Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO AMERICA by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW WOULD YOU HAVE US, AS WE ARE?
Last Line: OR TIGHTENING CHAINS ABOUT YOUR FEET?
Subject(s): JUSTICE; WORLD WAR I; FIRST WORLD WAR;

How would you have us, as we are?
Or sinking 'neath the load we bear?
Our eyes fixed forward on a star?
Or gazing empty at despair?

Rising or falling? Men or things?
With dragging pace or footsteps fleet?
Strong, willing sinews in your wings?
Or tightening chains about your feet?



Home: PoetryExplorer.net