Blacks;liberty;serfs THE NEGRO GIRL, by MARY DARBY ROBINSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Dark was the dawn, and o'er the deep Last Line: And, with her heart's true love, plung'd in a wat'ry grave. Subject(s): Blacks; Love - Loss Of; Slavery; Serfs THE NEW EXODUS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: By fire and cloud, across the desert sand Last Line: Runs now that path of god! Subject(s): Egypt; Slavery; Serfs THE OLD PLANTATION, by JOHN TROTWOOD MOORE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O I'm sick an' tired an' lonely Last Line: Kiss 'em good-night now forever—an' then lay me down to sleep. Subject(s): African Americans; Plantation Life; Slavery; Tennessee; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs THE PANORAMA, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Through the long hall the shuttered windows shed Last Line: And shame his poor word with your nobler deed. Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; Serfs THE PASS OF THE SIERRA, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All night above their rocky bed Last Line: And lead in freedom's van! Subject(s): Fremont, John Charles (1813-1890); Sierra Nevada Mountains; Slavery; Serfs THE PASSING OF THE EX-SLAVE, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Swift melting into yesterday Last Line: These uncrowned pilgrims of the night! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 98, by HAN SHAN Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: They scrutinize worldly affairs Last Line: Why should I trust the lips of slaves Alternate Author Name(s): Kanzan; Hanshan; Han-shan Subject(s): Chinese Literature; Deception; Politics & Government; Slavery; Serfs THE PORTENT, by HERMAN MELVILLE Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Hanging from the beam Last Line: The meteor of the war. Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Social Protest; United States - History; Anti-slavery; Serfs THE PRODIGAL SON, by FENTON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Snow is on the earth Last Line: To the land of shining glory. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE QUADROON GIRL, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The slaver in the broad lagoon Last Line: In a strange and distant land! Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Slavery; Serfs THE REPEAL OF THE MISSOURI COMPROMISE CONSIDERED, SELECTION, by ELYMAS PAYSON ROGERS Poem Text First Line: The covetous nebraskaites Last Line: For god's predictions must prevail. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Kansas; Legislation; Missouri; Nebraska; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs THE RETURN FROM THE CAPTIVITY, by MARION MOSS Poem Text First Line: Arise! Sons of israel, arise! Last Line: Raise the hymn of thanksgiving,—thou'rt free. Subject(s): Freedom; Israel; Jews; Slavery; Liberty; Judaism; Serfs THE RIVER FIGHT; APRIL 18, 1862, by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Do you know of the dreary land Last Line: And the traitor flags come down. Subject(s): American Civil War; Farragut, David Glascow (1801-1870); Navy - United States; New Orleans, Battle Of (1862); Patriotism; Slavery; United States - History; American Navy; Serfs THE RUNAWAY SLAVE AT PILGRIM'S POINT, by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I stand on the mark beside the shore Last Line: In my broken heart's disdain! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE SAILOR WHO SERVED IN THE SLAVE-TRADE, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: He stopt, -- it surely was a groan Last Line: O god, deliver me! Subject(s): Forgiveness; Murder; Prayer; Regret; Sailing & Sailors; Shame; Slavery; Violence; Clemency; Serfs THE SENTENCE OF JOHN L. BROWN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Ho! Thou who seekest late and long Last Line: The smile of god is victory. Subject(s): Justice; Love - Cultural Differences; Slavery; Southern States; Serfs; South (u.s.) THE SERF, by IGNATIUS ROYSTON DUNNACHIE CAMPBELL Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: His naked skin clothed in the torrid mist Alternate Author Name(s): Campbell, Roy Subject(s): Revolutions; Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVE, by PATRICK MACGILL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The olden chronicles tell us akbar the slave was / strong Last Line: Only an outworn story, now — as in long ago. Subject(s): Death; Slavery; Vengeance; Dead, The; Serfs THE SLAVE, by JAMES OPPENHEIM Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: They set the slave free, striking off his chains Last Line: Free men set themselves free. Subject(s): Freedom; Religion; Slavery; Liberty; Theology; Serfs THE SLAVE AUCTION, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The sale began - young girls were there Last Line: Will press the life-drops from the heart. