America

[B. Royce 0]

Here is a re-write which I have formerly posted within my poems. I took the empty religion out and put man's filling achievements in.

America, originally by Samuel F. Smith

My country, 'tis of thee,

Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers' pride,

Unbound in open stride,

From every mountainside

Made freedom ring.

My sovereign country, thee,

Land of the noble free,

Thy name I love.

I love thy cities strong,

Bright strings of lights among;

High towers rise in silent song

Through clouds above.

Now music proves the soul

Of manhood's self-control---

His reason's might.

Now all our hearts abound,

Each one partakes the sound,

Stands rightfully upon the ground

With fearless sight.

My Fathers' life, to thee,

Rational Liberty,

To thee I sing.

Long shall my land be bright

With freedom's honest light;

I guard thee day and night

In everything.

___________________________

Brian Faulkner