by the rude bridge stood
embattled farmers, fired
shot heard round the world
As Mr . Lincoln said at Gettysburg, ” our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
This country, when you get right down to it, is still an experiment and we continue to work our way through rough patches.
Sometimes, this is more evident than others.
Sometimes, we deal with problems that are thrown at us.
Sometimes we make our own problems.
Regardless, it all started at Lexington and Concord on April 19th.
Concord Hymn
BY RALPH WALDO EMERSON
Sung at the Completion of the Battle Monument, July 4, 1837
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set today a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
No Haiku For You 