The Space Between: Literature and Culture 1914-1945Main MenuThe Space Between: Literature and Culture 1914–1945Volume 19 | 2023 | General IssueCFP Special Issue, Volume 22 (2026) : Contingency, Precarity, and Jeopardy: Labor in the Space BetweenCFP | Space Between 26th Annual Conference | Peace and Conflict in the Space BetweenArchiveSubmission GuidelinesReviews and Review EssaysEditors | Editorial Board | Advisory CommitteeThe Space Between Society
Re-Affirmation (July 3, 1920. Signed as Hugh Hope). Claude McKay. Workers' Dreadnought.
1media/Claude McKay Re-Affirmation Workers Dreadnought_thumb.png2021-03-01T19:05:29-08:00Jennifer Poulos Nesbitt62bc3cb599d3c15be3205b879d3578d58552b09254011Re-Affirmation (July 3, 1920. Signed as Hugh Hope). Claude McKay. Workers' Dreadnought.plain2021-03-01T19:05:29-08:00Jennifer Poulos Nesbitt62bc3cb599d3c15be3205b879d3578d58552b092
Re-Affirmation (July 3, 1920. Signed as Hugh Hope)
I am downhearted not, although it seems The new birth is abortive in the West, And men are turning from long-cherished dreams Of world-wide freedom to ignoble rest.
I am discouraged not, although the foe— Shameless, like boars disporting in the mud Of their foul fen where nothing fair can grow— Wallow obscenely in the workers’ blood.
I am despairing not, though in our ranks, Hard-pressed and weak, are fools and fops and knaves, Who with their selfish aims and wanton pranks Would sell the Cause to be contented slaves.
What though I see the trusted and the tried For many a year turn traitor at the last, Go over to the seeming stronger side!— My heart feels sick, but I am not downcast.
The babe bursts from the mother’s womb in pain, The night is darkest just before the dawn, The heavens turn black to bless the earth with rain, I am disheartened not, I will keep on.
