America, look at our history!
Recapture and reclaim why we
Fought and won our liberty!
America once stood tall
For justice for one and all.
We took up freedoms call.
America was the land of the free.
We fought with courage and bravery
To forge a land from sea to sea.
America stood for values and integrity,
Not dishonesty, graft and infidelity.
We lived with reverence and piety.
America how you have fallen away
And are now leading others astray.
We have begun our slow decay.
America it's time to remember why
Many people had to suffer and die
To set a higher standard to live by.
Author notes
In thinking about integrity and the lack there of in corporate America, I turned to a speech given my one of my favorite actors, Jimmy Stewart, in one of my favorite Frank Capra Movies, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington:
"Get up there with that lady that's up on top of this Capitol dome, that lady that stands for liberty. Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something. And you won't just see scenery; you'll see the whole parade of what Man's carved out for himself, after centuries of fighting. Fighting for something better than just jungle law, fighting so's he can stand on his own two feet, free and decent, like he was created, no matter what his race, color, or creed. That's what you'd see. There's no place out there for graft, or greed, or lies, or compromise with human liberties."
Written August 30th, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- Corporate Values (This is a Contest) by simpliterature.
300 points, ended September 6, 2004, 4 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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Interesting form and a very well done short yet courageous and meaningful piece. The rhyme is good. Your theme is Integrity and I considered relating this to the totality of the themes in my list. However, I regret to say that you missed the minimum 20 lines requirement. This is a smooth way to awaken the readers of your thoughts and understanding of what is presently happening. THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sharing this piece and the one in your author’s comment. My applause, my salute and 75 points for this honorable entry.
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A well written poem with good rhymes, good luck in the contest
This was a well written poem- I liked it a lot Keep writing, this was a true and good write
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Thanks for the entry, I shall comment further after judging.
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Very powerful! Some will say that you are just idealizing history- and I fell for that even for a while, but I realized it is wrong. People CHOOSE how they live, and though it seems to be impossible to live with integrity these days- it is possible. It's even possible if you live amongst only evil. Great write! I am glad you are able to use poetry to express your highest values and beliefs. It's great!
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Good
Well written, I think in some cases you tried a little too hard to make it rhyme, but it's good nonetheless and it's easy to see that you're making a stand.
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