That can united rise
To smash the old dead dogmas of the past--
To kill the lies of color
That keep the rich enthroned
And drive us to the time-clock and the plow
Helpless, stupid, scattered, and alone--as now--
Race against race,
Because one is black,
Another white of face.
Let us new lessons learn,
All workers,
New life-ways make,
One union form:
Until the future burns out
Every past mistake
Let us together, say:
Allusion to the original union, severed during the Civil War, and could be potentially reunited. He may be referencing “union” not only to foster discussion about labor unions, but to reference the union of the United States, that remains divided due to racial tensions.
Open Letter to the South