Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CHALLENGE TO AMERICANS, by DORA WARD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CHALLENGE TO AMERICANS, by                    
First Line: Americans, we've built a nation great
Last Line: "we're the greatest nation in all the world!"
Subject(s): Americans; Flags - United States; National Characteristics - American; American Flag


Americans, we've built a nation great,
Far-flung are its boundaries, high its estate,
And we thought we had built a nation new,
But we built as of old -- for a favored few.
Our cities are rich with incredible gold,
While millions are homeless, hungry and cold.
Youths, starving, turn from life's difficult climb
To tread the dark mazes of shame and crime.
Girls, denied work, have no choice but to take
The road to the brothel -- or to the lake.
We built the machine -- it but made matters worse --
Instead of a blessing -- it is a curse,
For every invention that's made today
From countless workers takes work away.
O men of courage and strength and will,
Give us of your power -- give us of your skill!
We want no dictators, ringed round with steel,
We want strong men -- and with hearts that can feel!
Devise a way to feed everyone,
So that no one shall hunger beneath the sun;
Give us all a chance to do useful work;
And let no one able to labor, shirk;
Let our toil create what we each may need;
And take due care to curb the hands of greed.
Give our children a chance to grow strong and fair.
Give them all the learning their brains will bear.
O my Americans, this you must do!
You must start this work! You must see it through!
Then shall we say, as our flag is unfurled:
"We're the greatest nation in all the world!"





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