Homing Braves
The poem explores themes of sacrifice, valor, and the return of soldiers from war. It begins with a metaphorical representation of the soldiers as flowers returning from a battlefield, emphasizing the loss and the cost of conflict. The imagery of music signifies a triumphant return, contrasting the previous sounds of fear and shame associated with those who avoided battle. The work reflects on the transformation of these individuals, who, having faced the horrors of war, now return with a sense of dignity and purpose. The mention of "the price of peace" underscores the heavy toll that conflict exacts, suggesting that true peace comes at a significant cost. The soldiers are portrayed as having overcome prejudice and societal barriers, symbolizing a reclamation of their identity and honor. The poem concludes with a hopeful vision of the future, where the soldiers can pursue their dreams unimpeded by past traumas or societal judgments. It encapsulates a journey from despair to redemption, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The overall tone is one of celebration and recognition of the sacrifices made, advocating for a warm welcome and acknowledgment of their experiences.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Social Commentary · 152 words
First lines
There's music in the measured tread Of those returning from the dead Like scattered flowers from a plain So lately crimson, with the slain.
No more the sound of shuffled feet Shall mark the poltroon on the street, Nor shifting, sodden, downcast eye Reveal the man afraid to die.
They shall have paid full, utterly The price of peace across the sea, When, with uplifted glance, they come To claim a kindly welcome home.
Nor shall the old-time daedal sting Of prejudice, their manhood wing, Nor heights, nor depths, nor living streams Stand in the pathway of their dreams!
What this Textopian page supports
Homing Braves is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Literature
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Homing Braves by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Homing Braves?
- How does this poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- To Emilie Bigelow Hapgood Philanthropist by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- To America by James Weldon Johnson
- I Too by Langston Hughes
- O Southland by James Weldon Johnson
- Father Father Abraham by James Weldon Johnson
- To The Memory Of Inez Milholland by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of death, return, and societal acceptance.
- War Literature — The poem addresses the experiences of soldiers returning from war, reflecting on sacrifice and the consequences of conflict.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal attitudes towards returning soldiers and prejudice, highlighting themes of acceptance and reintegration.
- Historical Fiction — While primarily poetic, the themes are rooted in historical contexts of war and its aftermath.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · African American Experience · Racial Identity · Social Justice · Empowerment · Feminism · Suffrage Movement · Civil Rights · Equality · Freedom · Hope