Godspeed by John Greenleaf Whittier
The poem is a tribute to the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad. It tells the story of a group of escaped slaves who are aided by sympathetic individuals in their journey to freedom. The poem explores themes of courage, perseverance, and the moral imperative to resist slavery.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1838 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 153 words
First lines
Written on the occasion of a voyage made by my friends Annie Fields and Sarah Orne Jewett.
Outbound, your bark awaits you. Were I one Whose prayer availeth much, my wish should be Your favoring trade-wind and consenting sea. By sail or steed was never love outrun, And, here or there, love follows her in whom All graces and sweet charities unite, The old Greek beauty set in holier light; And her for whom New England's byways bloom, Who walks among us welcome as the Spring, Calling up blossoms where her light feet stray. God keep you both, make beautiful your way, Comfort, console, and bless; and safely bring, Ere yet I make upon a vaster sea The unreturning voyage, my friends to me. 1882.
What this Textopian page supports
Godspeed is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1838 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Inspirational, Elegy
- Length: 153 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Godspeed by John Greenleaf Whittier
- 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 Godspeed?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Two Angels by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Till The End by Emily Dickinson
- A Name by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Singer by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Answer by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Waiting by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions related to friendship and farewell.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Inspirational — The poem conveys wishes for safety and blessings, aiming to uplift the reader.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Romanticism · Free Verse · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Allegory · Mortality