Poetry Archives

As one long struggling to be free,
O suffering isle! we look to thee
  In sympathy and deep desire
That thy fair borders yet shall hold
A people happy, self-controlled,
  Saved and exalted—as by fire.

Burning like thine own tropic heat
Thousands of lips afar repeat
  The story of thy wrongs and woes;
While argosies to thee shall bear,
Of men and money everywhere,
  Strength to withstand thy stubborn foes.

Hispaniola waves her plume
Defiant over many a tomb
  Where sleep thy sons, the true and brave;
But, lo! an army coming on
The places fill of heroes gone,
  For liberty their lives who gave.

The nations wait to hear thy shout
Of “Independence!” ringing out,
  Chief of the Antilles, what wilt thou?
Buffets and gyves from your effete
Old monarchy dilapidate,
  Or freedom’s laurels for thy brow?

In man’s extremity it is
That Heaven’s opportunities
  Shine forth like jewels from the mine;
Then, Cuba, in thy hour of need,
With vision clear the tokens read
  And trust for aid that power divine.