Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Narrative Poem
    Yes, tyrants, you hate us, and fear while you hate     The self-ruling, chain-breaking, throne-shaking State!     The night-birds dread morning, - your instinct is true, -     The day-star of Freedom brings midnight for you!     Why plead with the deaf for the cause of mankind?     The owl hoots at noon that the eagle is blind!     We ask not your reasons, - 't were wasting our time, -     Our life is a menace, our welfare a crime!     We have battles to fight, we have foes to subdue, -     Time waits not for us, and we wait not for you!     The mower mows on, though the adder may writhe     And the copper-head coil round the blade of his scythe!     "No sides in this quarrel," your statesmen may urge,     Of school-house and wages with slave-pen scourge! -     No sides in the quarrel! proclaim it as well     To the angels that fight with the legions of hell!     They kneel in God's temple, the North and the South,     With blood on each weapon and prayers in each mouth.     Whose cry shall be answered? Ye Heavens, attend     The lords of the lash as their voices ascend!     "O Lord, we are shaped in the image of Thee, -     Smite down the base millions that claim to be free,     And lend thy strong arm to the soft-handed race     Who eat not their bread in the sweat of their face!"     So pleads the proud planter. What echoes are these?     The bay of his bloodhound is borne on the breeze,     And, lost in the shriek of his victim's despair,     His voice dies unheard. - Hear the Puritan's prayer!     "O Lord, that didst smother mankind in thy flood,     The sun is as sackcloth, the moon is as blood,     The stars fall to earth as untimely are cast     The figs from the fig-tree that shakes in the blast!     "All nations, all tribes in whose nostrils is breath     Stand gazing at Sin as she travails with Death!     Lord, strangle the monster that struggles to birth,     Or mock us no more with thy 'Kingdom on Earth!'     "If Ammon and Moab must reign in the land     Thou gavest thine Israel, fresh from thy hand,     Call Baal and Ashtaroth out of their graves     To be the new gods for the empire of slaves!"     Whose God will ye serve, O ye rulers of men?     Will ye build you new shrines in the slave-breeder's den?     Or bow with the children of light, as they call     On the Judge of the Earth and the Father of All?     Choose wisely, choose quickly, for time moves apace, -     Each day is an age in the life of our race!     Lord, lead them in love, ere they hasten in fear     From the fast-rising flood that shall girdle the sphere!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a powerful commentary on the conflict between freedom and oppression, specifically drawing on the historical context of slavery. The poet uses vivid imagery and strong metaphors to convey the struggle between the 'self-ruling, chain-breaking, throne-shaking State' and the 'tyrants' that fear them. The tone is defiant and impassioned, reflecting the urgency and importance of the subject matter.

The poem employs a variety of literary devices. For example, metaphors are used extensively to personify abstract concepts - the 'night-birds' and 'day-star' symbolizing oppressors and freedom, respectively. The pacing and rhythm of the poem add to its intensity, while the repeated rhetorical questions challenge the reader and emphasize the poet's message.

Thematically, the poem explores dichotomies such as dark and light, tyranny and freedom, and good and evil. These serve as a metaphor for the larger societal conflict the poem addresses. The references to biblical narratives and figures further underline the moral and spiritual dimensions of the conflict. The poem calls for action and decision, emphasizing that the time to choose sides in this crucial struggle is now. The concluding lines, which invoke divine guidance for the rulers of men, suggest a blend of hope and warning, reinforcing the urgency of the poem's message.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.