Hilltop hut hot forge
sparks mark swarthy arms
bold black hammerfalls ringing, singing
bright lights flighting fall to trampled ground
'neath unshod horse and broken wheel;
Slavers shadow pales in sun
freedom won, life grown on own
fiery billows, blacksmith iron
burning glowing coals; like this proud people
bent unbroken in coal-fire cauldron.
Hatred's heat risen to crest
settled in dearest blood; gone
not forgotten days and ways, misery never repayed.
Striking strength, life forged in fire.
Author notes
Prompt:
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.
Only through experience of trial and suffering
can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired,
and success achieved." -- Helen Keller.
NOTE:
After the American civil war, many freed people finally got a chance to work and benefit from their labor by being paid, as slaves they generally received no money; for decades of forced labor.
In a list
A contest entry
- Image / Quote Prompt Quickie by Errant Panther.
475 points, ended November 27, 2007, 4 entries
Honorable winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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Thank you for this fine reminder that we cannot forget the that such atrocities were inflicted from the belief of superiority. We owe much of our current freedom to those who opposed such behaviour. well done.
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