# We Face the Future explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Georgia Douglas Johnson.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on a time of war and uncertainty, where Black soldiers march in the vanguard, driven by faith and the promise of renewal symbolized by spring and the stars.

## Themes in this chapter

### Racial Identity and Oppression

The 'sable faces' highlight racial identity and the struggle of Black soldiers fighting for a country that oppresses them.

### Hope and Vision for the Future

Faith in springtime and the stars signifies hope for a better future despite present war and suffering.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator speaks from the perspective of 'we,' representing Black soldiers moving forward with faith.

### Hope

Hope is embodied in the faith that springtime keeps and the stars' guidance.

## Key lines

> The hour is big with sooth and sign, with errant men at war

This moment is filled with truth and prophecy, as wandering men engage in war.

_Sets the scene of a significant, war-torn era._

> And we, with sable faces pent, move with the vanguard line

We, with our dark faces confined, advance at the forefront of the battle.

_Highlights the role of Black soldiers in the vanguard._

> Shod with a faith that Springtime keeps, and all the stars opine.

Equipped with a belief in renewal that spring promises, and as the stars declare.

_Emphasizes faith and cosmic hope guiding their actions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters/we-face-the-future
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_9_se/chapters