"Washington Crossing the Delaware," by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, 1851.Poetry Competition: Four Lines for the Fourth of July ***Winners Announced The Society June 30, 2016 From the Society, Poetry Contests 51 Comments Write a quatrain (four-line poem) on the topic of America. Post your submissions into the comments section below with your general location, such as city and state. When: From now (June 30) until July 24 midnight. Winner announced August 1. What: A quatrain (four-line poem) on anything within the broad theme of America. On your honor, it should be newly written within the time frame of this competition. Rhyme and meter is recommended but not required. Prize: An Official Winner’s Certificate awarded by the Society and the addition of your name to the increasing list of accomplished winners. Winner announced August 1. Entry fee: none Judge: Society Advisory Board Members (who don’t participate in the contest) and Society Staff. Submit: Post your poem directly into the comments section of this post or on our Facebook page. (No more than two poems per poet please) Winners Participating Judges: William Ruleman, James Sale, Bruce Dale Wise, Michael Curtis FIRST PLACE So young, this nation of searching souls, among a world of ancient schemes. Growing pains that make us whole stretch our will, expand our dreams. L. W. Owen, Mississippi SECOND PLACE America, your greatness does not lie In billionaires, or towers that pierce the sky. You were the light of hope to common men. Be so much more than great: be good again. Lorna Davis, California The pilgrims came and died or lived in fealty to an oath they swore, and bought with pain the precious grain that made them rich though they were poor. Michael R. Burch, Nashville, Tennessee THIRD PLACE Ablaze with freedoms bright desire America remains The kindling of the raging fire Democracy sustains. Don Shook, Texas Through Ellis Island’s gate they came with hopes of living free in this land we love, and think highly of, our land of liberty! Wendy Lee Klenetsky HONORABLE MENTION For what we stand, for what we believe, for what we work, for what we receive, for heroes, sheroes, and home of the brave, for Stars and Stripes, for still She waves. Shari Jo LeKane-Yentumi, St. Louis, Missouri My dear country, I fear for you My heart and soul are near to you The land of the free and of my birth The last frontier, here upon the earth David Paul Behrens, La Verne, California A red bandanna and blue jeans, One Rand McNally atlas. Stone monuments on village greens, Driving the kids to practice. Reid McGrath, Pawling, New York George Washington—on Purgatory Hill— Feted his men to beer and barbeque. On this same slope—loafing in laurel still— I peer out at the pyrotechnic view. Reid McGrath, Pawling, New York Boom Pow ‘merica coming at you now With fireworks Bret Mantyk, Brooklyn, New York Land of the plucky trier, the world longs to kiss you. Our friendly high-flier – in Britain we miss you. Cathy Bryant, Derbyshire, Great Britain NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Trending now: 51 Responses Jim Young, New York June 30, 2016 The fragrance of grilled meat wafts by And greets old friends as they arrive The fluffy clouds dissolve to sky And I am glad that I’m alive. Reply LUCY CORTESE June 30, 2016 now listen kid you must behave and learn to control your rage better it is to refrain from anger for actions reveal your age but mom I think it’s ok to shout scream stomp and loudly vent when I master the most obnoxious behavior I’ll run for President Reply Juanita Hamilton, Clinton Twp. Michigan June 30, 2016 I awoke from the American dream all covered in products from a large communist state. I thought, “Since when have our people cowered From fights that once long ago made us great?” Reply Alan W. Jankowski June 30, 2016 There’s an election going on this year, And surely one will win, and one will lose. Though as I look over the meager choices, I just wish we had more from which to chose. Reply Michael R. Burch July 1, 2016 The pilgrims came and died or lived in fealty to an oath they swore, and bought with pain the precious grain that made them rich though they were poor. Reply Michael R. Burch July 1, 2016 Apache blood, Comanche tears were shed, and still they went to war; they fought for earth and freedom’s birth— these were Her riches, and still are. Reply Michael R. Burch July 1, 2016 I lived as best I could, and then I died. Be careful where you step: the grave is wide. And if I am “only Muslim,” who are you? Was I not American too? Reply Shari Jo LeKane-Yentumi July 1, 2016 For what we stand, for what we believe, for what we work, for what we receive, for heroes, sheroes, and home of the brave, for Stars and Stripes, for still She waves. Reply Neal Dachstadter July 1, 2016 Amerigo Vespucci Which name ought be chanted, Wherever songs