The Land of Oppression

The Land of Oppression

The words went to thy heart! why were they new? -
Long, long since was the title richly earn'd;
Here is oppression's home - nor is her power
Felt only the injured, suffering slave;
Among the free, the wealthy, whose who seem
To lead a happy life, are many found
Whose hearts are wrung, whose cheeks are often wet
With bitter tears; they feel the air they breathe
Is tainted with oppression; and it comes
Across their spirits with a sick'ning weight!
They feel that ev'ry breeze which passes o'er
This portion of the earth - (so beautiful -
So rich in nature's gifts.) that ev'ry breeze
Bears upwards signs of anguish from the slave,
And fans the brow of tyrants. Oh! may they
Whose humble, contrite spirits are prepared
To breathe such prayer as is not unheard -
May they, e'er long prevail - and HE they serve,
Grant their petitions in his own good time!

Philadelphia, Jan. 3, 1838.

Ella

2:2, p. 6

1838.01.20

MR. EDITOR, - Please oblige me by inserting in your paper, the following lines, written impromptu by an esteemed friend of mine, on reading in the "Colored American" of Aug. 26th, 1837, a letter from C.I.B. Mount to P.A. Bell. - "I had the satisfaction of witnessing ONE POOR CAPTIVE FREED FROM HER BONDS!" She had bid adieu forever (to use her own language) to the "Land of oppression." * * * * * *
How her words sounded on my ear, and went to my heart - "THE LAND OF OPPRESSION!"
S.M.D.