Belated Happy Birthday to the late American poet Vachel Lindsay
Posted by maestro on 11/12/2025, 8:02 pm
Why I Voted the Socialist Ticket by Vachel Linday I am unjust, but I can strive for justice. My life’s unkind, but I can vote for kindness. I, the unloving, say life should be lovely. I, that am blind, cry out against my blindness. Man is a curious brute—he pets his fancies— Fighting mankind, to win sweet luxury. So he will be, though law be clear as crystal, Tho’ all men plan to live in harmony. Come, let us vote against our human nature, Crying to God in all the polling places To heal our everlasting sinfulness And make us sages with transfigured faces.
Re: Belated Happy Birthday to the late American poet Vachel Lindsay
But you failed to mention how progressive and also how controversial Lindsay was both in his work and commentary! Du Bois both praised him and threw criticism at his work! Langston Hughes had connections! There's Booker T. referenced! King Leopold & Belgium referenced! Just wow!
Then there's his poem, "Congo", which caused lots of stirring among critics! Anyway, quite an interesting guy to know! My early impression is that he meant well and was committed to justice etc. But there's room for both negative & positive attitudes about his work. Frankly, from the little I get from his wikipedia page, I think he wore his heart on his sleeves. And given the time, quite bold on his part!
And then he committed suicide, which does not surprise me. RIP
