The Perfect President

What would the perfect president be like?

The Perfect President

Who would the perfect president be?

The perfect president would be courageous. They would not be afraid to make the right decision, no matter how unpopular it was, to benefit not only the nation, but the world.

The perfect president would be a soldier. They would know the value of life and would not take their power for granted. To be the commander in chief, they must first know war, for no one can order a man to die without offering their own life as well.

The perfect president would be a powerful speaker, but they wouldn’t use their gift to attack or mislead. They would use it to comfort and inspire, for the greatest words in history were never ones uttered in anger.

The perfect president would be their own person, not some stooge that works as the outlet for the opinions of a party. They will not where a color on their chest, for the president will only be free to make the decisions necessary when no one holds influence over them.

The perfect president would believe in God, for those who don’t only answer to man. The perfect president would have to answer to God, so, even in the shadows of the public’s eye, morals still hold dominion over them.

The perfect president would be a powerful motivator, causing nations to bend to their will through words alone. Their title of commander in chief wouldn’t be put to use as the first option, but the last.

The perfect president wouldn’t be greedy, but make decisions best for everyone, not just themselves. Reelection wouldn’t be in their mind as they are forced to make decisions not because they are popular, but because they are right.

The perfect president would know what it feels like to be forgotten. They wouldn’t be born among the elite and not seek the company among them. For the lack of power breeds humility and humility is the precursor to wisdom.

But overall, the perfect president would be a symbol. A symbol of what America is supposed to be. The pinnacle of acceptance. The land of equality. The home of the righteous. Where anyone, no matter where they hail from, can have an opportunity to make a difference.

But the world does not work this way. Elections are not led by the values of worthy candidates, but by money and the silver tongue of the people holding it, pulling the strings to further their own corrupt agenda. It has always been this way, but it doesn’t have to be.

I pray for an America where the best among us rise up, not in the effort to seek power, but because they are needed. For the only ones fit to lead are those who don’t seek power, but find they excel at it when it is thrust upon them.

I pray for an America where the people raise those worthy to lead them upon their shoulders. Where the people recognize the moral heart of one who will inspire countless more into believing in their country again.

I pray for an America not led by corrupt power-hungry politicians, but by caring men and woman who will spend themselves for the people not out of greed, but compassion.

I pray for an America unlike any nation the world has seen thus far, where the leaders of such a fine society are there solely for the benefit of the people.

America has been lost. It is our duty, as the people of this great nation, to set her on the right path.

Author's Note

I know this could spark a lot of controversy, but that is why it needs to be said. Deep down, I think we all agree, no matter what are political stance might be, that we have not seen a worthy president in a long time. I hope we can find one soon.

Reviews

[Marianne Rose]

This reads much more like an article or opinion piece than it does a poem- and I think it would be more powerful as an article rather than a poem, because the repeat of the line "The perfect President would be. . " actually dilutes it rather than giving it strength. You're right about it sparking controversy- which is fine- but as long as you stay with a respectful stance toward differences of opinion, controversy can be healthy and helpful. If you want to keep it as a poem, it seems to me you would be less declarative and more descriptive- showing the President in action- for example- "He speaks with authority and commands respect, because he has been to war himself, and knows its impact" - those are my words, of course, but I think poems offer a different way of saying things. As long as it remains as long as this, some kind of poetic sound or device would need to be added to keep one's attention- otherwise it just sounds like your declaration - no room for a reader's imagination to fill in pictures or feel emotions catalyzed by the words. So, I would rework it- either try changing it to a more poetic form, even if freestyle, or turn it into an article one might see in a newsletter or magazine. As a matter of fact, it reads more like a speech, especially in the second half when you start "I pray. . .", that part is particularly motivational and has some inspiring words and phrases. Another option is to do both- work on it as a speech or article, abandoning the repeating lines, and tease out a few messages that bring out your passion, and write a short poem that captures those ideas. It would be interesting to see where this exercise would take you, if you are open to it. Thanks for your read request, and kind email. Hope this helps, and encourages you to go back to this piece and experiment a bit more- there are a lot of worthy ideas in there to develop!

[Luke Daniels]

Thank you so much! I will definitely take your suggestions to heart and try to rework it in the way you say.