On America

O, America!

So much promise not fulfilled,

Yet so full of light

That dark places cannot long abide.

Stand free, stand tall

And let the many bejewel the one.

A nation of princes and peasants,

The great hearts bring blessings,

The small minds their temporary interruptions.

Black, brown, white and yellow

Our faces dot the landscape

And give flesh to the greatness

Of the common whole.

These days need the largeness of our souls

And the willingness of our hands

To mold anew the home of the brave.

Let us be the joyous participants

In a land that embraces the many

And help it complete its destiny.

Might we find again the grace that God shed.

Happy birthday, America!