The epigraph for Call of the Wild is taken from “Atavism,” a poem by John Myers O’Hara. Jack did not credit O’Hara, but they later became friends.

Jack London inscribed a copy of The Call of the Wild to O’Hara in  1909.

“Dear John Myers O’Hara: Whose fugitive four lines gave me my motif for The Call of the Wild and whose same four lines have brought me to him as a friend.

Affectionately yours, Jack London, Wake Robin Lodge, Aug. 24, 1909.”

Atavism (1902)

John Myers O’Hara

Old longings nomadic leap
Chafing at custom’s chain
Again from its brumal sleep
Wakens the ferine strain.

Helots of houses no more
Let us be out, be free!
Fragrance through the window and door
Wafts from the woods, the sea!

After the torpor of will
Morbid the inner strife
Welcome the animal thrill
Lending a zest to life.

Banish the volumes revered
Sever from centuries dead
Ceilings the lamp flicker cheered
Barter for stars instead.

Temple, thy dreams with the trees
Nature thy god alone
Worship the sun and the breeze
Altars where non atone.

Voices of Solitude call,
Whisper of sedge and stream
Loosen the fetters that gall
Back to the primal scheme.

Feel the great throbbing terrene
Pulse in thy body beat!
Conscious again of the green
Verdure beneath the feet.

Callous to pain as the rose,
Breathe with instinct’s delight
Live the existence that goes
Soulless into the night.