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?

This poem asks questions that are hard for even ancestors of slaves to answer. Of course the questions are rhetorical. But ask yourself , and see what answers you bring forth.