Publication Day
Today American Independence in Verse takes its first halting steps into the wider world. In this Newsletter I have faithfully executed the offices, both, of author and of publicist, with tasteful reminders that the book is available for purchase, yea from many outlets. I can’t say I’ll never do that again, nor that I won’t mention the book’s potential as a holiday gift, fitting memorial to a nation’s 250th birthday, or, more seriously, as a chance to reflect on what America was and what it might become. But today is a day to celebrate. The second-last poem in the book is from Common Sense by Thomas Paine, the pamphlet that went viral in 1776 and, as the story goes, cemented independence in the minds of the people. Here it is (the poem, not the pamphlet) in its entirety.
Common Sense: Addressed to the Inhabitants of America Thomas Paine, Philadelphia, January 1776 In these pages I offer nothing more Than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense. The struggle for America has now Become a test of arms; all plans proposed Before last April are but almanacs Of years gone by; and reconciliation Has passed away like an agreeable Dream. Britain is no mother country. Even brutes Do not devour their young, nor savages Make war upon their families. No one Again can love or serve a power that Brought fire and sword into his land; no more Can you forgive the murders of Great Britain Than can a man forgive the ravisher Of his wife. Hark and listen, hear the dark Blood of the slain cry out: ’tis time to part. O ye that love mankind, who dare oppose Tyranny, stand forth! Freedom hath been hunted Round the globe—Europe regards her like A stranger—England warns her to depart. O! Receive the fugitive, prepare This new world an asylum for mankind.
This makes it seem like the British were the bad guys.
Just ordered my copy!