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVE IN THE DISMAL SWAMP, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In dark fens of the dismal swamp / the hunted negro lay Last Line: And struck him to the earth! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVE MOTHER, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Heard you that shriek? It rose Last Line: Oh, father! Must they part? Subject(s): African Americans - Women; Americans; Slavery; United States; Serfs; America THE SLAVE SHIP, by HEINRICH HEINE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The supercargo mynher van koek Last Line: "there's an end to my occupation." Subject(s): Blacks; Physicians; Ships & Shipping; Slavery; Doctors; Serfs THE SLAVE SINGING AT MIDNIGHT, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Loud he sang the psalm of david! Last Line: Breaks his dungeon-gates at night? Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVE TRADE: VIEW FROM THE MIDDLE PASSAGE, by CLARENCE MAJOR Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I am mfu, not a bit romantic, a water spirit Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVE'S COMPLAINT, by GEORGE MOSES HORTON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Am I sadly cast aside Last Line: Forever! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVE'S DREAM, by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Beside the ungathered rice he lay Last Line: Had broken and thrown away! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVE'S LAMENT, by ROBERT BURNS Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: It was in sweet senegal that my foes did me enthrall Last Line: And alas! I am weary, weary o: Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVE-MONGERS' CONVENTION: CANTO 2, SELECTION, by J. P. RANDOLPH Poem Text First Line: My brethren, most beloved and dear Last Line: Your whips -- Subject(s): American Civil War; Bible; Clergy; Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; U.s. - History; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs THE SLAVE-MOTHER, by MARIA WHITE LOWELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Her new-born child she holdeth, but feels within her heart Last Line: "god grant my little helpless one in helplessness may die!" Subject(s): Babies; Mothers; Slavery; Infants; Serfs THE SLAVE-SHIPS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: All ready?' cried the captain Last Line: Fell the blackness of his crime. Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVE; A SEA-PIECE, OFF JAMAICA, by RICHARD HENGIST (HENRY) HORNE Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Before us in the sultry dawn arose Last Line: The slave is human in a bleeding heart. Subject(s): Jamaica, West Indies; Slavery; Serfs THE SLAVES OF MARTINIQUE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Beams of noon, like burning lances, through the tree-tops flash and glisten Last Line: Hate of slavery, hope of freedom, love is mightier than all. Subject(s): Martinique, West Indies; Slavery; Serfs THE SNAPPING OF THE BOW, by JAMES DAVID CORROTHERS Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: I dreamed a dream, and, in my dream, I heard Last Line: That holds its secret still in egypt's sands. Subject(s): Blacks; Slavery; Serfs THE SONG OF THE PYRAMID-BUILDERS, by HARRY HIBBARD KEMP Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: We lived below the elephantine / in a papyrus-wattled village Last Line: And woe to him who flayed us! Subject(s): Buildings & Builders; Egypt; Pyramids; Slavery; Serfs THE SORROWS OF SUNDAY; AN ELEGY, SELECTION, by JOHN WOLCOTT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Susan, the constant slave to mop and broom Last Line: And ride themselves an airing with the devil. Alternate Author Name(s): Pindar, Peter; Wolcot, John Subject(s): Grief; Household Employees; Labor & Laborers; Sabbath; Slavery; Sorrow; Sadness; Servants; Domestics; Maids; Work; Workers; Sunday; Serfs THE SOUTHERN ROAD, by DUDLEY RANDALL Poem Full Text Poet's Biography First Line: There the black river, boundary to hell Subject(s): African Americans; Slavery; Southern States; Underground Railroad; Negroes; American Blacks; Serfs; South (u.s.) THE SUGAR-CANE: ADVICE TO SLAVE-OWNERS, by JAMES