rejoice, The same wrought in granite, And magnified, in voice. Reply Neal Dachstadter July 1, 2016 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amerigo_Vespucci Reply wendy lee klenetsky July 1, 2016 Through Ellis Island’s gate they came with hopes of living free in this land we love, and think highly of, our land of liberty! Reply Robert Walton July 1, 2016 Youth and man, rich and poor, From college, farm and store, They march again to war Through dawn’s uncertain door. Reply Claire Marie de la Grange July 1, 2016 The Pentagon has just greenlighted transgender recruits, and voted yea to women on the front-line battlefield. God forbid that friendly-fire’s eventually revealed, or women soldiers have to fight physical abuse. Reply Sandra Sowers Platt July 1, 2016 Fourth of July Sandra Sowers Platt Red, white and blue stars fall from July’s night sky; Explosions of celebration serenade amid summer air! Citizens rejoice with freedom’s loud musical reply. We watch our American flag fly with pride’s loving care. Reply Brian Mc Cabe July 1, 2016 Still standing strong, this seven-four Our destiny still calls By mountain side and ocean’s shore And blue sky over all Reply Reid McGrath July 1, 2016 America Untactful, yet as sharp as any knife; Loved or loathed; the popular girl in class. We wonder how she’ll govern later life Once—if?—the Glory Days have passed… Pawling, New York Reply Lorna Davis July 2, 2016 America, your greatness does not lie In billionaires, or towers that pierce the sky. You were the light of hope to common men. Be so much more than great: be good again. Reply Voiculescu Bogdan July 3, 2016 I land upon a distant shore where we may try anew. Though these words were said before, I must believe we are the chosen few. Reply Neal Dachstadter July 3, 2016 if two submissions are disallowed, please let this one serve as mine. Half – past Britain, Half – past France, Old School, Liberal had their dance, Cut a rug and stomped the floor, Musket, cannon, bar the door. Reply Don Shook July 3, 2016 Ablaze with freedoms bright desire America remains The kindling of the raging fire Democracy sustains. Reply Purva Sharma July 4, 2016 So here i m on my own, Standing with myself.. Far from this world It is cool may be that is best now, Im gud to be alone in this world, Counting the hours until.. I can come home..with no one else to argue but myself, Walking away wen i can,trying not to be,reeled bck into things.. Just sprinting on nd onn.. So as to jst console myself.. This is the life i was given, Nd i’ll continue weaving it.. Here im talking abt free to be me.. Preparing for the next phase of my life….. Reply Yogesh July 21, 2016 4 lines? Reply Zachary Dilks July 4, 2016 Where pine encrusted mountains meet with golden ocean sands And where weathered paths are tried by justly true Comes flowing like a fountain from both young and olden hands Untethered oneness tinted red and white and blue Reply Zachary Dilks July 11, 2016 Austin, Texas Reply Zachary Dilks August 2, 2016 My mistake. I took it for meaning four lines of rhyme rather than a literal four lines. Reply 绿山从 From Green Mountain (Cong Lu Shan) July 4, 2016 I live in freedom’s breast I breathe in freedom’s air The grand red white and blue Shines freedom true and fair Reply 绿山从 From Green Mountain (Cong Lu Shan) July 4, 2016 The grand red white and blue Shines freedom true and fair Firming the boys and lads Making the maidens fair Reply 绿山从 From Green Mountain (Cong Lu Shan) July 4, 2016 In true digital fashion i posted this before ready. but, alas! I can reply to my reply :-)! The grand red white and blue shines freedom true and fair blessed with virtue and peace a people true and fair blessed with virtue and peace a people true and fair Abiding heaven’s will raising a progen fair thus i am submitting these two quatrains, not the previous two. and leave unto your committee to implicate the laws of conduct in this poetic space 🙂 Reply gm July 29, 2016 Freedom true and fair peace and virtue filled a grand light noble air a destiny fulfilled Reid McGrath July 4, 2016 America A red bandanna and blue jeans, One Rand McNally atlas. Stone monuments on village greens, Driving the kids to practice. Reply Mj sullivan July 5, 2016 America A soldier bears extra ammo Wife bears an infant low Healthy happy happy joy joy Pair greets dad’s ship ahoy Reply Cathy Bryant July 5, 2016 Land of the plucky trier, the world longs to kiss you. Our friendly high-flier – in Britain we miss you. Reply Neal Dachstadter July 5, 2016 likewise: “are Dover’s walls still white?” I think that’s from Kipling Reply Neal Dachstadter July 5, 2016 as in “we miss you all as well” Ron Hodges July 5, 2016 I know I’m disqualified because this poem is longer than four lines (it IS written in quatrains, though!), but since writing for the contest inspired me, I thought I’d post it anyway! America: