Notes About The Poem

 

Ode to

Abraham Lincoln

Ode To Abraham Lincoln

Imagine studying by firelight
Mastering lessons till late at night

Trudging through deep Illinois snow
No matter how cold, to school he’d go

Rising up as the best leaders do
To promoting equality, he stayed true

Debating Douglas in 1858
Defeating the incumbent on that date

Running for president to free each slave
Charting even then, the path to his grave

A noble quest for one born poor
Never a chance to sip life’s grandeur

He fought for his goal and he won
But sealed his fate; it was done

Assassin’s bullet claimed Lincoln’s life
Leaving a nation in sadness rife

But the equality he sought
To a healing nation, he brought

It’s said our best are doomed to die young
But his achievements have not gone unsung




January 27, 2020
Sponsor:  Sheri Fresonke Harper
Contest:  Ode to a President, Politician or Leader, Past or Present
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Horne Avatar
July 19, 2020 at 10:16 AM
a great man & I now know much more after reading your poem! This deserved a 1st place in any contest
Goldsmith Avatar
March 5, 2020 at 2:53 PM
Congratulations on your win. A life told in a poem with a few lines. A great write.
Marcum Wong Avatar
March 4, 2020 at 10:08 AM
This is first place in my eyes Carolyn. Congratulations on your win. xxoo
Y. Avatar
March 4, 2020 at 4:45 AM
Hi Carolyn, I see you and Andrea both picked “ Lincoln”. He was a good president! Congratulations on your win. Have a great day:-) Alexis
Watt Avatar
March 2, 2020 at 11:45 PM
Carolyn, I love the line "Charting even then, the path to his grave"... sad, but true. Excellent ode to the great man and 16th President. Congrats on your win ~ John
Harper Avatar
March 2, 2020 at 10:40 PM
Congratulations Caroline on your 6th place win in the Ode for a Leader or Politician Past or Present contest. You did an awesome job explaining your admiration, but punctuation matters, too. Thanks for entering, enjoyed reading it.
Devonshire Avatar
March 3, 2020 at 1:20 PM
Thank you very much, Sheri. I've always loved Lincoln.
Dietrich Avatar
February 11, 2020 at 5:27 PM
Awesome. I did him too. Just did not post it yet. He was only good Republicans we ever had probably.
Faulkner Avatar
February 10, 2020 at 1:05 PM
This is an inspiring ode, equal to the inspiring legacy he left, best wishes for the contest, Carolyn!
Ligon Avatar
February 6, 2020 at 3:00 PM
Great choice for a presidential ode. Well written.
Marcum Wong Avatar
February 3, 2020 at 4:02 PM
Wow Carolyn! You picked the perfect president to celebrate in this month of his birthday. He is a hero to me and my favorite president. Your poem celebrates his humble life and many achievements beautifully! This is a Fave for me and I hope it receives a top award in the contest! I love it! Congratulations on becoming a Lifetime member and big kudos to the poet who gifted you the membership! xxoo
Devonshire Avatar
February 3, 2020 at 4:07 PM
Thanks, Connie! I read Dale Carnegie's "Lincoln the Unknown" in fifth grade and fell in love with him. I wish he was on the ballot this year!
Wolf Avatar
February 2, 2020 at 6:46 PM
An amazing person was Lincoln. How he managed to pull this nation together through such a grueling war is beyond me. We could use him around today. Wonderful ode to Honest Abe, Carolyn. Great contest entry. Warmest wishes, Gershon
Laurie Avatar
January 31, 2020 at 4:33 PM
Hello Caroline … possibly the best known president here in Australia. To fight for his beliefs and eventually die for them makes Lincoln a never to be forgotten hero for so many. A great ode Caroline - Lindsay
Baker Avatar
January 31, 2020 at 12:39 PM
Young Man's Lyceum from 1838 Joshua Speed Lincoln as a Lawyer----------- Despised and Rejected by both Parties
Romios Avatar
January 31, 2020 at 11:39 AM
Great poem! Best wishes Panagiota xx
Mcconnell Avatar
January 30, 2020 at 3:33 PM
Such a fine piece Carolyn, indeed Lincoln was a great leader and pity we lack his like today. Hope all well, Blessings, Gordon
Callus Avatar
January 30, 2020 at 11:13 AM
Your ode to President Lincoln highlights the main points of this great man, Carolyn. The end couplet sums it all up...he will be remembered for many more years to come. ~ Hugs // paul
Devonshire Avatar
January 30, 2020 at 5:35 PM
Thanks, Paul. Coming from humble beginnings, his success has always seemed amazing.
Pandit Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 3:23 PM
You chose a great man to honor who changed the course of history for our nation. The fight for his cause wasn't easy but he never gave up and paid for it with his life. So eloquently you expressed his achievements, Carolyn. A winning poem you wrote, my friend.
Devonshire Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 3:54 PM
Lincoln is among our best presidents and students still study him today. The fact that he came from humble beginnings only adds to his luster. Thanks for reading, Vijay. I'll check your page.
Cunningham Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 3:07 PM
A glowing tribute to President Lincoln Caroline. Very well composed, he was indeed a great man and a great inspiration. Good luck in the contest. Hope you're well. Tom
Devonshire Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 3:13 PM
Thank you, Tom. Lincoln is, without doubt, my favorite president. He stands for what the Republican Party believed during his lifetime. I also like Jimmy Carter. Thanks for reading. I'll check to see if you have any new poetry. (Been missing your limericks lately) Hugs, Carolyn
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