The history of these peoples –
From colonies, to states, to nation –
Is an unending primordial struggle
Of origin, purpose, place, and station.
Native roots have been grafted
Onto many European stems
That themselves twisted into a trunk.
So our history begins.
Attached to this Liberty Tree
Are variegated boughs
From peoples from around the globe
Who grafted in somehow.
Some have joined against their will
Through armed conquest or slavery’s chains.
But added to the tree none the less,
Adopted limbs bearing fruit of the original strain.
Others limbs chose to join
As branches added to the weave,
Joining in the canopy
Through the dream of freedom to achieve.
Some new growth came from within,
As constant variation,
Created in this verdant tree,
A multi-cultural polyglot nation.
The fruits and flowers of this mighty tree
Shared where its fragrance has blown
Made lands safe for Democracy
Paid for by gardens of stone