Political conflict leads Hersey student to write poem
Emily Dattilo, a 17-year-old senior at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, began writing poetry when she was 5 years old.
"Lately, I've taken to writing free verse about issues that interest me," said Dattilo, who in college plans to double major in elementary education and psychology, with a minor in journalism.
"The current political upheaval as our country enters a new presidency has resulted in such conflict and debate amongst the public, that I was inspired to write a poem that promoted unity and hope for the future of America."
Here it is:
Ode to a New America
Flipping through the history books of time
Tales of tragedy and of success,
Challenges faced and victory met.
The fighters of these times
Lived in such an altered world
One where morals mattered
In which dignity and truth were essential.
Now each day, the newsstand is full
Of the latest twist on words
Dramatic retelling of stories past
Feeling pity and desolation
About a race already won
We must look around and see what America
Has chosen to become.
Young men and women
Living in sheltered bubbles
Where only positive phrases and happiness reside.
False accounts, twisted tales and vile attacks
This anger and frustration has begun to burn the pages of society
A society that chooses to hate and despise those who disagree
A society that harshly targets and insults some
While excusing and applauding others
A society where truth is merely tossed aside as a nonessential
A society in which media has become a safe haven
Where tweets and posts are jubilantly displayed
By individuals who relish conflict and scandal
Who believe it's permissible to say whatever they want
Because they believe they have the right.
Ode to a New America
One that its citizens can be proud of
One that respects the importance of truth and justice
One that encourages acceptance yet one that has the courage
To stand up for what we know is morally right
A country that embodies the fierce patriotism and national pride
Of the fifty stars and the thirteen stripes.
Let's make our citizens proud to be American again.