The quote is from Claude McKay's If we Must Die. He wrote the sonnet in response to the Harlem race riots of 1919. Born in Jamaica, he moved to Harlem in l914 after studying at the Tuskegee Institute and Kansas State. Among other
accomplishments, he helped edit The Liberator and The Masses. Harlem Shadows
was his most important book. Novelist, poet, editor, long-time activist. . .that is what I call a hero!
Bring in the Heroes
If we must die, let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot Claude McKay
John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Martin Luther King. Scarcely dare we breathe their names. Sing, broken heart, sing! Those who eschew prayer kneel and pray. Cannot help but ache for other lost lights. Joan of Arc, Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa, Sojourner Truth. Fly back, fly back. Tell us we can hope again. Eleanor as much as FDR. 911 martyrs. More are out there. Show yourselves! Dare to risk sun, moon, and stars. Help wanted: long hours, no pay, get hell. Who has the guts and the staying power? Might it be one of us? All together now
So many lights layed to rest and we hopefully look for replacements, but it they seem hard to find in this present time. I think the death of reverence, respect and truth is one reason.Excellent poem Pea!...ET
Death is simply a process of living, and like the rose, our fragrance (potency) seems to be strongest toward the end. Though some of those you listed had their lives taken from them instead of leaving when they chose to do so, which is a shame, they are, each one, trail-blazers and guides for the rest of us who will follow behind. Very good poem, Pea.
Take care,
Sherry
Reviewed by J M (Reader)
Reviewed on January 27, 2007
Sweet Pea this is so powerful a message and a beautiful tribute.
Well penned Pea...and you've identified some giants among men. Why is it the ones willing to take the authority and step forward are the ones who take the heat from the one's who would never dare? Thick skin, I guess, and they need it.
Love, Taylot
Very origianal and meaningful poem, as the wars drag on and only the soldiers, sailors and airmen and their families feel the pain and loss...at home empathy dwindles, courage and conviction fades and we all go back to our comfortable little lifes...what happened to remember 9/11?
This one is so beautifully uplifting and encouraging; there are good people out there. Now if we could find the courage to emulate them: an outstanding write, (((Pea))).
Black white (well sort of pinkish) etcetera, Christian Muslim etcetera, Hetero-Homo-Metro Sexual, Physical, Mental, Ow! Includes all human rights violations I could think of.
A detailed study of the origins of the New Alienation. The author labels it normative or postmodern ennui and traces its rise to cultural power over the last two centuries.
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A true winner always honor their peers... "Bring in the Heroes" sings the doers' memories and poetizes their deeds.
Long healthy creative life, Poet.
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
Outstanding!!!
~Linda~
Take care,
Sherry
Light & peace,
Joselyn
love and peace, Carole
Love Tinka
Love, Taylot
Excellent write; very well done! BRAVA!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
Fee
Love,
CJ
Aberjhani
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
And I would truly agree, Phyllis.
I myself swore off conquering political writes, but I so enjoy those of others.
Thanks for sharing this Phyllis.
Lisa