The Soldiers Came By John Agard (Grades 4-6)

John Agard is a Guyanese-British poet, playwright, and children’s author celebrated for his dynamic performances and exploration of identity, colonialism, and history. Born in Georgetown, Guyana, in 1949, he moved to Britain in 1977, where his work became central to postcolonial British literature. His poem “The Soldiers Came” vividly portrays the arrival of colonial forces, capturing the disruption and violence brought upon Indigenous peoples and their lands. Through simple yet powerful language, Agard exposes the human cost of conquest and questions imperial narratives. His poetry combines sharp social insight with rhythm and voice, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable histories.