# Father, Father Abraham explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James Weldon Johnson.

## What happens

A prayerful poem honoring Abraham Lincoln on the anniversary of his birth, reflecting on the sacrifice of emancipation and the ongoing commitment to its ideals.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resilience and Hope

The poem expresses hope that the sacrifice of emancipation was not in vain, consecrating future efforts to uphold its promise.

### Social Critique and Justice

Reflects on the great price paid for freedom and the ongoing duty to ensure justice and judgment down the years.

## Character check-ins

### Father Abraham

Addressed as a patriarchal figure and spiritual father, invoked from above to witness the fruits of his faith and sacrifice.

## Key lines

> Father, Father Abraham, Today look on us from above; On us, the offspring of thy faith, The children of thy Christ-like love.

Abraham Lincoln, watch over us from heaven; we are the descendants of your belief and the recipients of your Christ-like compassion.

_Invokes Lincoln as a spiritual father, linking his faith to the emancipation of African Americans._

> Today we consecrate ourselves Anew in hand and heart and brain, To send this judgment down the years: The ransom was not paid in vain.

We dedicate ourselves again, with our actions, emotions, and minds, to ensure that future generations understand that the sacrifice for freedom was worthwhile.

_A pledge to uphold the legacy of emancipation and ensure its meaning endures._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters/father-father-abraham
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters