This is beautiful, Ed. A worthy ode to what and who we are. If I were a musician, I'd set it to music.

Rebecca

Despite America's current political, economic and philosophical divide amongst its citizens and leadership, I am an optimist and believe we can mend the divisive atmosphere which has taken hold of the country from shore to shore. However, that mending necessitates moving beyond separate political parties and working, striving as U.S. citizens united. We need to choose our leadership wisely, and our leadership must move beyond political rivalry to keep America's promise alive.

"The task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there." --John Buchan

All that being said, I enjoyed reading your skillfully and passionately written "America: Last Bastion of Hope" and appreciate your sharing your poetry.

jeanne

Change is happening big time worldwide…
and there is no doubt America ‘lends a hand’
“when humanity’s cause is just”
We certainly acknowledge this here in the UK…
All countries have a checkered past…
But the thing is to keep on trying…
Let’s keep hoping for a balanced outlook
and continuance of democracy…

The experiment continues and life is always changing… Generally for the good ones the evil is understood and shunned.

A good reminder of our strength over tyranny that seems at times all around.

Ron

An unusually optimistic poem in light of the trouble and the threat to democracy that is currently taking place. We are no longer "wrapped in harmony" and could hardly claim to be "united in liberty." Still, as a valiant aspiration, it is worth still crying out into the rafters. Hopefully someone is listening.