
A soaring tribute, this lyrical work lifts the flag of liberty into a world of fire‑lit battlefields and boundless sky. Rich, rhythmic verses paint the banner as a living emblem—its crimson stripes and star‑studded field flashing hope for every nation in distress. The poem’s voice moves from the thunder of ancient wars to the quiet promise of a star that never fades, inviting listeners to feel the pulse of courage in each line.
Set against a backdrop of early‑twentieth‑century America, the dedication to a city’s mayor and to the Ninth California Colored Volunteers roots the piece in real history while keeping its message universal. Listeners will hear the echo of brave souls marching under the flag, a timeless call for liberty that bridges past struggles with today’s yearning for freedom. The language is vivid yet accessible, making the poem a resonant experience for anyone seeking inspiration.
Language
en
Duration
~21 minutes (20K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by K. Nordquist, Pat A. Benoy and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2007-08-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

b. 1881
Born to formerly enslaved parents in Natchez, Mississippi, this self-taught poet built a literary life through persistence, formal verse, and sheer determination. His work offers a vivid glimpse of Black literary ambition in the early 20th century.
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