Freedom!

It was our country’s separation from Great Britain,
which brought fame to the Declaration document,
courageous free people proposed our own government
and spirited men sat down until it was written.

Forefathers established a land of independence
to prosper, away from religious persecution.
We needed brave souls to sign such a solution
maybe resulting in death, but worth transcendence.

Thirteen states declared their God given rights
Admit, “All men are created equal… by their Creator”.
Even they believed in a higher being much greater
than humans’ ongoing faults of lost lives through fights.

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” to secure
allow “it is the right of the people to alter or abolish”
“Change for light and transient causes” will demolish
what these great men risked to challenge and endure.

Then King of Britain caused our great nation’s missions.
Failures for the good of the people, they listed his malice.
“Refused… to cause others to be elected;” sitting in palace
“Prevent the population of… states… raising the conditions”

”Warned them… of attempts… [no] jurisdiction over us”
As a result, our men found the King unfit to rule free lands.
Time to rule for the people, they declared their demands
for us to become as one and reach the goal of success.

“Representatives of the United States of America” swear
absolve “free and independent states” from the British Crown.
We seek our own judicial system covered by majority’s gown
“[p]ledge… our lives, our fortunes and… sacred honor” in prayer.

233-years later, we find ourselves another road of challenge
deviating from the mass to suffice a few needless complaints.
Some cry over stolen freedom while others deny all saints.
Still hope in bringing our Declaration back, we vote for change.

Now we plea to “provide new guards for [our] future security”
Find what had once been established in writing for what remains.
Snap ties that bring our forces down with negative campaigns
Relinquish what once we relied on to wash away impurity.

Let our minds speak again for the Freedom of our Population
“Whenever any form of government becomes destructive”
“Institute new… foundation on such principles” stay productive.
Come together again, united, to enjoy today’s celebration.

A Magnificent Stroke of Talent!

Norman Rockwell was an artist of extraordinary measure who captured the essence of American life. His illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post, amongst other magazines gave a depiction of true American spirit, and planted smiles on faces as they viewed paintings of everyday life. Through things people could relate to, experienced, war, and politics, Mr. Rockwell drew every detail and applied strokes of color for all of us to appreciate.

Granted, he retired from the Saturday Evening Post before I was born, but my childhood still experienced his emotional paintings. He not only painted for himself, but the people too. The American people were his inspiration and audience.

One of my bucket list items is to visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, and to buy one of his paintings when I buy a house. My heart melts when I see one of his paintings feeling a sense of home and family values. Maybe it's the safety and contentment I love about them.

Some of my favorites:

“Girl at the Mirror,” because it truly depicts how women view and critique themselves. How we find the flaws that tend to make us overlook the beauty.

“High Dive,” because it’s cute and illustrates the fear I have for sharing my writing. “Alone for Christmas” for personal reasons.

“Santa,” because Christmas is my favorite holiday.

“Sunset,’ because I remember this one from childhood.

“Homecoming G.I.,” because it depicts so much from a mother being overjoyed, to a woman who waited for this day, and how life went on yet waited for the soldier.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Rockwell! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world and that the emotional connection still breathes within us.

What are your feelings towards Norman Rockwell’s paintings and do you have a favorite? Which one, and why?