Freedom, defined as the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint. Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence is a writ of grievance against the King of England, declaring, "That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown." From this historic document, freedom has become synonymous with liberty, patriotism, and all symbols representative of each. This article includes poetry of how I envision the feelings of the founding fathers in their passion for the creation of a constitutional government and my concept of freedom as expressed through writing and symbolization.
I start with my vision of Jefferson as he toiled at his task of writing what I believe is the most important document defining America.
Declaration Of Independence
Alone in the night, gazing at the beauty of a celestial masterpiece
yet untouched by the cover of cloud
an unrelenting silence is interrupted by the insistent ticking
of an old grandfather clock in the parlor,
a candle with a dual wick rests on a table made of knotty pine
roughly chiseled to add a rustic touch
accentuates a floor of polished oak,
providing my only light
I sit watching shadows flickering across plaster walls
mimicing eerie phantoms
slithering throughout the room
refusing to take recognizable shape,
cause unwanted distraction
The work before me suffers,
in stark contrast pitifully begs text be laid
to cover the nudity of the page before me
The accomplishments of my life pale in contrast
what keeps me awake this night,
the plight of a nation will rest on the passion of my words,
my friends and patriots rely on a text that will take them
from anarchy to democracy
Shadows appearing to take shape play tricks upon my vision,
reveal a sight resembling a picture of a united
uniformly defined crowd
cheering and waving as one voice,
one sound
Suddenly it becomes clear,
the page before me fills with pronouncement,
my chest swells with pride,
what is written this night becomes page after page,
until,
finally,
to carry a nation desiring riddance,
a Declaration Of Independence
The original draft of the Declaration was written by Thomas Jefferson from 11 June 1776 to 28 June 1776. It was finalized and approved by the Congress and printed on the evening of July 4th. The original document was signed by only John Hancock as President of the Congress and Charles Thompson, as the Secretary of the Congress. Other signatories were added beginning in August and were not completed for several months.
John Hancock, waited in Congress for Thomas Jefferson to present his initial draft of The Declaration of Independence. Heat is a poem that describes what he must have felt in signing a document that made him a traitor and a patriot simultaneously.
Heat
It is hot! The air above me suffocates, lacking breeze.
This July eve, the heat affects me most.
Tomorrow, I will end one affiliation and begin anew.
The future causes my brow to arch, the heat adding to my discomfort.
This house, my home is large and strong, but may not survive the coming storm.
All before me, I must be willing to cede as a consequence of this nights decisions.
I feel the heat began to crescendo into a firestorm.
I envision myself appearing at the very gates of Hell.
I finish my dress and put on my coat realizing, soon, this will be my home no longer.
I will be branded a traitor in my native country, a patriot in my new.
As I sit in the Congress, I am alone if not for Jefferson and my Congressional Secretary.
The document prepared by Jefferson beckons my signature.
I am overcome with emotion as I, John Hancock, President of the Congress,
slowly, in large bold script, sign The Declaration of Independence.
As I return to my home, I realize this heat will not go away for a long time.
I return to say goodbye.
I wrote Freedom and FREEDOM as a statement of current events and the impact of the growing rift in the political and social structure of America. Although from different eras, both reflect the same basic virtues and beliefs.
Freedom
Its foundation built on sacrifice
maintained by the strength of belief
wounded by separatism
healed by patriotism
destroyed by disunion
and,
FREEDOM
Fought on bitter fields tainted red
Revolution quells garroted oppression
Emport-moi the cry
Engagement protects treasured belief
Declaration defines a people
Oration warns tread not on me
Muskets herald the voice of freedom
The American Flag is the most recognizable symbol in the world. Anyone, in any country, who sees Americas' flag immediately knows what it represents. This poem reflects my belief that it is more than just a symbol.
The American Flag, It Is You
A symbol of respect, pride, and strength,
not to be ruffled, wadded, or soiled,
to be folded, unfurled, raised for all to see,
as in going into battle resounding victory.
Not to be tattered, torn, or burned in effigy,
rather a symbol of hope to those in bondage,
of hate for those who seek to enslave,
of patriotism to those who guard fiercely,
enshrined with those who died for liberty,
entrusted to each generation to decide its fate,
to be the most loved or most hated,
to be seen in every city, state, and on foreign soil,
wherever seen America is found.
No other symbol rises above or would be allowed,
representing freedom, recognized the world round,
a powerful adversary to an enemy
a gentle giant to those who are represented.
A symbol of red and white,
with fifty shining stars on a field of blue,
call it a flag,
in reality it is you.
In conclusion,
American Flags
American flags,
the right to destroy is yours;
as is your freedom.
Poetry is an association of words placed into structure, weaving majesty and brilliance to create text. History and the symbols that represent history have long been expressed poetically. I find poetry a novel of verse lacking the novels long narrative, yet providing the same wonderfully exciting experience of wonder and fulfillment.
No matter what you write, someone will love it.
For more poetry and information please visit: http://allpoetry.com/mac_mcgovern
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