These poetic tributes honor the leaders of nations, exploring the complexities of political leadership. They may portray presidents as figures of inspiration, or they may critique their actions and policies.
These verses may delve into the weight of responsibility carried by presidents, the challenges they face, and the impact of their decisions on society.
Poets reflect on the historical significance of presidency and its influence on shaping the course of nations. These poems become reflections on leadership, governance, and the role of individuals in shaping the destiny of countries.
‘Lincoln, Man of the People’ by Edwin Markham is a unique poem about Abraham Lincoln that paints him, and his legacy, in idealized, universal terms. The speaker spends the poem describing Lincoln the perfect leader.
When the Norn Mother saw the Whirlwind Hour
Greatening and darkening as it hurried on,
She left the Heaven of Heroes and came down
To make a man to meet the mortal need.
Saddened by the results of the American civil war, Walt Whitman wrote the elegy, ‘O Captain! My Captain!’ in memory of deceased American President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. The civil war occurred during his lifetime with Whitman a staunch supporter of unionists.
O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
‘This Sacred Scene’ is a powerful and inspiring call for Americans who wish to overcome division and hate to make the country a better place.
We gather at this hallowed place because we believe in the American dream.
We face a race that tests if this country we cherish shall perish from the earth and if our earth shall perish from this country.
It falls to us to ensure that we do not fall, for a people that cannot stand together, cannot stand at all.
We are one family, regardless of religion, class, or color.
‘The Suicide’s Soliloquy’ is a dark poem about sorrow and suicide which some believe was written by the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
Here where the lonely hooting owl
Sends forth his midnight moans,
Fierce wolves shall o’er my carcase growl
Or buzzards pick my bones.
‘Enlightenment’ by Natasha Trethewey is a powerful poem about race and racism. The poet depicts the ways in which history can be interpreted.
In the portrait of Jefferson that hangs
at Monticello, he is rendered two-toned:
his forehead white with illumination —
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