Thursday, September 17, 2020

Goals for Constitution Day

Hello Poets,

It feels as if it's been a year since last Friday. How does time do that to me? To us? 

Please drop by Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme for a full dose of this week's poetry celebration. Thank you, Matt, for hosting our round-up. It's such a pleasure watching your growing success as a poet and published author.

It's Consitution Day (September 17th). After seeing a poet friend post goals for an entirely different topic, I realized that I too have goals -- as a person privileged to live within the freedoms and boundaries of the United States Constitution. 

First, a reminder of the beautifully written Preamble to the Constitution:

image: https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/constitution-counter-revolution-or-national-salvation/

We, the People of the United States, in order to form
a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide 
for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings
of liberty to our selves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution
for the United States of America.


Goals for Constitution Day

Live up to my part of
     We the People
Participate in building
     a more perfect union
Insist peacefully on justice
     even in and especially in protest
Contribute toward
     national tranquility
Appreciate grave sacrifices made
     for our common defense
Advocate for the well being of
     our community, country
     and whole world
Share blessings of liberty 
     with family, friends, neighbors
     now and going forward
     as someone of
The United States of America

(c) Linda Mitchell -- draft





15 comments:

  1. This is wonderful. What a great idea to write a poem of goals for Constitution Day. I had no idea there was such a day. It's feeling especially important to look back at it and consider it carefully.

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  2. Thanks for all your support, Linda! This is a draft? Very nice! Thoughtful and important.

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  3. This draft is looking very good. Do you really need to step it up? I was touched by the words of the Preamble and so glad that you brought it to my attention. We should all make goals as citizens of America. This part of the text touched me: "insure domestic tranquility." Loved your response: "Insist peacefully on justice/even in and especially in protest."

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  4. Wishing we would all make your poem a call to action, Linda. I remember being in awe that we could actually see those original documents in my first visit to DC. They are to be honored on Constitution Day & every day. Beautifully done!

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  5. Thanks for leading by example with this poem, Linda. Well done! :)

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  6. This is lovely! I appreciate the reminder of the Preamble as well. It has been so long since I have read it.

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  7. This would make a great model for how to incorporate one piece of writing into something new. Your last few lines remind me that all who live in this country are someones of the USA.

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  8. I echo all the comments here. I'd love to use this as a mentor text for my students. I want to show them how to make a common text their own. And in the process, I teach (or re-teach) the Constitution.

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  9. I didn't know about Constitution Day, so thanks for this post. Enjoyed rereading the Preamble and your fine poem. :)

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  10. Your constitutional goals are inspirational. Lately it seems many have forgotten this precious document, and your words are a timely reminder.

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  11. Ooh, if I were still teaching, I would ask to share this for Constitution Day.
    Even more timely today.

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  12. I"m glad you wrote a poem to remind us of constitution day Linda! Mary Lee brought Constitution day up a while back in one of her summer posts. I especially like these goals
    "Share blessings of liberty
    with family, friends, neighbors
    now and going forward"
    Thanks Linda!

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  13. Love the way you're in conversation with the preamble, Linda!

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  14. The Preamble IS beautiful Linda - I love how you celebrate with with your own beautiful words of commitment.

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  15. My father's birthday is Constitution Day, which I think is cool! Thank you for celebrating the day so poignantly.

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Friendly, positive comments and feedback are always welcome here. Please let me know I'm not just whistling in the dark!