1999 Mount Rushmore International Writing Contest Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln: Presidents with Visions for America If they could speak today, what might they say?

Eighth Grade Winner: Poetry
Anne Meyer
St. Cletus School
Mrs. Murphy's 8th Grade Language Arts Class
La Grange, Illinois

"If they could speak today, what might they say?"

George our father could not live a lie nor tell a lie.
Abe our president knew well the reason why.

Thomas wrote it in the Declaration he signed,
by speaking the words that helped mold our lives.

The truth must be told that all men are born equal and free,
and as a result God has shed his blessing on thee.

We remember these great men and Roosevelt too,
by carving their features in rock which stands tall and true.

They look out upon us with watchful eye,
hoping the values of our nation will never die.

George our father tells us, to live on for we share a sacred trust.
and to ensure that our lives are governed forever by the true and the just.

Abraham ensures us by saying we have improved a great deal,
with our hearts filled with love which he can truly feel.
He wishes we could make all the bad go away
and hopefully it will be bound to happen some day.

Jefferson and Roosevelt appreciate the hard work we have put in
to make this world a more pleasant place to take part in.
They know we try our hardest in many ways
and secure our blessings for the rest of our days.

This is what I believe our forefathers would say,
If they could speak in any possible way.

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