Get Your Premium Membership

An American Chorus

Written: November 12, 2024, for — Glenn Hughes Sponsored by: Robert James Liguori, inspired by the song “Let America Be America Again” ______________________ Through veils of twilight, we walk Starlit stars sparkling bright And beneath, spirits dwindle — And dreams slip from sight. Farmers firmly toil the summer soil Hopes cradled in their hands— But where’s the pledge in the toil— When golden glimmers through sands? In quiet lands, the echoes call Of history's heavyweight Poor whites, scrape by on scraps — While people endure fate. Natives gaze upon their land Once rulers of rolling meadows Now naked of tales, raw and bare — Their zest for life is still in their ghetto. Immigrants, with drained hearts Bring burdens brimming with pain Their promises packed in perilous chains— Ceaseless struggles, calamities, and gain. The workers wake as one word in a song Brick by brick, they construct a dream— But in unsung nooks, nebulous shades lurk— And faith falters, starts to wane its gleam. Look—hope weaves through patches torn Each flag a tattered breeze Men gather close around despair— While stories cling to trees. A dark veil cloaks this fractured land Where families fight and grow People searching for their kin— Through seas of strife, they row. The dog-eared dreams, the scuffed-up souls Marked by scars and strife Yet with each breath, a deep resolve— This is our shared life. Singing the songs of pioneers Voices strong and clear We reclaim the ideals professed— Longing for what feels near. In every heart, a spark ignites Hope rises, raw and bright For in the struggle, we find our way— Through shadows into the light.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 11/14/2024 7:33:00 AM
Lasaad my parents came from Cuba and were the first generation on American soil. The Communist took their plantations, my fathers Service Automobile Station the largest one in Cuba, which is a Supermarket now. They stripped my grandfather of all his wealth. We came to this Country like the many that have come to America to start a new life, My parents worked hard, they learned a new language, had struggles and finally succeeded. This magnificent marvel you have written was heartfelt for me. I wish I could
Login to Reply
Tor Avatar
Michael Tor
Date: 11/14/2024 7:47:00 AM
I might add the Bacardi Rum empire was started in Cuba and brought over to Puerto Rico to avoid the Communist take over of the company. Also part of my families business but under new ownership. We left for America they left to Puerto Rico...
Tor Avatar
Michael Tor
Date: 11/14/2024 7:37:00 AM
give it a higher rating than Favorite. You are spot on in your creation of this. This story rhyme resonates with me in authenticity of emotions, struggles and thoughts you have perfectly written. Much respect to your abilities to put yourself and write how we felt coming to the Promise Land. God bless you for doing so and for bringing me back to that time of arrival.
Date: 11/14/2024 4:51:00 AM
Dear Sotto, What a powerful portrait of a nation's complexities. I think you have correctly captured the struggles, hopes, and resilience of diverse groups within society. I loved all your themes of history, labor, immigration, and the enduring human spirit. Autumn Blessings, My Friend, Daniel
Login to Reply
Date: 11/14/2024 2:22:00 AM
- When hope is sucked out of a people... it becomes a struggle to move on, Las - Excellet written as always :) - hugs
Login to Reply
Date: 11/13/2024 7:37:00 AM
BRAVO! Your poem, by its ending in the last 3 magnificent stanzas, gave me a clear & wonderful hope for the future. I thank you!
Login to Reply
Date: 11/13/2024 4:39:00 AM
People of all races, all cultures have had their struggles while living in this great country. Some have come through to live a better life, but others have gone downhill. The opportunity to build a great life is there if a person/family doesn't go the wrong way. Thanks for sharing this one with us. It reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. Sara K
Login to Reply
Date: 11/13/2024 3:52:00 AM
You describe a sad but realistic scenario of workers and immigrants toiling against all odds to better their lives. Life is hard.
Login to Reply

Book: Reflection on the Important Things