deepundergroundpoetry.com
if we must live
♪a rhymed, mirrored octet♪
If we must die, let it not be like hogs
Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot,
While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs,
Making their mock at our accursed lot.
—Jamaican Poet Claude McKay (1889-1948)
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if we must l i v e, let it not be
like disillusioned dreamers
who occupy the sand;
shelter in the rocks,
where the ev il
spells of night
f i n d no
place.
face
the foe;
put to flight,
lest it grieve you,
every heart that mocks.
be fruitful in the l a n d:
be some poor soul’s redeemer;
fear God, love justice, show mercy!
© Copyright 2019 September 13
by Clyve A. Bowen♫
If we must die, let it not be like hogs
Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot,
While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs,
Making their mock at our accursed lot.
—Jamaican Poet Claude McKay (1889-1948)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
if we must l i v e, let it not be
like disillusioned dreamers
who occupy the sand;
shelter in the rocks,
where the ev il
spells of night
f i n d no
place.
face
the foe;
put to flight,
lest it grieve you,
every heart that mocks.
be fruitful in the l a n d:
be some poor soul’s redeemer;
fear God, love justice, show mercy!
© Copyright 2019 September 13
by Clyve A. Bowen♫
Published 13th Sep 2019
| Edited 15th Sep 2019
Author's Note
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13th Sep 2019 4:44pm
Excellent, CabCool. I remember reading about Claude McKay years ago. I must look him up and refresh. Revisiting is good for the spirit.
16th Sep 2019 2:50pm
Wow!
How did you come to have knowledge of Caribbean life to the extent of encountering Claude McKay? Was it through your missionary studies and assignments?
McKay is my most favourite Jamaican poet; I do reflect a bit of his style in my writing.
Thank you for connecting so interestingly with this post.
Sincerely
cab
How did you come to have knowledge of Caribbean life to the extent of encountering Claude McKay? Was it through your missionary studies and assignments?
McKay is my most favourite Jamaican poet; I do reflect a bit of his style in my writing.
Thank you for connecting so interestingly with this post.
Sincerely
cab
16th Sep 2019 2:58pm
He's actually quite known - he's on Poetry Foundation, which is how I ran across him a few years ago. I had googled Harlem for Black History Month and a project I was working on, and McKay's Harlem Shadows popped up. And of course, one read led to another, and another, and another. . .
You should recommend him for the Classic Corner Competitions during our next poll. I'll let you know when we have it. Langston Hughes will be featured in next month's comp.
You should recommend him for the Classic Corner Competitions during our next poll. I'll let you know when we have it. Langston Hughes will be featured in next month's comp.
Yes, the Harlem Renaissance carries his significant impact.
I am pained to think that the National Hero of one nation (as Garvey is to Jamaica) can be carrying an unjustified slur on his reputation so many years after his great work.
The Govt of Jamaica approached the US Govt during President Obama's time to ask for Garvey's name to be cleared but nothing came of it.
Great idea for the Classic Corner competition. I await your further guidance on this.
Sincerely
cab
I am pained to think that the National Hero of one nation (as Garvey is to Jamaica) can be carrying an unjustified slur on his reputation so many years after his great work.
The Govt of Jamaica approached the US Govt during President Obama's time to ask for Garvey's name to be cleared but nothing came of it.
Great idea for the Classic Corner competition. I await your further guidance on this.
Sincerely
cab
