Two And A Half Centuries
By Michael Haas
Born from a colony of British rule
They sought freedom and separatism.
For a hundred and fifty years of misrule
A breakaway began forming to anti-statism.

British debts created untenable taxes
Thoughts of revolution were being born.
A Declaration of Independence in praxis
Created the country we call home.

Two and a half centuries have passed
She’s grown and matured on the world stage.
We've endured war and depression amassed
Carrying forward every day becomes our gauge.

Our time has come to celebrate her birth
A journey not without bumps and bruises.
The addition of fifty states adds to her girth
A populace of 349 million giving way to her muses.

The United States of America is without doubt
The greatest country in the world today!
While democracy is our guide and clout
The Constitution holds her strength in sway.

She’s had forty-seven Presidents to lead
During her storied existence in the world.
Each faced new trials and issues to impede
Each accepted the challenges open and unfurled.

Now we celebrate her 250 years of achievement
Aged less than many countries around the globe.
Our nation is a stalwart of change and agreement
With centuries more on the horizon to probe.

The United States of America has it all
Blustering cities, quaint towns, and fantastic landscapes.
We boast the most diverse population of all
One of strength and unity subject to minor scrapes.

Our Constitution and Bill of Rights define us
The Declaration of Independence holds our spirit.
No other country in the world can contain us
As our spirit and purpose rises to crescendo.

As all Americans look to our forefathers
Their drive and idealism are held in our soul.
Remember from where we came together
Celebrating our country’s 250th birthday knoll.