America: 250 Years
Should we commit to celebrate our birth?
We’ve run so many laps around the sun,
Yet in our nuanced realm upon this earth
We may not cherish all that we have done.
Our country, on the balance, stood for good.
It claimed the peaks of freedom, law, and trust,
Where immigrants would join a brotherhood
Of climbers, strivers, seekers of the just.
But many nations’ births may be recalled
That led at times to cultures glorified,
Then turning from ideals they were appalled
To find their fate with evil firmly tied.
America, choose wisely, for our fate
With goodness rests, and this we celebrate!
Cliff Miller is a retiree who lives in Columbus, Ohio.
Well said.
A wise choice of theme for the sonnet, Cliff, and very clever turning to goodness in our American choices as a reason to celebrate America!
A tempered celebration, well delved into and expressed, Cliff.
Very good summary of the choice we, together, have to make. I pray we do indeed “choose wisely”.
Though still, himself, a retiree perhaps, the author’s crystal clarity and timeless verity are still gainfully employed. If concision is what you want, you’ll find it here.