“Four Freedoms” by Norman Rockwell
with hands that
could illustrate
moments in time
with eyes that saw into
the soul of a nation
①
blessed with liberty
voices speak freely
the simple the wise
inveigh government
brooking no censorship
②
blessed with liberty
hearts worship freely
the simple the wise
pray their conscience
without interference
③
blessed with liberty
hands produce freely
the simple the wise
earn honest rewards
wealth built unobstructed
④
blessed with liberty
lives enjoyed freely
the simple the wise
secure in their dreams
unoppressed by grave threat
familiar vignettes
relatable scenes
American realism
right for the joy of
a Saturday evening
From my book Pieces of Wine
Poesy plus Polemics 
Wonderful!
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many thanks
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That the simplicity of what should come easy, born of past experience should be lost on so many in these times, perhaps the saddest thing. Super work, Paul
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at least we can reminisce – not so the young folk
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Too true. When left and right were passionate, simple honest souls of this world – whatever their differences was a place to discuss and and enjoy over a pint of best bitter and a cigarette in the warmth of a saloon bar. So the odd punch was thrown, par for the course; freindships sustained.
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you triggered a host of tavern memories
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So very beautiful… Norman Rockwell illustrated the heart of a nation, have always loved his work.
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me, too
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If only Americans would courageously exercise these freedoms for good and not ill we might well be on the way forward to true greatness . . .
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I think on balance we have – but the blackhearts seem to be growing – and there is nothing so dangerous as a freedom-empowered blackheart
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and I remember his paintings
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so real
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Reblogged this on davidbruceblog #3 and commented:
Excellent.
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thank you for sharing my poem with your readers
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Norman Rockwell pictures on the Saturday Evening Post cover were staples of my childhood. I pray somehow these values are passed down to our children expressed in a different medium.
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from your mouth to God’s ear…
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