The Birth Of A Nation Poem by Maurice Harris

It started as nothing more than an inspired idea
In the hearts and minds of visionaries, who could not be more clear:
All of human kind demands freedom and craves liberty!
As Emerson once opined: 'So far as a person thinks; they are free'.
Divinely Inspired Prophets, who saw to God's Will-
These were men of highest altruistic aspirations, for a people that still
Needed to be convinced that this ideal could become
The 'One Nation, Under God' we would become.
A very poetic, yet decidedly luculent declaration
Was thoughtfully written-thus began the birth of a nation!
The question of collective desire needed first to be resolved,
So that any and all persons could be wholly absolved
From any blame for this audacious, unprecedented event.
The call was sounded to the States, unanimous was their consent!


In order that this idea meet with desired actualization,
Much blood was spilled, along with the realization
That this righteous battle shan't ever wane,
Lest the tyranny that preceeded it shall come again.
Countless times through history, man has cried out for same-
But not until that glorious day in July, in God's very own name,
Was a truly free nation before born-on our Independence Day!
Should we ever allow its wither, what would our descendants say! ?
'Freedom is the last, best hope of Earth.', said the Great Emancipator-
Should we allow its death, what did our Forefathers then pay for! ?
The value of same, which in the hearts of the courageous, shows:
There is no greater cause, as 'Freedom is the only law which genius knows.'*


Our celebratory stance upon this day should serve as further notice-
The resolve that we have shown before still lives, if need be, we will show this
In defense of liberty, wherever in the world it may be needed.
A cry for liberty in far corners of the world is surely heeded
Still, by a nation which believes that any threat
To freedom-no matter where-must be swiftly met!
Our independence was a gift that we need to pay forward,
As this is the only wish that all men should pray toward.
'Courage leads to Heaven; fear leads to death.', **
This obviates my choice, and will, to my dying breath!


*James Russell Lowell

**Lucius Annaeus Seneca


-Maurice Harris,3 July 2012