Douglass was someone who,

Had he walked with wary foot

And frightened tread,

From very indecision

Might be dead,

Might have lost his soul,

But instead decided to be bold

And capture every street,

On which he set his feet,

To route each path

Toward freedom’s goal,

To make each highway

Choose his compass’ choice,

To all the world cried,

Hear my voice! …

Oh, to be a beast, a bird,

Anything but a slave! he said.

 

Who would be free

Themselves must strike

The first blow, he said.

               

                He died in 1895.

                He is not dead.

                                –Langston Hughes

 

From The Panther & the Lash

Published June 12, 1967