African American Poetry: A Digital Anthology

Carrie Law Morgan Figgs, "We Are Marching" (1921)

 WE ARE MARCHING 

 1 
 We are marching, truly marching 
  Can't you hear the sound of feet? 
 We are fearing no impediment 
  We have never known defeat. 
 
 2 
 Like Job of old we have had patience, 
  Like Joshua, dangerous roads we've trod 
 Like Solomon we have built out temples. 
  Like Abraham we've had faith in God. 
 
 3 
 Up the streets of wealth and commerce, 
  We are marching one by one 
 We are marching, making history, 
  For ourselves and those to come. 
 
 4 
 We have planted schools and churches. 
  We have answered duty's call. 
 We have marched from slavery's cabin 
  To the legislative hall. 

 
 5 
 Brethren can't you catch the spirit? 
  You who are out just get in line 
 Because we are marching,, yes we are marching 
  To the music of the time. 
 
 6 
 We are marching, steady marching 
  Bridging chasms, crossing streams 
 Marching up the hill of progress 
  Realizing our fondest dreams. 

 7 
 We are marching, truly marching 
  Can't you hear the sound of feet? 
 We are fearing no impediment 
  We shall never know defeat. 

 
Published in Nuggets of Gold, 1921

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