Independence Days

For G, who recites the story so well!

In 1776

at the State House in PA

unprecedented events

made Independence Day

 

First, a grand proposal

by Richard Henry Lee

that free and independent states

the colonies should be

 

Not everyone agreed to this

among the delegates

which led to some determined men

roaring titanic debates

 

John Adams, a staunch Patriot

for freedom he did thirst;

his voice thundered above a storm

that hot July the first

 

Pennsylvania’s John Dickinson

was loyal to the crown

but Adams’ steadfast, strident tone

soon wore the lawyer down

 

The next day, Congress voted,

the result of altercation;

July 2, '76 ~

the birthday of our nation

 

What happened on the fourth

that now we celebrate?

The Declaration was approved;

this gesture sealed our fate

 

So before fireworks this year,

remember those sparks that flew,

the days that led to liberty

stitching firm the red, white and blue

 

Author's Note

Lee made his proposal in June; the debate of July 1, the vote on July 2, the approval of the Declaration on the 4th, the public reading on the 8th... So many days and events that we should celebrate! :)

Reviews

[willweb]

This was perfect Rita. Sorry I am a few days late on reviewing this. I am proud to read this tonight.

[Shaquana Adams]

Learning is awesome. I love the fact that it's a teachers poem. Even adults can sometimes forget this stuff. Nicely done ^-^
-QuanaWana

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Shaquana!

[J. K. Beach]

Very informative... a lovely bit of history. You are absolutely right--we should celebrate Independence Days! Thanks for sharing this.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, J.K. Living in Philadelphia helps! :)

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Well since you featured it again I thought I'd stop by again and read this Gem of a poem, it is even better the second time around.

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Figured it was timely to put this one up again... Thanks, Dale!

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Really why is that? LOL M pleasure.

[ron]

I didn't know it was John Adams spoke against John Dickinson (nor who John Dickinson was) to turn the vote that set us on our path of freedom. I feel like i should be giving you some of my GI bill for the classes.

[Rita L. Sev]

Not necessary - you earn every cent! I must confess, my husband is a teacher, but works as a part-time Ranger at Independence Historic Park. I have access to his books and his brain! :) John Adams is an under-appreciated Founding Father...

[ron]

Your husband continues to do this country a service, I salute both of you.

[richom]

Another fine history lesson, expertly written. One of my favorite films is the musical, "1776," which brings to life the proceedings on those memorable days. It does, of course, alter some facts for the sake of entertainment and to expedite filming, but it remains accurate in spirit.
I must apologize for swamping you with so many reviews today. I just found out about Read Request yesterday and am trying to catch up with prior requests. Richard

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! I am just glad that you are enjoying these, whenever you get to them. If you have not seen the miniseries "John Adams", do - it is really well done.

[richom]

Not only have I seen the John Adams miniseries, I've purchased the CD's. I enjoy most historical dramas so long as they don't stray too far from the facts.

[Jennifer Gladen]

AWESOME!! Every kid should read this and learn it...they'd know more about this date than most people around them.

[Rita L. Sev]

I may share this one next year in class... Thanks!

[Leslie Philibert]

Like this, a serious, interesting poem full of content, and a nice change from all this dreadful infighting I have just read here on this site.Poetry like this is the reason I am here, like to read good work with substance, well done.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Leslie. I truly appreciate your words, and am so glad you enjoyed it!

[David Scott]

You had to write this... It is a teacher's poem indeed.
I find it interesting that men who would not be reasonable or compromise founded a nation that today is compromising to a fault... Well, to its credit and demise.
I think the key is to know what issues have no grey and what issues have no need of confined morality...
I thank them for their stubborn ferocity to the concepts of freedom and self actualization.
A very timely poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, David, for this thoughtful review. I am grateful for their determination, and their vision of freedom, even if at the time it was woefully incomplete, and even today we are still roaring debates...

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Like many holidays people forget the true meaning and what we are celebrating... those these days what we are celebrating on this holiday we are steadily losing. Our rights have been slowly declining for a while now. Thank you for the lovely verse reminding us of what this day means.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Dale!

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

You are very welcome.