Sonnet for Springfield
How we try to rise above the prairie,
Minds in constant flux, reach stars from heaven,
Pull beautiful dreams from far and airy
Realms overruled by good old Orion.
Yet we live to flows of rivers, seasons,
And the fits and starts of constant commerce
In the heartland of the rich in freedoms,
American style for better or worse.
Lincoln’s nose a polished brazen icon
Of honesty and diligence for all,
And the promise that anyone can
Rise from dirt to the highest Justice Hall.
We live our lives out workaday; meanwhile
Corn rises, falls over mile upon mile.
—David Pitchford
Local poets were writing about contemporary events in the Sangamo
Journal as early as the 1830s. People’s Poetry wants you to share your thoughts
on what’s happening in Springfield today—in poetic form. Poems on any subject
will be considered, but ones that deal with issues of local interest are encouraged.
Send yours to poetry editor Lee Gurga,.P.O. Box 662, Lincoln, IL 62656, or to
gurga@ccaonline.com with “Bards
of the Sangamo” in the subject line. (Please limit your submissions to
poems of 14 lines or less.)
This article appears in May 8-14, 2003.
