Carolyn Devonshire Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

When George H.W. Bush campaigned in Tallahassee, we in the press corps were struck by his intelligence, sincerity and sense of humor.  Son Jeb served as Florida’s governor, but a “low-energy” label cost him the nomination for president.  Looking back, low energy doesn’t seem to be such a bad thing.  This tribute is emotional; it’s a difficult time for a mourning nation.

Last Salute To a President

Not party, but character defines a president
     popularity fades quickly
          achievements reign longer

Presidents Eisenhower to Reagan
     succession of seven World War II veterans
          George H.W. Bush the last

Men of service earned respect
     brought dignity to the office
          true leaders

Family man without scandal
          even-tempered fisherman
               like Apostles Peter, Andrew, James and John

Clean Air Act
     Americans with Disabilities Act
          Bush saw as his greatest accomplishments

Approval rating of 91 percent
     after winning Desert Storm
          admiration proved fleeting     

Americans “read his lips”
     felt betrayed when taxes were raised
          president side-swiped by economic downturn

From Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,”
     “The evil that men do lives on; 
          the good is oft interred with their bones
               so let it be with Caesar…”

so not let it be with George H.W. Bush
     remember him kindly
          as I always will



*Not for a contest

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Curtis Moorman February 21, 2019 at 11:14 AM Carolyn, what a great tribute to President Bush. I had the distinct honor to be in a select group of veterans to be addressed by the his son in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee this past October. He talked about his Dad and the great lessons he learned from him. What an honor that was, and a Blessing to hear a son speak so highly of his father. Great tribute by you and President Bush's son.

Sherry Asbury December 8, 2018 at 8:57 PM I love broccoli, and I loved him..a good and brave man. He was the last good man of his clan. Such a soul will reign in heaven. You wrote a beautiful tribute. Carolyn Devonshire December 8, 2018 at 9:25 PM Thanks, Sherry. His son Jeb was a very good governor in Florida, improving schools, neonatal care and access to school meal programs for underprivileged children. Pres. Bush's sons made him proud.

Sara Kendrick December 5, 2018 at 10:19 AM I liked it when he said that he was not going to eat broccoli no matter what anyone said. I will not eat broccoli. I got a chuckle out of that one. He was very strong, disciplined man. I know his family and personal friends will miss his presence. Sara Carolyn Devonshire December 5, 2018 at 10:54 AM If only he hadn't said he ate Belgian Endive. That angered the farming community :) I really love broccoli.

Deb Radke December 5, 2018 at 9:40 AM An amazing tribute to a good man. President Bush was forever kind, respectful, clear-minded, just, truthful and brave of heart. He will live on in our memories of the ways in which he touched America. Best wishes, Carolyn. Carolyn Devonshire December 5, 2018 at 10:09 AM If only all our leaders had President Bush's integrity. I agree completely with the way you describe his character. I always felt safe when he was at the helm.

Aurore Severo December 4, 2018 at 3:41 AM I am not here as much, was "directed" to read this poem and so glad I did! peace and love, xoxoxoxox Carolyn Devonshire December 4, 2018 at 12:15 PM I'm sure the Bush family is comforted by the tributes and services underway now in Washington, Aurore. Thanks for reading. He was a great man!

Constance La France December 3, 2018 at 9:28 AM Carolyn, what a great tribute to a man who made America great just by being great himself, so sad about his passing, love your poem ~ Carolyn Devonshire December 3, 2018 at 11:13 AM Regardless of what we hear now, I believe America has always been great under the leadership of men like President Bush. Thanks for your kind comments, Dear Heart.

Andrea Dietrich December 2, 2018 at 8:16 PM There was the father and the son, I Have a question and will send you a soupie.Thanks so much for the contest and my win. Gosh, so many unexpected things happened today. I got hardly anything done that i had planned!! What a fast weekend. have a good new week,Carolyn. Carolyn Devonshire December 2, 2018 at 11:19 PM That contest went so fast my head was spinning. Thanks for your email, Andrea. I corrected the blurb beneath the photo.