An Idea America is more than land, A walled-off, guarded arena, Or the people inside its gates; It’s something greater—an idea. Not for gold did most risk their lives, Nor for flag spill their blood on the Soil at home or in distant worlds. Their cause was greater—an idea. The notion all humans are free, And despite their place in the saga, Deemed equal by the God above— Such was that transcendent idea. For a right, if bestowed by men, Is sound as shade or chimera, Given, or taken, at a whim Whenever it suits their idea. But our Founders fought for much more— A Truth that outlives the era. They saw rights fixed in the Heavens, Not subject to earthly ideas. And free hearts will always outshine Those who slave for fear or drachma. Our efforts thus far have prevailed Through force of a greater idea. So long as we eclipse our land, We’ll merit more than a stanza In the epic of history. But we can’t forget the idea That has made America great Since muskets clouded our vista. If we do, we’ll risk joining ranks With dead states who had no idea. Reply Jean Abac July 6, 2016 Land of the Free Cheers to Paine although he’s gone, his ‘Common Sense’ brought freedom, For unbound ties from kings and queens bid more than one’s martyrdom; Hitherto, yet still enslaved strict to fleshed hues of his own, ‘Men [all equal]’ fought sir Abe: Rule only thy self—thy kingdom! Reply Jean Abac July 10, 2016 Pasadena, Ca Reply bret mantyk July 7, 2016 Boom Pow ‘merica coming at you now With fireworks Reply Marvin Mantyk, Lathrup Village, Michigan July 8, 2016 Who I am is how I identify Be it fruited plain or azure sky Be it Buffalo roaming free I’m an American for all to see Reply MJM July 10, 2016 Since the theme is patriotism here is Robin Williams on the subject. He was a true genius. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_L1vLv84vs Reply David Paul Behrens July 8, 2016 My Dear Country La Verne, CA My dear country, I fear for you My heart and soul are near to you The land of the free and of my birth The last frontier, here upon the earth Reply Reid McGrath July 10, 2016 Drinking a Beer and Watching the Fireworks over the Village of Pawling George Washington—on Purgatory Hill— Feted his men to beer and barbeque. On this same slope—loafing in laurel still— I peer out at the pyrotechnic view. Pawling, New York Reply Alina Maria Stan July 13, 2016 From Emily Dickinson’s “rhymes” To McDonald’s and its fries Or even to Obama’s new vibe The American dream is and will always stay alive. Reply L. W. Owen July 14, 2016 American Banner Morning blue unites our sky above before the red of evening’s sunset widens. Moonlight-garden-white completes a field of stripes and stars within hope’s grand horizon. Reply Sylvia, Rutherglen, Scotland July 15, 2016 This soil’s soul sings pioneers, brims bread that fed a feathered ‘First Folk’ and now fashions a rainbow yolk to hatch no gun of hate but hymns Reply Yogesh July 21, 2016 America… Where ideals begin with idea, the storming of change in order. Where a simpleton may ever be a, the Katrina pushing in border. Reply Yogesh July 21, 2016 America… Life is what you make of it when in a dilemma, dilemma is never a stopping for the souls living in America. America never sleeps till the dreams are turned into reality, reality is that many are never stopped by the society. Reply bret mantyk July 21, 2016 Trump is america he gonna take care a ya Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump Reply L. W. Owen July 25, 2016 America So young, this nation of searching souls, among a world of ancient schemes. Growing pains that make us whole stretch our will, expand our dreams. Mississippi Reply J. Starkey July 1, 2021 Dependency Independence! This Independence Day let’s show who’s boss! Let’s grow a pair from sea to shining sea! Let’s every firework in the trash can toss! Let’s prove to each child maimed and dead we’re free! Reply J. Starkey O'Fallon, Missouri 63366 July 1, 2021 Dependency Independent! This Independence Day let’s show who’s boss! Let’s grow a pair from sea to shining sea! Let’s every firework in the trash can toss! Let’s prove to each child maimed and dead we’re free! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Jim Young, New York June 30, 2016 The fragrance of grilled meat wafts by And greets old friends as they arrive The fluffy clouds dissolve to sky And I am glad that I’m alive. Reply
LUCY CORTESE June 30, 2016 now listen kid you must behave and learn to control your rage better it is to refrain from anger for actions reveal your age but mom I think it’s ok to shout scream stomp and loudly vent when I master the most obnoxious behavior I’ll run for President Reply
Juanita Hamilton, Clinton Twp. Michigan June 30, 2016 I awoke from the American dream all covered in products from a large communist state. I thought, “Since when have our people cowered From fights that once long ago made us great?” Reply
