Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Claude McKay's poem "Exhortation: Summer, 1919" is a powerful and urgent call to action, addressing the African diaspora with a message of awakening, renewal, and liberation. The poem is infused with vivid imagery and a rhythmic cadence that amplifies its message, evoking the sense of a new dawn breaking after long centuries of oppression and dormancy. McKay's language is both poetic and prophetic, urging his "brothers and sisters" to rise from their slumber and embrace the transformative moment at hand.

The poem begins with a description of a universe that is alive with "life’s terrific thunder," suggesting that a monumental change is underway. The Earth itself is portrayed as quaking "with terror," as "strange and terrible storms break." This tumultuous imagery sets the stage for the poem's central theme: the awakening of Africa and its people after a long period of sleep. The metaphor of the storm indicates a powerful and unstoppable force of nature, symbolizing the inevitability of this awakening.

McKay specifically addresses Africa, referring to it as his "motherland" and calling on it to "awake" after "long ages sleeping." This line reflects both a deep connection to Africa as the ancestral home and a recognition of the long history of colonization and exploitation that has kept the continent and its people in a state of subjugation. The poet's call for awakening is not just a physical or political one but also a spiritual and cultural rebirth, urging a reconnection with a proud and vibrant past.

The imagery of dawn and new birth recurs throughout the poem, particularly in the lines "In the East the clouds glow crimson with the new dawn that is breaking, / And its golden glory fills the western skies." The East, traditionally associated with the direction of the rising sun, represents the source of this new beginning, while the West, often symbolizing the place of colonial power, is now illuminated by this "golden glory." McKay suggests that this new dawn is not confined to Africa alone but will spread its influence across the world, symbolizing a global shift in consciousness and power.

The poet continues to urge his "brothers and sisters" to "wake! Arise!" emphasizing the importance of this moment as one of profound transformation. The image of the "new birth" rending the "old earth" and the "very dead... waking" suggests a complete overturning of the old order, with even those who have been silenced or oppressed finding new life and voice. The line "Ghosts are turned flesh, throwing off the grave’s disguise" further reinforces the idea of a resurrection or reawakening, where the forgotten or marginalized are restored to life and relevance.

McKay's call for awakening is also a call for wisdom, as "the foolish, even children, are made wise." This suggests that the coming change will bring enlightenment and understanding to all, regardless of their past status or knowledge. The "big earth groans in travail for the strong, new world in making," indicating that the old world is in the process of giving birth to a new, more just and equitable world. This image of the earth in labor underscores the difficulty and pain of the transformation, but also its inevitability and the promise of new life.

The refrain of the poem, "O my brothers, dreaming for long centuries, / Wake from sleeping; to the East turn, turn your eyes!" serves as both a reminder and a command. The repetition of the call to "wake" and "turn your eyes" emphasizes the urgency of the moment and the need for action. The direction to turn to the East reinforces the idea that the source of this renewal lies in reconnecting with African roots and embracing the dawn of a new era.

The poem concludes by addressing the allure of the night, described as "sweet for sleeping," but contrasts it with the "shining day" that is meant for "working." Here, McKay acknowledges the comfort of remaining in a state of passivity but argues that the time for action has arrived, driven by the needs of "your children’s children." The reference to "primeval forests" and the "crouching leopard" evokes the deep, ancient connections to the land and the natural world, while the call to "lift your heavy-lidded eyes, Ethiopia! Awake!" directly addresses one of the most historically significant nations in Africa, symbolizing the broader call for all African nations and peoples to rise and reclaim their destiny.

"Exhortation: Summer, 1919" is a stirring and inspirational poem that reflects McKay's deep commitment to the cause of racial justice and liberation. Through its vivid imagery, rhythmic urgency, and prophetic tone, the poem calls on the African diaspora to awaken from centuries of oppression and embrace the dawn of a new era. It is a powerful reminder of the potential for renewal and the importance of seizing the moment to create a more just and equitable world.

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