# 'Possum Song explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James Weldon Johnson.

## What happens

A playful yet urgent warning to Brudder Possum to flee from hunters, particularly Ole Eph, who is armed and ready with his dog Tige, as the possum's chances of survival grow slim.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death and Mortality

The possum's impending doom is central, with the hunter's gun and the slim chances of escape emphasizing the threat of death.

### Resilience and Hope

Despite the dire warning, the repeated call to 'run' and 'hide' suggests a possibility of survival through quick action.

## Character check-ins

### Brudder Possum

The target of the hunt, repeatedly warned to run and hide from Ole Eph and the hounds.

### Ole Eph

The hunter, chuckling with glee and armed with a gun, ready to catch Brudder Possum.

### De Little Pickaninny

The pickaninnies are grinning and waiting to see the fun of the hunt.

## Key lines

> You better run, Brudder 'Possum, run!

You should flee immediately, Brother Possum, flee!

_The refrain emphasizes the urgent need for the possum to escape the hunters._

> Ole Eph's got a gun.

Old Eph is armed with a firearm.

_Highlights the direct threat posed by the hunter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters/possum-song
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters