In his Farewell Address, George Washington discerned
To be American, America comes first
The pride of patriotism, something you have earned.
Reflects a love of country, bold and unrehearsed.
Americans all know of Patrick Henry’s speech
Where he said, proudly, “Give me Liberty or death.”
This love of country is a proper one to teach;
To be sustained and valued to our final breath.
There are a lot of factors to which we are wed;
And not a few to which our freedoms are enmeshed.
But listen to what Thomas Jefferson has said;
At times, “the tree of Liberty must be refreshed.”
Perhaps we have to look at life beyond today;
Or, look at what we have a little differently;
To all those yet to come, we need to chow the way;
John Adams put it: “Think of your posterity!”
Now put your own resolve and purpose into words;
A love of country is not something you should hide.
A show of patriotic resolution girds
A following enthused with patriotic ride!
©Richard Williams