Charles Messina December 2, 2018 at 7:48 AM What a wonderful tribute to such a great man...this should be sent to the television stations so that they can show it to the world. Absolutely beautiful, Carolyn...Hugs my dear friend :) Carolyn Devonshire December 5, 2018 at 10:10 AM Thank you, Charles. I wish I could share it with George W., Jeb and the rest of the Bush family to try and ease their pain.

Arthur Vaso December 2, 2018 at 1:38 AM I believe there is a tribute/article here as well you might like. https://www.facebook.com/standforcanada/

Arthur Vaso December 2, 2018 at 1:35 AM You have done him proud, in my humble view he was a GREAT President, he was also a great friend of Canada, he served his Country and he was also a humanitarian, and the Bushes and Clinton's worked together on may good causes. He was a great leader, and your poem is a GREAT tribute to him, its also a fav for me! Carolyn Devonshire December 2, 2018 at 2:26 AM While I worry about the damage our current administration is doing to our relationships with allies like Canada, such concerns never came to mind under Bush and other dignified presidents. My heart goes out to the adoring children and grandchildren he left behind. Thanks for reading, Arthur.

Connie Marcum Wong December 1, 2018 at 7:18 PM This is a very lovely tribute to an honorable man Carolyn. His sense of class and diplomacy were among some of his memorable qualities when I think back on his presidency. He spoke with eloquence and intelligence. I feel happy at the thought of him joining his beloved wife whom I am sure is waiting for him. Beautiful! xxoo : ) Carolyn Devonshire December 2, 2018 at 2:23 AM Yes, it was nice having George and Barbara Bush in the White House. She was the most unpretentious first lady and he seemed like the kind of man you would feel privileged to know. I'm sure the loss of his wife a year-and-a-half ago was a hardship for him and I, too, like the thought of them being reunited. Life is so short.

Arturo Michael December 1, 2018 at 4:13 PM It's lovely to read your take on an American who had served his country unquestionably...and more than qualified to do so...All the best Carolyn...Honor respect and dignity your write speaks of... Carolyn Devonshire December 1, 2018 at 6:28 PM Thanks, Arturo. The Bushes were a real first family, like the Obamas. Leaders with family values seem to serve us well.

Diane Locksley December 1, 2018 at 2:52 PM It is important to remember the accomplishments of such a great man. He was as you described and his loss will be felt not only by his family, but by an entire nation. Just wish we had this type of leadership now. Best, Diane Carolyn Devonshire December 1, 2018 at 3:57 PM Leadership seems hard to find now...

Jennifer Proxenos December 1, 2018 at 2:44 PM Hi Carolyn, George Bush was a good man, a scandal free president who I understand (as I am not American), did good by his people. Lovely Tribute, xoxo, Jennifer Carolyn Devonshire December 1, 2018 at 3:56 PM Just being scandal-free is a rarity these days, Jennifer. Thanks for reading.

Vijay Pandit December 1, 2018 at 2:25 PM Awesome tribute to a great man..He made his nation proud..lovely sentiments in your poem, Carolyn. Carolyn Devonshire December 1, 2018 at 6:29 PM Proud, indeed, Vijay. Thanks for reading.

Tom Cunningham December 1, 2018 at 1:46 PM Lovely tribute to George Bush snr Carolyn. He served his country well and was a man of honour. Tom. Carolyn Devonshire December 1, 2018 at 2:18 PM People of his caliber seem to be a vanishing breed, Tom, though I liked Obama very much too. Thanks for reading.

Jan Allison December 1, 2018 at 1:37 PM what a wonderful tribute Carolyn I doubt many would do such a tribute to trump the terrible:-( hugs Jan xx Carolyn Devonshire December 1, 2018 at 2:17 PM I got to meet Bush when he was campaigning in Tallahassee and as a reporter covered his son Jeb who served as Florida's governor for eight years. I love the whole family and my heart goes out to them today.

Anne-Lise Andresen December 1, 2018 at 1:17 PM - A lovely tribute to George H.S. Bush, Carolyn - (No salute to the current president ... from money to clown with dementia ) - hugs and happy weekend // Anne-Lise :) Carolyn Devonshire December 1, 2018 at 1:33 PM Thanks for reading, Sunshine. I heard the news late last night and became quite emotional. It was nice to have a classy president. His whole family is to be admired.