Hear me
read
the poem as
an MP3 file.
Watch me
read
the poem as
a YouTube video.
Video and Audio Music:
Maryandra's Waltz
By Jesse Gallagher.
Music free to use
at YouTube.
Poems for
Washington's
Birthday
Greatness is the child of choice and chance,
Even when one's character is right.
One must fit the urgent circumstance,
Requiring wrongs that one's gifts can requite.
Greatness needs a time that calls for greatness,
Embracing an entire generation,
When some grave danger, failure, or injustice
Awaits a leader to unite the nation.
So might the mantle fall upon a soul
Having just the qualities to be
In mien and temper suited to the role.
Nor ought one, chosen, turn down history.
Greatness waits upon one like a bride
That knows well one's humility and pride,
On which she plays to keep one by her side.
Nor, after, will one care how much she lied.
Copyright by Nicholas Gordon. Free for personal or non-commercial use.
Subscribe to this site on Substack
Subscribe to this site on YouTube