Conceived in America
… along with the hope of fruitful dreams.
Along with the hope of fruitful dreams
there came an aspiration.
It began with spangled stars and golden beams
and a touch of inspiration.
.
The aspiration - roughly hewn with readiness,
proclaimed a modicum of liberty, tolerance and trust;
assumed a constitution that time might well adjust
to wisdom’s wit; providing it with steadiness.
.
The inspiration - roughly hewn with restlessness
imagined a brave new world for young and old;
conceived a flag unfurled in colours bright and bold,
where freedom came with gratitude and thankfulness.
.
Alas - aspiration became nothing more than platitude;
and as for inspiration - well - it all but lost its latitude.
.
© Tim Grace, 2 November 2023
About the Creator
Tim Grace
A first impression has a lasting effect - it makes a notable difference. In a subtle way that’s who I am as a poet. A ‘first impression’ looking for the gentle ‘twist’ that draws attention to a novel observation.
Comments (2)
This was very profound and thought provoking. Loved your poem!
To the reader: Upon a recent excursion to America, it was obvious that the socio-political “experiment” is at a fragile state of play. In particular, the delicate notion of how ‘political power’ is wielded to give effect to the aspiration and inspiration of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness is in dispute. There may be some agreement as to the shared value of these worthy endeavours but as to their governance the approach is far from united; across the states of America. To the Poet: Conceived in America is a clunky poem that was built in parts rather than formed in a flow of consciousness. Consequently, it needs all the structural help that syntax can bring to its semantic purpose. The inner references, forever harking back, interrupt the forward motion of the poem - conserving progress. And maybe that’s the point…