Poetry of Revolution: Romanticism and National Projects

still itself a minor exporter of cotton, to alter the power structures of economic inequality and

international exploitation. The poet goes on to remind the reader that “ces noirs” – these blacks

–should be remembered for their historical contributions to American success, notably, the fact

that Haitians militarily supported the colonies during the American Revolutionary War. Coicou

specifically mentions the Battle of Savannah, in which troops from Saint Domingue came on

behalf of France to help in the American fight for independence against British forces:

Et—le savez-vous bien? –ces chevaliers, ces braves,

Aux élans, aux cris merveilleux,

Ils venaient de cette île où grandissaient—esclaves

La pléiade de nos aïeux. (28-31)

Interestingly in 2002, the Haitian American Historical approved a Battle of Savannah

monument to honor the regiment of free black soldiers known as the unit “Chasseurs-

Volontaires.” The monument was unveiled in October, 2007, although not without debate on a

couple of fronts. There has been discussion about whether or not these soldiers were really

“Haitian” –as this time pre-dates the Haitian Revolution, as well as the fact that these soldiers

were fighting on behalf of a country where slavery remained legal. Evading these controversial

details, however, Coicou chooses to emphasize and imagine the common heritage, history, and

ideals of the United States and Haiti which remained unacknowledged by most Americans. It is

believed, even by Haitians today, that some of the same soldiers in that particular unit, such as

Henri Christophe, went on to become the leaders of Haiti’s Revolution.

Moving to address Americans directly, the poet discusses the former grandeur of

Americans as being like that of Haitians, in that both once shared an identity as ‘avengers of

Liberty.” Here Benjamin Franklin is mentioned again, this time by name, as one of the

American forefathers who would be dismayed at how far Americans have departed from their

noble beginnings. In this way, the poet highlights the degradation in U.S. ideals over time, the