365 Day Project: Day 53
Matt Trent
Advocate for Growth through Knowledge & Experience | Co-Founder, GreenBox U | Guiding Professionals to Maximize Their Unique Strengths & Insights
An Ode for Washington's Birthday
Robert Burns (1759–1796).?Poems and Songs.
[Vol. 6, pp. 492-494 of The Harvard Classics]
(George Washington born Feb. 22, 1732.) Burns asks for Columbia's harp, and then sings of liberty. He bewails the sad state of the land of Alfred and Wallace which once championed liberty, and now fights for tyranny.
Today’s reading is from the Scottish poet, Robert Burns.?This is also the third time that Eliot has included one of Burns’ poems in his daily reading guide.?I enjoyed reading Burns’ work on the prior two occasions and was eager to see what he wrote about this time.?I was a little surprised that this poem was about George Washington, but it didn’t disappoint.?As I read the text, I highlighted the following passage.
“Art thou of man’s Imperial line?
?Dost boast that countenance divine?
?Each skulking feature answers, No!
?But come, ye sons of Liberty,
?Columbia’s offspring, brave as free,
?In danger’s hour still flaming in the van,
?Ye know, and dare maintain, the Royalty of Man!
Alfred! on thy starry throne,
?Surrounded by the tuneful choir,
?The bards that erst have struck the patriot lyre,
?And rous’d the freeborn Briton’s soul of fire,
No more thy England own!
?Dare injured nations form the great design,
?To make detested tyrants bleed?
?Thy England execrates the glorious deed!
?Beneath her hostile banners waving,
?Every pang of honour braving,
England in thunder calls, “The tyrant’s cause is mine!”
This poem is a beautiful tribute to one of America's most beloved presidents, and a great example of Burns' talent as a poet.?His poetry, in celebrating Washington, conveys his sadness in the political direction his country’s leaders have taken.?His poem demonstrates all human beings value freedom and bravery.
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Best,
Matt
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Resources
Kindle version of The Harvard Classics ($1.99):?https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089K4RP1F/