Bury me in a Free Land
The poem expresses a deep yearning for freedom and a profound aversion to the institution of slavery. The speaker articulates a desire for a grave in a peaceful, humble location, emphasizing that it must not be in a land where slavery exists. The imagery evokes the pain and suffering of enslaved individuals, highlighting the emotional turmoil that would accompany the speaker's final resting place if it were surrounded by the horrors of bondage. The speaker cannot find peace knowing that their grave would be near the sounds of enslaved people suffering, such as the footsteps of a slave or the cries of a mother separated from her children. The poem vividly describes the brutality of slavery, including the violence inflicted by slave owners and the anguish of families torn apart. The speaker's wish for a grave free from the presence of slavery underscores a moral stance against the dehumanization inherent in the practice. The speaker rejects the idea of a grand monument, instead prioritizing the principle of freedom over personal legacy. The poem concludes with a powerful assertion that true rest can only be found in a land where no one is enslaved, reinforcing the theme of liberty as a fundamental human right. The work serves as a poignant critique of slavery and a call for justice and equality.
By Frances Ellen Watkins Harper · First published 1866 · Genre: Poetry, Social Commentary, African American Literature · 345 words
First lines
Make me a grave where'er you will, In a lowly plain, or a lofty hill, Make it among earth's humblest graves, But not in a land where men are slaves.
I could not rest if around my grave I heard the steps of a trembling slave:
What this Textopian page supports
Bury me in a Free Land is listed on Textopian as a poem by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, dated 1866 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Date: 1866 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Social Commentary, African American Literature, Abolitionist Literature, Romanticism
- Length: 345 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that expresses deep emotional themes and uses structured verse.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques the institution of slavery and advocates for freedom and human rights.
- African American Literature — The author is a prominent African American writer, and the poem reflects the experiences and struggles of African Americans.
- Abolitionist Literature — The poem serves as a call to action against slavery, aligning with abolitionist movements.
Tags
American Literature · Abolitionist Text · Slavery · Racism · Feminism · Social Justice · Poetry Collection · 19th Century Writing · African American Experience · Emancipation Proclamation · Civil War Era · Women's Rights