GIDDINGS, far rougher names than thine have grown Smoother than honey on the lips of men; And thou shalt aye be honorably known, As one who bravely used his tongue and pen, As best befits a freeman, -- even for those To whom our Law's unblushing front denies A right to plead against the lifelong woes Which are the Negro's glimpse of Freedom's skies: Fear nothing, and hope all things, as the Right Alone may do securely; every hour The thrones of Ignorance and ancient Night Lose somewhat of their long-usurped power, And Freedom's lightest word can make them shiver With a base dread that clings to them forever. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PLAINT OF THE DISGUSTED BRITON IN THE STATES by GEORGE SANTAYANA FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: A SUBTERRANEAN CITY by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES TO HIS MISTRESS by ABRAHAM COWLEY BETWEEN THE LINES by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON EPITAPHS by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH WHEN THE FOLKS COME ALONG by FREDERICK L. ALLEN FIRST LOVE by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS THE GARLAND OF SLEEP by AUGUSTE ANGELLIER THE SONG OF THE ILL-BELOVED; TO PAUL LEAUTARD by GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE |