# To Atlanta University—Its Founders and Teachers explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The speaker honors the founders and teachers of Atlanta University, reflecting on their selfless dedication and sacrifice. They are compared to the Son of Man, having given themselves for others, and their legacy is described as deathless in the souls of those they served.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Resilience

The founders and teachers are described as having 'scorned the path of ease' and 'buckled on the armaments of care,' highlighting their endurance through hardship.

### Hope and Vision for the Future

The poem emphasizes the enduring impact of their work, with memories that are 'deathless in our souls,' pointing to a hopeful legacy.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who reflects on the legacy of the founders and teachers.

### Life

Referenced as part of 'Life's tragic play' in which the speaker and others perform their roles.

## Key lines

> Pass down the aisle of buried years to-night, And stand uncovered in that holy place Where noble structures lift their hallowed height Beneath a bending Heaven’s chaste embrace

Travel back through time and stand reverently in the sacred space where great institutions rise under the pure sky.

_The speaker calls for a reflective journey to honor the founders' sacred work._

> The fruit of those who scorned the path of ease, To buckle on the armaments of care Like to the Son of Man Himself, were these Who gave themselves for brother men⁠—less fair.

These were the people who rejected comfort and took up the burdens of responsibility, similar to Jesus, sacrificing themselves for others, though less recognized.

_The founders are compared to Christ-like figures for their selfless dedication._

> Before the blinding footlights of to-day We man our parts within Life’s tragic play, Full mindful of the earnest love and care That keeps eternal watch and vigil there;

In the harsh spotlight of the present, we play our roles in life's difficult drama, always aware of the constant love and care that watches over us.

_The speaker acknowledges the ongoing struggle of life while remembering the founders' enduring influence._

> Nor do they need fair monuments and scrolls⁠— Their memories are deathless in our souls.

They do not require physical memorials or written records because their legacy lives forever in our hearts.

_The founders' true monument is the lasting impact they have on those they inspired._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/to-atlanta-university-its-founders-and-teachers
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters