America

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

    I am the refuge of all the oppressed,     I am the boast of the free,     I am the harbour where ships may rest     Safely 'twixt sea and sea.     I hold up a torch to a darkened world,     I lighten the path with its ray.     Let my hand keep steady     And let me be ready     For whatever comes my way -     Let me be ready.     Oh, better than fortresses, better than guns,     Better than lance or spear,     Are the loyal hearts of my daughters and sons,     Faithful and without fear.     But my daughters and sons must understand     THAT ATTILA DID NOT DIE.     And they must be ready,     Their hands must be steady,     If the hosts of hell come nigh -     They must be ready.     If Jesus were back on the earth with men,     He would not preach to-day     Until He had made Him a scourge, and again     He would drive the defilers away.     He would throw down the tables of lust and greed     And scatter the changers' gold.     He would be ready,     His hand would be steady,     As it was in that temple of old -     He would be ready.     I am the cradle of God's new world,     From me shall the new race rise,     And my glorious banner must float unfurled,     Unsullied against the skies.     My sons and daughters must be my strength,     With courage to do and to dare,     With hearts that are ready,     With hands that are steady,     And their slogan must be, PREPARE! -     They must be ready!     With a prayer on the lip they must shoulder arms,     For after all has been said,     We must muster guns,     If we master Huns -     AND ATTILA IS NOT DEAD -     We must be ready!

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline


Share the Love of Poetry

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This anonymous poem is a stirring call to action, framed by the contrasting themes of peace and conflict. The speaker positions herself as both a sanctuary and a beacon of light, but also as a strong fortress ready for battle. Through the repetition of phrases like "I am ready," "They must be ready," and "We must be ready," the poem emphasizes the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of potential adversity.

The poem's tone is earnest, confident, and slightly solemn, underscoring the speaker's commitment to both refuge and resistance. The structure, with its regular rhythm and rhyme scheme, reinforces the poem's motivational nature, while the use of allusion, specifically referencing Attila the Hun and Jesus, adds depth and historical scope to the speaker's messages.

One standout literary device is the use of apostrophe, addressing both the speaker's "sons and daughters" and the reader directly, creating a sense of immediacy and personal involvement. Additionally, the metaphor of the speaker as a "cradle of God's new world" is both powerful and evocative, suggesting a future born from courage and readiness. Overall, this poem is a compelling exploration of resilience, courage, and the enduring human spirit.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.


Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.