The despot's heel is on thy shore, Maryland! His torch is at thy temple-door, Maryland! Avenge the patriotic gore That flecked the streets of Baltimore, And be the battle-queen of yore, Maryland, my Maryland!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The tyrant's threat looms over Maryland; the poem calls for revenge and heroic defense.
- In plain terms
- A call to fight oppression and protect Maryland.
- What can you take from it?
- Stand against oppression with courage.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does poetry inspire collective action?
- When is revenge justified?
Another view
Historical references may be obscure to modern readers.
More from James Ryder Randall
My Maryland.
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