O Say Can You See? Poem by Kevin Cox

O say can you see in the dark of the night
That banner for which so many did fight
For freedom obtained by their hallowed blood
Did a nation conceive for the brave and the good.
A people came forth who were tempered by fire
Their character wrought by their hopes and desires
They wished for themselves and each brother free
That oppression and evil was no more to be
The country born then the world hadn't see
A society form without king without queen

A standard was set and agreed to by all
United to stand divided to fall
Then from distant lands countless people did come
For the poor and downtrodden sweet freedom was won.

A balance was struck by the framers who knew
That power shouldn't lie in the hands of a few.
Each branch of the law the others offset
The will of the people by service was met.


They knew that real evil itself does reside
In every man's breast unless fettered and tried.
'Twas not their intention that government's sway
Should the peoples voice overrule any way.

A heritage great a system so grand
Has come down to us never changing the plan
The thing that will matter; the thing that is key
Is that every person is precious indeed.

And so we must always discern as the wise
And subjugate any who freedom despise.
For if some are selected as out of the norm
Then pity the ones who refuse to conform.
If we speak not for those with no voice of their own
When our turn comes mercy will not be shown.

Tis with solemn hearts and the deepest respect
Our great nation's birthday we do not neglect
Let each of us here take a moment to ask
Is this, our great nation, a thing of the past?