Pocket+Poems

Below is a copy of poem that was given to British and American soldiers during World War II to carry in their pockets. The poet Claude McKay, a Jamaican, originally wrote this poem in 1919 in response to the lynchings and race riots that assaulted black neighborhoods after the end of World War I. It was credited with inspiring the Harlem Renaissance. Winston Churchill used this poem in speeches to inspire both British and American people in World War II.

Claude McKay "If We Must Die" (1919)

If we must die, let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursed lot. If we must die, O let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shed In vain; then even the monsters we defy Shall be constrained to honor us though dead! O kinsmen we must meet the common foe! Though far outnumbered let us show us brave, And for their thousand blows deal one deathblow! What though before us lies the open grave? Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back!

Now, do two things: First, tell me what you think about this poem. What do you think it is saying? Next, write a pocket poem for a soldier in Iraq on a 3x5 index card and decorate it. Hopefully, we can send some words of support to our soldiers overseas. Have these poem ready to turn in by Friday, March 2.