Meet the Poet:

Frank Horne (1899–1974) was an African

American writer and activist. As a director at
the U.S. Housing Authority, he fought to end
segregated housing. As a poet, he fought
discrimination with poems that conveyed
dignity and pride.
Background:
From 1914 through 1937, Harlem, a
neighborhood in New York City, was
the setting for an awakening of African
American culture that came to be known as
the Harlem Renaissance. During this period,
African American writers such as Langston
Hughes and Frank Horne searched for the
truest way to express their experiences. Each
developed a unique style that ultimately
helped shape not just African American
culture but also world culture.
Vocabulary:

flung: moved the body suddenly and with a lot of force

ashes, or partly burnt coal or wood etc.

cinders:

catapulted: threw someone or something quickly, suddenly and forcefully

lurch: to move suddenly or abruptly in an uncontrolled manner

sinews: strong tissues that connect muscles to bones

stretch: to straighten your body or your arms or legs

stride: a long step when walking or running

ecstasy: to be or become very excited about something

ecstatic: very happy and excited

hurtling: moving or cause to move at high speed, typically in an uncontrolled manner

Do you remember
How you won
That last race . . . ?
How you flung your body
At the start . . .
How your spikes
Ripped the cinders
In the stretch . . .
How you catapulted
Through the tape . . .
Do you remember . . . ?
Don’t you think
I lurched with you
Out of those starting holes . . . ?
Don’t you think
My sinews tightened
At those first
Few strides . . .
And when you flew into the stretch
Was not all my thrill
Of a thousand races
In your blood . . . ?
At your final drive
Through the finish line
Did not my shout
Tell of the
Triumphant ecstasy
Of victory . . . ?
Live
As I have taught you
To run, Boy—
It’s a short dash
Dig your starting holes
Deep and firm
Lurch out of them
Into the straightaway
With all the power
That is in you
Look straight ahead
To the finish line
Think only of the goal
Run straight
Run high
Run hard
Save nothing
And finish
With an ecstatic burst
That carries you
Hurtling
Through the tape
To victory. . . .
 TO JAMES

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. What event does the speaker refer to at the poem’s start?
Ans: The speaker refers to “you” winning a race.
2. What goal does the speaker of the poem identify?
Ans: The speaker identifies victory as the goal.
3. Which actions repeat throughout the poem?
Ans: Running and racing repeat throughout the poem.
 TO JAMES
Summary
In the poem “To James” by Frank Horne, a father addresses his son.
He takes pride in the boy’s extraordinary ability on the running track
and advises him that life itself is a short sprint. He tells his son to start
out strong and run hard. He urges him to focus on the finish line and
hold nothing back. He wants his son to experience the supreme joy of
victory.