Indeed, a Rising Sun

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.”

Author's Note

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.

Reviews

[Delaney]

This was a very enlightening, pleasant, and educational piece, without tending to drone on and sound monotonous. Most people do find history a little boring, so rhyming did help, but I think if it is something important to you it can be rather interesting. I liked the ring of patriotic pride, and it seems appropriate with Memorial Day only a couple weeks away. Very light and entertaining read, I definitely learned a little more by reading it! Nicely done.

Yours truly, Delaney

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Delaney! Glad you enjoyed this piece of odd history.

[Delaney]

You are quite welcome!

[shivohumsohum]

Intrigue!

[Rita L. Sev]

I suppose so! Thank you for reading.

[shivohumsohum]

very yes

[Ryan]

Interesting. I did not know that about George Washington's chair. Thanks for the history lesson, in an exciting up-beat poem, no less :)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Ryan. Always teaching, I guess! ;)

[Ryan]

haha that's a good thing! :)

[John Lauterbach]

I didn't know that little bit about the sun-chair. Very cool, both as a fun-fact and as a poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, John - I have always enjoyed this little piece of lore about Washington's chair.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i really like this reminder...but lately...the sun seems to be setting, and our leaders are forgetting they are in Washington to represent us...not their own agendas...

why can't they just all get along and get something done..

our forefathers would probably be sad over what is happening now...

wish their ghosts could come back and put some sense into things.

quite a thoughtful piece, rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Jacob. Knowing what I know about our forefathers, they would be sad, yes, but not terribly surprised. They too had their flaws (history overlooks these...) and knew that those who came after would have their flaws as well.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

even as i was writing my comments i thought about that...jefferson had slaves...most of them did...they too had their flaws, you are so right about that

[Rita L. Sev]

We discuss this a lot, how they knew that they should tackle the issue of slavery, but didn't. They left that for other generations to deal with.

[rhythm&blues]

Elegant and informative at the same time. Love that you posted a photo of the chair, appreciate that type of furniture. Well done.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, R&B. Glad you enjoyed!

[quinfinn]

too bad we couldn't have those old values back again, eh? we could sorely use a couple of ben franklins and john bonhams again....this is a gleefully entertaining , if not educational, write! well done, Rita!

[Rita L. Sev]

First, I have to say that was fast! Thank you, Quin! I'm glad you enjoyed. The history is accurate. I happen to live with one of the Rangers at Independence Park, and Franklin's comments regarding the chair are documented. Yes, some of those values would be nice...

[quinfinn]

it's all about the money now......not about the people. you're welcome!