As the slave departs, the Man returns- Campbell
How felt he when he first was told
A slave he ceased to be
How proudly beat his heart, when first
He knew that he was free!
To noblest feelings of the soul
To glow at once began,
He knelt no more, his thoughts were raised
He felt himself a man.
He looked above – The breath of heaven
Around him freshly blew;
He smiled exultingly to see
As the wild birds as they flew,
He looked upon the running stream
That ‘neath him rolled away;
Then thought on winds and birds,and floods,
And cried, I’m free as they !
Oh freedom ! there is something dear
E’en in thy very name,
That lights the altar of the soul
With everlasting flame.
Success attend the patriot sword,
That is unsheathed for thee !
And glory to the breast that bleeds,
Bleeds nobody to be free !
Blest be the generous hand that breaks
The chain a tyrrant gave,
And, feeling for degraded man,
Gives freedom to the slave.

“Freedom to the Slave” by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio is a poignant exploration of the emotional and symbolic dimensions of freedom. The poem begins with an epigraph referencing Thomas Campbell’s work, setting the stage for a narrative of liberation and joy. The primary focus is on a slave who experiences the transformative moment of being informed about his newfound freedom.

The poet vividly describes the slave’s emotional response, emphasizing the swelling pride in his heart and the abandonment of the submissive act of kneeling. This signifies not just a physical release from bondage but a profound internal transformation, allowing the slave to reclaim his humanity. The use of anaphora in the lines, such as “How felt he when he first was told / A slave he ceased to be,” emphasizes the intensity of the emotions involved.

Nature serves as a powerful backdrop in the poem, with the freed slave reveling in the elements – feeling the fresh wind, observing wild birds in flight, and contemplating a running stream. These natural symbols become metaphors for the unrestricted liberty the slave now enjoys. The use of imagery and simile adds depth to the emotional landscape of the poem, allowing readers to empathize with the profound sense of liberation experienced by the protagonist.

The second stanza broadens the thematic scope, as the poet directly addresses the concept of freedom. The poet personifies freedom, attributing a magical quality to its very name. Freedom is portrayed as a force that not only enlightens the individual soul but also has the power to kindle an everlasting flame on the altar of human consciousness. The poet expresses admiration for patriots and brave individuals who take up the sword for the cause of freedom, linking personal sacrifices to the greater pursuit of liberty.

In the concluding lines, the poem extends blessings to those with generous hearts who actively work to break the chains of tyranny and grant freedom to the oppressed. This gesture emphasizes the communal aspect of freedom, portraying it as a collective struggle against injustice. The poem, set against the historical context of slavery and colonialism, becomes a rallying cry for the abolitionist movement, urging readers to recognize the intrinsic value of freedom and the need to fight against oppression.

In summary, “Freedom to the Slave” is a layered and emotionally charged poem that skillfully combines personal liberation with broader themes of justice, patriotism, and humanity. Through its evocative language and vivid imagery, the poem invites readers to reflect on the profound significance of freedom and the enduring spirit of those who fight for it.