To The Negro American Soldier

 TO THE NEGRO-AMERICAN SOLDIERS

………………………………………………………………For Mercer Cook

I did not recognize you in prison under your

………..sad-colored uniform

I did not recognize you under the calabash helmet

………..without style

I did not recognize the whining sound of your

………..iron horses, who drink but do not eat.

And it is no longer the nobility of elephants, it is the

………..the barbaric weight of the prehistoric

………..monsters of the world.

Under your closed face, I did not recognize you.

I only touched the warmth of your brown hand,

………..I called myself “Afrika! ”

And I found once again the lost laughter, I hailed the ancient voices

………..and the roar of Congo waterfalls.

Brothers, I do not know whether you bombed the

………..cathedrals, the pride of Europe,

If you are the lightning of God’s hand that burned

………..Sodom and Gomorrah.

No, you are the messengers of his mercy, the

………..Spring after Winter.

To those who had forgotten how to laugh-only

………..smile obliquely

Who knew nothing but the savory flavor of

………..tears and the vexing stench of blood

You bring the Season of Peace and hope to

………..end of the delay.

And their night is filled with milky sweetness, the blue

………..fields of the sky are covered with flowers, silence sings

………..soothingly.

You bring them the sun. The air beats with whispers

………..liquids and crystalline chirping and beating

………..silky wings

The aerial cities are tepid with nests.

Through the streets joy streamed, the boys play with

………..their dreams

Men dance before of their machines and

………..surprised themselves singing.

Schoolgirls’s eyelids are rose petals, and

………..fruits ripen in the virgins’ breasts

And the women’s hips—Oh, sweetness—

………..grow generously heavy.

Black brothers, warriors whose mouths are flowers that

………..sing

—Oh! the delight to live after Winter—I salute you

………..like messengers of peace. 

To the Negro American Soldier by Léopold Sédar Senghor is a poignant and evocative poem that addresses the experiences of African-American soldiers during World War II. Here's a critical analysis of the poem:

1. Themes of Identity and Unity: One of the central themes of the poem is the exploration of identity and unity among people of African descent. Senghor emphasizes the shared heritage and experiences that connect African Americans with their African roots. This theme aligns with Senghor's broader philosophy of Negritude, which celebrates black culture, heritage, and identity.

2. Celebration of Courage and Sacrifice: The poem pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of African-American soldiers who fought in World War II. Senghor highlights the physical and emotional toll of war, as well as the challenges faced by these soldiers due to racial discrimination and prejudice. By acknowledging their contributions, the poem serves as a reminder of the often overlooked role of black soldiers in shaping history.

3. Critique of Racial Injustice: While celebrating the resilience and strength of African-American soldiers, Senghor also critiques the racial injustice and inequality that they faced both during the war and upon their return home. The poem sheds light on the hypocrisy of fighting for freedom and democracy abroad while denying these rights to black Americans at home.

4. Senghor's Poetic Style: Senghor's poetic style in this poem is characterized by vivid imagery, emotive language, and a rhythmic flow. His use of symbolism, metaphor, and repetition helps to convey the depth of the soldiers' experiences and the broader themes of identity, unity, and resilience.

In conclusion,To the Negro American Soldier by Léopold Sédar Senghor is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that addresses the complex and often contradictory experiences of African-American soldiers during World War II. Through his exploration of identity, unity, courage, and racial injustice, Senghor offers a compelling commentary on the broader issues of race, heritage, and equality that continue to reson ate today.