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The Map

The Map

Hence, reacting to tyrannical rule in 1776,
Delegates from the thirteen colonies met;
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
To declare independence from Britannia.
Two years later, presentation and ratification,
Was signed enacting the ‘American Constitution,’
And the creation and formation to be made,
Of the ‘Republic of the United States.’

With government for the people by the people,
In three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial
Of checks and balances and co-operation,
Ensuring constitutional interpretation.
Governed by two congressional bodies and a president:
Elected by state and electoral college systems;
And an appointed Supreme Court of nine justices;
‘Equal Justice Under Law,’ approved by the US congress.

Between two oceans; and Mexico and Canada,
The map today displays a compression of forty-eight states
And two non-contiguous states, a federal district, and many territories;
‘E Pluribus Unum,’ that is, the American nation
Of race and heritage; ethnicity and diversity
Of its citizens, who stand to recite the ‘Pledge of Allegiance,’
While the ‘Stars and Stripes’wave in the air over the land,
As the eagle soars, signifying strength and freedom.
                                  ***

Note:
E Pluribus Unum: Out of many, one (traditional motto of U.S.A. since 1782).
The official motto is “In God We Trust,” which was adopted in 1956.

Copyright © Dennis Spilchuk | Year Posted 2018

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