by James Weldon Johnson (1871 – 1938).

To America

How would you have us, as we are?
Or sinking ‘neath the load we bear?
Our eyes fixed forward on a star?
Or gazing empty at despair?
Rising or falling? Men or things?                        5
With dragging pace or footsteps fleet?
Strong, willing sinews in your wings?
Or tightening chains about your feet?

Notes:
http://www.sc.edu/library/spcoll/amlit/johnson/johnson1.html
http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/72