Poems in Wartime
 Part 4 From Volume III of The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier

by John Greenleaf Whittier

"Poems in Wartime" by John Greenleaf Whittier is a collection of anti-slavery poems and songs of labor and reform, written during the tumultuous period surrounding the American Civil War, which spanned the mid-19th century. Whittier, a prominent abolitionist and Quaker poet, uses this volume to explore the moral and social landscapes of his time, with a particular focus on the themes of freedom and justice as they relate to the institution of slavery. The poems reflect the pain, hope, and struggles faced by those yearning for liberty in a nation divided by war. The collection includes powerful pieces that evoke the emotional turmoil of wartime America, such as "Barbara Frietchie," which tells of a woman’s defiance against Confederate soldiers, and "Thy Will Be Done," offering a somber submission to divine providence amidst suffering. Whittier's verses embody a call to action against oppression, emphasizing a collective response to the struggle for emancipation. The poems also reflect on the consequences of slavery, both socially and morally, advocating for justice and unity in opposition to tyranny. Overall, "Poems in Wartime" serves as a poignant testament to Whittier's commitment to abolition and his belief in the transformative power of faith and perseverance.