GRAINGER Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Must thou from afric reinforce thy gang? Last Line: From each some blood, as age and sex require. Subject(s): Africa; Disease; Slavery; Strength; Serfs THE TIMBER WOLVES, by IVAN SWIFT Poem Text First Line: We are the slaves of the timber land Last Line: The boss of care is the king of the world! Subject(s): Frost; Slavery; Snow; Wilderness; Wolves; Serfs THE TOAD, by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O who shall tell us of the truth of things? Last Line: The unknowing ass with the all-knowing god. Subject(s): Children; Crime & Criminals; Cruelty; Monsters; Slavery; Childhood; Serfs THE TOSCIN, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Wake! Children of the men who said Last Line: God of the free, let me go with her! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs THE VIOLENCE OF PRONOUN, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Loving came her way Last Line: "that makes us vicious." Subject(s): Marriage; Racism; Slavery; Social Problems; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Serfs THE VIRGINIA SCAFFOLD; JOHN BROWN, DECEMBER 2, 1859, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Rear on high the scaffold-altar! All the world will turn to see Last Line: And his sowing find its reaping in the birthday of the free! Alternate Author Name(s): Dean Subject(s): Abolitionists; American Civil War; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Social Protest; U.s. - History; Anti-slavery; Serfs THE WHITE SLAVES; 1860, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: The household of a roman, in rome's luxurious time Last Line: Let every soul cry, 'liberty!' and 'liberty for all!' Alternate Author Name(s): Dean Subject(s): American Civil War; Freedom; Household Employees; Rome, Italy; Slavery; U.s. - History; Liberty; Servants; Domestics; Maids; Serfs THE YANKEE GIRL, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: She sings by her wheel at that low cottage-door Last Line: "in fetters with them, than in freedom with thee!" Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE ONLY WORTH, by DENNIS BRUTUS Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: Till time brings its reverses Alternate Author Name(s): Bruin, John Subject(s): Slavery THIS IS THE END, by JEAN DE BOSSCHERE Poem Text First Line: Open the divine comedy Last Line: Still stick to his fingers. ... Subject(s): African Americans; Children; Comedy; Laughter; Slavery; Negroes; American Blacks; Childhood; Serfs TIDAL WAVE, by CHARLES BLACK Poem Source First Line: Colimba, island of great slaves Last Line: That very same calm morning %I and my single great slave %with his one big eye burning Subject(s): Slavery TO A SOUTHERN STATESMAN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Is this thy voice whose treble notes of fear Last Line: And heave the engineer of evil with his mine. Subject(s): Calhoun, John C. (1782-1850); Oregon; Slavery; Texas; Serfs TO ABOLITIONISTS, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Servants of god most high Last Line: The proud shall envy, and the good shall cherish. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs TO CONGRESS, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: What! Our petitions spurned! Last Line: Look to your move! Your stake! -- ye're warned. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs TO ENGLISHMEN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: You flung your taunt across the wave Last Line: The pirate's skull-bone blazon! Subject(s): American Civil War; England; Slavery; U.s. - History; English; Serfs TO HORROR, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Dark horror, hear my call! Last Line: I will behold and smile by mercy's side. Subject(s): Colonialism; England; Injustice; Missions & Missionaries; Racism; Slavery; Terror; Vengeance; English; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Serfs TO JOHN BROWN, by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We lift a song to you across the day Last Line: Until the judgment! Sentinel his rest! Alternate Author Name(s): Tremaine, John Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs TO PENNSYLVANIA, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O state prayer-founded! Never hung Last Line: And thy triumphal song. Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Pennsylvania; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs TO SIR TOBY, by PHILIP FRENEAU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: If there exists a hell, the case is clear Last Line: And hardly safe from brother traitors there. Subject(s): Slavery; Social Protest; Serfs TO THE FIRE-FLY OF JAMAICA, SEEN IN A COLLECTION, by CHARLOTTE SMITH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: How art thou alter'd! Since afar Last Line: Is friendship's long regret, and true affection's tear! Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Charlotte Turner Subject(s): Fireflies; Jamaica, West Indies; Slavery; Glowworms; Serfs TO THE FIRST OF AUGUST, by ANN PLATO Poem Text First Line: Britannia's isles proclaim Last Line: That they may not depart. Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Freedom; Great Britain - Commonwealth & Colonies; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Liberty; British Empire; England - Empire; Serfs TO THE FIRST SLAVE SHIP, by LYDIA HUNTLEY SIGOURNEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: First of that train which cursed the wave Last Line: A friend, -- a father in their god. Subject(s): God; Pain; Ships & Shipping; Slavery; Tears; Suffering; Misery; Serfs TO THE FREEDMAN, by JOHN BANISTER TABB Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Friend of the dusky visage, whereupon Last Line: But oft in tears that all the world might see. Alternate Author Name(s): Father Tabb Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs TO THE GENIUS OF AFRICA, by ROBERT SOUTHEY Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: O thou who from the mountain's height Last Line: There, genius, thou hast breathed the gales of death. Subject(s): Africa; Genius; Revolutions; Slavery; U.s. - Race Relations; Serfs TO THE MEMORY OF CHARLES B. STORRS, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Thou hast fallen in thine armor Last Line: And the anthem of the free. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Storrs, Charles B.; Anti-slavery; Serfs TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS DAVIS, by JOHN FISHER MURRAY Poem Text Poem Explanation First Line: When on the field where freedom bled Last Line: For slaves and cowards living on. Subject(s): Davis, Thomas Osborne (1814-1845); Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery; Antislavery Movement - United States; Serfs TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS SHIPLEY, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Gone to thy heavenly father's rest! Last Line: The spirit to its worship going! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs TO THE UNION SAVERS OF CLEVELAND, by FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Men of cleveland, had a vulture Last Line: Is the right of every race. Subject(s): Cleveland, Ohio; Slavery; Serfs TO THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA, by THOMAS CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: United states, your banner wears Last Line: They mean your negroes' scars. Subject(s): Slavery; United States - Race Relations; Serfs TO THE WHITE PEOPLE OF AMERICA, by JOSHUA MCCARTER SIMPSON Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: O'er this wide, extended country Last Line: The judgment day will come by and by. Subject(s): Slavery; United States; Serfs; America TO THOMAS CLARKSON, ... BILL FOR ABOLITION OF SLAVE TRADE, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Clarkson! It was an obstinate hill to climb Last Line: Repose at length, firm friend of human kind! Subject(s): Slavery; Serfs TO WILLIAM H. SEWARD, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Statesman, I thank thee! And, if yet dissent Last Line: And the peacemaker be forever blest! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Seward, William Henry (1801-1872); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs TOUSAINT L'OUVERTURE, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Twas night. The tranquil moonlight smile Last Line: Acceptable to god. Subject(s): Slavery; Toussaint L'ouverture (1743-1803); Serfs TRAGEDY, by GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL Poem Text Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: This, of all fates, would be the saddest end Last Line: To every baseness of the foe he fought. Alternate Author Name(s): A. E. Subject(s): Labor & Laborers; Mythology - Celtic; Slavery; Work; Workers; Serfs TWASINTA'S SEMINOLES, OR RAPE OF FLORIDA, SELS., by ALBERY ALLSON WHITMAN Poet's Biography Subject(s): Florida; Freedom; Native Americans; Racism; Slavery; Social Classes TWO VOICES FROM HESTER STREET (1904), by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Source Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: This morning / in the warm air Last Line: Abraham Subject(s): Love - Marital; Slavery; Wedded Love; Marriage - Love; Serfs TYSON'S CORNER, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We were as tough as our glasses Last Line: We made a promise. Subject(s): Blood; Slavery; Serfs UNCHAIN THE LABORER, by JOHN PIERPONT Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Strike from that laborer's limbs his chain! Last Line: And wait, in hope, the judgement day. Subject(s): Abolitionists; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs VASHTI, by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I sometimes take you in my dreams to a far- / off land I used to know Last Line: Served low at her feet. Subject(s): Absence; Courts & Courtiers; Hearts; Love - Cultural Differences; Memory; Slavery; Separation; Isolation; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Serfs VINCENT OGE, by GEORGE BOYER VASHON Poem Text First Line: There is, at times, an evening sky Last Line: Will live, the sinking soul to cheer! Subject(s): Haiti; Oge, Jacques Vincent (1750-1791); Slavery; Serfs WAIT NOT TILL SLAVES PRONOUNCE THE WORD, by HENRY DAVID THOREAU Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography Last Line: And farewewll slavery Subject(s): Emancipation Movement & Proclamation; Slavery WALNUT GROVE, by LUCILLE CLIFTON Poet Analysis Recitation by Author Poet's Biography Subject(s): Plantations; Slavery; Serfs WALT WHITMAN'S CAUTION, by WALT WHITMAN Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: To the states, or any one of them, or any city of the states Last Line: Ever afterward resumes its liberty. Subject(s): Slavery; United States; Serfs; America WARNING; SUGGESTED BY THE CHRISTIANA (PA.) TREASON TRIALS, by ALFRED GIBBS CAMPBELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: Treason? Yes, make it treason, if ye will Last Line: "and led us forth in mercy and redeemed!" Subject(s): Racism; Slavery; Treason & Traitors; Racial Prejudice; Bigotry; Serfs WATER CAN ONLY WRAP ME BUT LIFE MUST HOLD ME, by PRIMUS ST. JOHN Poem Full Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A black man, from oklahoma Last Line: Love and exposure have become a poem. Subject(s): Love; Marriage; Slavery; Weddings; Husbands; Wives; Serfs WEBSTER, by FREDERICK DOUGLASS Poem Source First Line: A thunder-shivered column stood before me Last Line: And as a house divided against itself must fall, %so daniel webster has fallen Alternate Author Name(s): Bailey, Frederick Augustus Washington Subject(s): Slavery; Social Protest WHAT STATE STREET SAID TO SOUTH CAROLINA ..., by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Muttering 'fine upland staple,' 'prime sea island finer,' Last Line: "blind in that pestilent anakim, sumner!" Subject(s): Abolitionists; Boston; Slavery; South Carolina; Sumner, Charles (1811-1874); Anti-slavery; Serfs WHEN IT HITS, by BRENDAN KENNELLY Poem Source First Line: There is a craving Last Line: This is the calmest place on earth Subject(s): Calm; Desire; Morality; Slavery WHIP TAIL OF THE ONE-EYED CHIEF, by LAURENCE LIEBERMAN Poem Source First Line: This motley quilt in oils Last Line: Stare of lady field hand Subject(s): Animals; Colonialism; History; Paintings And Painters; Slavery; West Indies; Whips WHY AM I A SLAVE?, by ANN HAWKSHAW Poem Source First Line: Why do I bear that cursed name? Last Line: There is no hope, no joy for me, %I am a slave -- a slave! Alternate Author Name(s): Aunt Effie; Hawkshawe, Ann; Jackson, Ann Subject(s): Despair; Slavery WILLIAM FORSTER, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The years are many since his hand Last Line: Who touched the prophet's grave! Subject(s): Abolitionists; Forster, William (d. 1854); Slavery; Anti-slavery; Serfs WORDS FOR THE 'HALLELUJAH CHORUS', by HENRY HOWARD BROWNELL Poem Text Poet's Biography First Line: John brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave Last Line: His soul is marching on. Variant Title(s): John Brown's Body Subject(s): Abolitionists; Brown, John (1800-1859); Freedom; Slavery; Anti-slavery; Liberty; Serfs YORKTOWN, by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER Poem Text Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: From yorktown's ruins, ranked and still Last Line: What of the new world fears the old? Subject(s): Slavery; Virginia (state); Yorktown Campaign (1781); Serfs YOU SOLD A SLAVE JUST YESTERDAY, by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS Poem Source Poet's Biography Last Line: We'll eat tonight; that was a man Alternate Author Name(s): Martial Subject(s): Food And Eating; Slavery |
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