Alan W. Jankowski June 30, 2016 There’s an election going on this year, And surely one will win, and one will lose. Though as I look over the meager choices, I just wish we had more from which to chose. Reply
Michael R. Burch July 1, 2016 The pilgrims came and died or lived in fealty to an oath they swore, and bought with pain the precious grain that made them rich though they were poor. Reply
Michael R. Burch July 1, 2016 Apache blood, Comanche tears were shed, and still they went to war; they fought for earth and freedom’s birth— these were Her riches, and still are. Reply
Michael R. Burch July 1, 2016 I lived as best I could, and then I died. Be careful where you step: the grave is wide. And if I am “only Muslim,” who are you? Was I not American too? Reply
Shari Jo LeKane-Yentumi July 1, 2016 For what we stand, for what we believe, for what we work, for what we receive, for heroes, sheroes, and home of the brave, for Stars and Stripes, for still She waves. Reply
Neal Dachstadter July 1, 2016 Amerigo Vespucci Which name ought be chanted, Wherever songs rejoice, The same wrought in granite, And magnified, in voice. Reply
wendy lee klenetsky July 1, 2016 Through Ellis Island’s gate they came with hopes of living free in this land we love, and think highly of, our land of liberty! Reply
Robert Walton July 1, 2016 Youth and man, rich and poor, From college, farm and store, They march again to war Through dawn’s uncertain door. Reply
Claire Marie de la Grange July 1, 2016 The Pentagon has just greenlighted transgender recruits, and voted yea to women on the front-line battlefield. God forbid that friendly-fire’s eventually revealed, or women soldiers have to fight physical abuse. Reply
Sandra Sowers Platt July 1, 2016 Fourth of July Sandra Sowers Platt Red, white and blue stars fall from July’s night sky; Explosions of celebration serenade amid summer air! Citizens rejoice with freedom’s loud musical reply. We watch our American flag fly with pride’s loving care. Reply
Brian Mc Cabe July 1, 2016 Still standing strong, this seven-four Our destiny still calls By mountain side and ocean’s shore And blue sky over all Reply
Reid McGrath July 1, 2016 America Untactful, yet as sharp as any knife; Loved or loathed; the popular girl in class. We wonder how she’ll govern later life Once—if?—the Glory Days have passed… Pawling, New York Reply
Lorna Davis July 2, 2016 America, your greatness does not lie In billionaires, or towers that pierce the sky. You were the light of hope to common men. Be so much more than great: be good again. Reply
Voiculescu Bogdan July 3, 2016 I land upon a distant shore where we may try anew. Though these words were said before, I must believe we are the chosen few. Reply
Neal Dachstadter July 3, 2016 if two submissions are disallowed, please let this one serve as mine. Half – past Britain, Half – past France, Old School, Liberal had their dance, Cut a rug and stomped the floor, Musket, cannon, bar the door. Reply
Don Shook July 3, 2016 Ablaze with freedoms bright desire America remains The kindling of the raging fire Democracy sustains. Reply
Purva Sharma July 4, 2016 So here i m on my own, Standing with myself.. Far from this world It is cool may be that is best now, Im gud to be alone in this world, Counting the hours until.. I can come home..with no one else to argue but myself, Walking away wen i can,trying not to be,reeled bck into things.. Just sprinting on nd onn.. So as to jst console myself.. This is the life i was given, Nd i’ll continue weaving it.. Here im talking abt free to be me.. Preparing for the next phase of my life….. Reply
Zachary Dilks July 4, 2016 Where pine encrusted mountains meet with golden ocean sands And where weathered paths are tried by justly true Comes flowing like a fountain from both young and olden hands Untethered oneness tinted red and white and blue Reply
Zachary Dilks August 2, 2016 My mistake. I took it for meaning four lines of rhyme rather than a literal four lines. Reply
绿山从 From Green Mountain (Cong Lu Shan) July 4, 2016 I live in freedom’s breast I breathe in freedom’s air The grand red white and blue Shines freedom true and fair Reply
绿山从 From Green Mountain (Cong Lu Shan) July 4, 2016 The grand red white and blue Shines freedom true and fair Firming the boys and lads Making the maidens fair Reply
绿山从 From Green Mountain (Cong Lu Shan) July 4, 2016 In true digital fashion i posted this before ready. but, alas! I can reply to my reply :-)! The grand red white and blue shines freedom true and fair blessed with virtue and peace a people true and fair blessed with virtue and peace a people true and fair Abiding heaven’s will raising a progen fair thus i am submitting these two quatrains, not the previous two. and leave unto your committee to implicate the laws of conduct in this poetic space 🙂 Reply
