History & Politics
To America
From Fifty Years & Other Poems (1917)
History & Politics
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?
Cite this poem
MLA
Johnson, James Weldon. “To America.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/johnson_jw/1/.
Chicago
Johnson, James Weldon. “To America.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/johnson_jw/1/.
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