Poem by James Weldon Johnson

To America

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? 

1. Brer Rabbit, You's de Cutes' of 'Em All
2. A Banjo Song
3. The Word of an Engineer
4. Sence You Went Away
5. A Plantation Bacchanal

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