Poetry often acts as a catalyst for civil action. The poet hopes to use the condensed wording to punch the hearer with a message full of impact. Abolitionist Thinkers of the 1850's utilized poetic forms to communicate their platform. The enlightened poets of the 1850's felt that the Judges and great men and utilized poetry to move their stoney hearts. Herman Melville also used the impact of poetry to communicate his belief in the evil of slavery:
The Portent
By Herman MelvilleHanging from the beam, Slowly swaying (such the law), Gaunt the shadow on your green, Shenandoah! The cut is on the crown (Lo, John Brown), And the stabs shall heal no more.
Hidden in the cap Is the anguish none can draw; So your future veils its face, Shenandoah! But the streaming beard is shown (Weird John Brown), The meteor of the war.