My Old Friend Gettysburg

My old friend Gettysburg came to visit me tonight. He indicated that he has been troubled about many things. He begins without hesitation to speak to me with passionate expressions. He said that he was feeling both patriotism and pride but also consternation. He thought about how different '4th of July' celebrations might be this year. He is whispering to me about both freedom and sovereignty. He is shouting to me in tears about divisiveness and unity. He tells me of his being ripped apart in every section and direction. His north is pulling; his south is pushing; his east and west are frozen. His total being is being disconnected; his pain is unbearably excruciating. He ponders the complexity of such beauty being on the brink of destruction. He remembers the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, and the Boston Tea Party. Presently, when thinking about Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, he weeps. He locks his eyes to mine and questions, "Whatever happened to the love of life, love of family, love of neighbor, love of the church, love of country?" Gettysburg believes in America and thinks we will find our way forward. He reflects on the Declaration of Independence and the many sacrifices. The Preamble to the Constitution is weighing heavily on his confused mind. He prays that the dream doesn't die, and he rejects any nightmarish thoughts. Gettysburg believes in God, and that He will turn the tides and calm the sea. He utters his last words to me by quoting the Preamble to the Constitution of the USA. "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of ... 061520PS