Indeed, a Rising Sun

Indeed, a Rising Sun

A Poem by Rita L. Sev
"

A little piece of history

"


The War for Independence

Had been hard fought and won;

The Founders knew it was just a start,

They had only just begun

 

In 1787

There was a growing frustration

The new country was still governed

By Articles of Confederation

 

The men who gathered saw their task,

They knew they must be wise;

Create a brand new government,

And not simply revise

 

They gathered at the State House,

Now Independence Hall

George Washington would preside,

As was agreed by all

 

He sat upon a humble chair

And not a kingly throne

The sun’s image was carved there ~

Its status was unknown

 

After months of planning,

Of argument and debate,

The U.S. had a government

No monarch would dictate

 

Old Benjamin Franklin observed

When the proceedings were finally done

“I have the joy of knowing

It is indeed a rising sun.”

© 2013 Rita L. Sev


Author's Note

Rita L. Sev
This is not meant to be a political statement. Just a little piece of history that I have always enjoyed. George Washington's chair still sits in Independence Hall, a reminder of the struggle to get it right, then and now.

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Reviews

We Canadian have kept our ties to the British throne and certainly there is an emotional connection but the rationality is a weak one. But our money sure is pretty:)

Posted 9 Years Ago


Rita L. Sev

9 Years Ago

:) Thanks for reading, Pryde!
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ron
I didn't know the Independence Hall was originally called the State House. Thank you. These are so awesome they should be put in the text book to make it easier for schools to teach.

Posted 10 Years Ago


ron

10 Years Ago

I would love to visit Independence Park. I must confess I do not know what Independence Park is or w.. read more
Rita L. Sev

10 Years Ago

Ah - Independence National Historic Park is in Philadelphia. It is "the most historic square mile in.. read more
ron

10 Years Ago

WOW. Thank you I will look it up.
A very interesting bit of history indeed, Dear Teacher...you have earned your apple for today! Make that hot apple pie with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream...yum!!
I don't remember ever reading about the chair before, or old Ben's remark. Is that a picture of the actual chair? From what we can see, it looks quite beautiful.
Very interesting piece. Perhaps I will go to the park to watch the fireworks after all...

Posted 10 Years Ago


Rita L. Sev

10 Years Ago

Thank you, Angel - and yes, I'll take that pie! That is the actual chair. It (the original) still si.. read more
This is a magnificent poem with a good rhyming flow to it. I was astonished to fine that George Washington's chair had a rising sun carved into it because of what that implies. The ancients always saw the rising sun as the Cosmic Eye, the eye of Zeus, or Horus. The eagle had been used as a symbol for the rising sun so this carving must have been a harbinger of the use of the eagle as one our national symbols. Now we would have an eagle carved into the chair as a symbol for the rising sun.

Posted 10 Years Ago


Rita L. Sev

10 Years Ago

Thank you. The chair still sits in Independence Hall; this story is told at every tour.
This is a well done glimpse of how a nation was born.

Very thoughtfully put together, Rita. :)

Posted 10 Years Ago


Rita L. Sev

10 Years Ago

Thank you, Rogue! In the "history mode" this week... :)
I enjoyed this poem. It told the event in very simple terms and made history interesting. (as it should be :-)

Posted 10 Years Ago


Rita L. Sev

10 Years Ago

Thank you - I am glad you found it interesting! Maybe I will read it to my classes... ;)
A brilliant work touches the core of history, love it. I really like the vintage feel in reading this piece. The progression is stunning.

Posted 10 Years Ago


Rita L. Sev

10 Years Ago

Thank you so much, Marc!
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PP
This is an awesome piece...how marvellous it is that our tales of freedom kind of connect us! I love history myself 'cos its is a classic example of drama and commitment..guess that is what distinguishes mankind from the rest..nicely written Rita :)

Posted 10 Years Ago


Rita L. Sev

10 Years Ago

Thank you, Prathama! You are right that history is drama and commitment. The ultimate "soap opera" o.. read more
You continue to amaze with your talent for writing. I love American history and this a well written, very patriotic piece.

Posted 10 Years Ago


Rita L. Sev

10 Years Ago

Thank you, Damien. I love these odd little tidbits of America's past.

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1317 Views
27 Reviews
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Added on May 12, 2013
Last Updated on July 1, 2013
Tags: history

Author

Rita L. Sev
Rita L. Sev

Philadelphia, PA



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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE "FRIENDING" ME: I am happy to be sharing my poems (and occasional stories) and thrilled to be reading fellow authors. About Friend Requests - It is wise to READ some of .. more..

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