gm July 29, 2016 Freedom true and fair peace and virtue filled a grand light noble air a destiny fulfilled
Reid McGrath July 4, 2016 America A red bandanna and blue jeans, One Rand McNally atlas. Stone monuments on village greens, Driving the kids to practice. Reply
Mj sullivan July 5, 2016 America A soldier bears extra ammo Wife bears an infant low Healthy happy happy joy joy Pair greets dad’s ship ahoy Reply
Cathy Bryant July 5, 2016 Land of the plucky trier, the world longs to kiss you. Our friendly high-flier – in Britain we miss you. Reply
Neal Dachstadter July 5, 2016 likewise: “are Dover’s walls still white?” I think that’s from Kipling Reply
Ron Hodges July 5, 2016 I know I’m disqualified because this poem is longer than four lines (it IS written in quatrains, though!), but since writing for the contest inspired me, I thought I’d post it anyway! America: An Idea America is more than land, A walled-off, guarded arena, Or the people inside its gates; It’s something greater—an idea. Not for gold did most risk their lives, Nor for flag spill their blood on the Soil at home or in distant worlds. Their cause was greater—an idea. The notion all humans are free, And despite their place in the saga, Deemed equal by the God above— Such was that transcendent idea. For a right, if bestowed by men, Is sound as shade or chimera, Given, or taken, at a whim Whenever it suits their idea. But our Founders fought for much more— A Truth that outlives the era. They saw rights fixed in the Heavens, Not subject to earthly ideas. And free hearts will always outshine Those who slave for fear or drachma. Our efforts thus far have prevailed Through force of a greater idea. So long as we eclipse our land, We’ll merit more than a stanza In the epic of history. But we can’t forget the idea That has made America great Since muskets clouded our vista. If we do, we’ll risk joining ranks With dead states who had no idea. Reply
Jean Abac July 6, 2016 Land of the Free Cheers to Paine although he’s gone, his ‘Common Sense’ brought freedom, For unbound ties from kings and queens bid more than one’s martyrdom; Hitherto, yet still enslaved strict to fleshed hues of his own, ‘Men [all equal]’ fought sir Abe: Rule only thy self—thy kingdom! Reply
Marvin Mantyk, Lathrup Village, Michigan July 8, 2016 Who I am is how I identify Be it fruited plain or azure sky Be it Buffalo roaming free I’m an American for all to see Reply
MJM July 10, 2016 Since the theme is patriotism here is Robin Williams on the subject. He was a true genius. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_L1vLv84vs Reply
David Paul Behrens July 8, 2016 My Dear Country La Verne, CA My dear country, I fear for you My heart and soul are near to you The land of the free and of my birth The last frontier, here upon the earth Reply
Reid McGrath July 10, 2016 Drinking a Beer and Watching the Fireworks over the Village of Pawling George Washington—on Purgatory Hill— Feted his men to beer and barbeque. On this same slope—loafing in laurel still— I peer out at the pyrotechnic view. Pawling, New York Reply
Alina Maria Stan July 13, 2016 From Emily Dickinson’s “rhymes” To McDonald’s and its fries Or even to Obama’s new vibe The American dream is and will always stay alive. Reply
L. W. Owen July 14, 2016 American Banner Morning blue unites our sky above before the red of evening’s sunset widens. Moonlight-garden-white completes a field of stripes and stars within hope’s grand horizon. Reply
Sylvia, Rutherglen, Scotland July 15, 2016 This soil’s soul sings pioneers, brims bread that fed a feathered ‘First Folk’ and now fashions a rainbow yolk to hatch no gun of hate but hymns Reply
Yogesh July 21, 2016 America… Where ideals begin with idea, the storming of change in order. Where a simpleton may ever be a, the Katrina pushing in border. Reply
Yogesh July 21, 2016 America… Life is what you make of it when in a dilemma, dilemma is never a stopping for the souls living in America. America never sleeps till the dreams are turned into reality, reality is that many are never stopped by the society. Reply
bret mantyk July 21, 2016 Trump is america he gonna take care a ya Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump Reply
L. W. Owen July 25, 2016 America So young, this nation of searching souls, among a world of ancient schemes. Growing pains that make us whole stretch our will, expand our dreams. Mississippi Reply
J. Starkey July 1, 2021 Dependency Independence! This Independence Day let’s show who’s boss! Let’s grow a pair from sea to shining sea! Let’s every firework in the trash can toss! Let’s prove to each child maimed and dead we’re free! Reply
J. Starkey O'Fallon, Missouri 63366 July 1, 2021 Dependency Independent! This Independence Day let’s show who’s boss! Let’s grow a pair from sea to shining sea! Let’s every firework in the trash can toss! Let’s prove to each child maimed and dead we’re free! Reply
