We Hear America Singing: 2017 ETR Edition
Below is our collaborative modern take written by our staff on Walt Whitman's "I Hear America Singing."
We hear America singing
Different tunes in different languages,
Yet all the same song.
The author singing to spread the word.
The word of their dreams, their hopes,
Their imaginations, their songs.
The environmentalist singing her's
As she works long tedious hours
To protect what's dear to her.
The janitor singing in time
To his broom in an empty hallway
Long after school is out.
The barista singing in the cafe
Serving smiles
With each cup of espresso poured.
The artist singing on canvas
Inspiring people
To express themselves freely.
The nurse singing while working long hours
To give patients and their family
Hope and relief.
The politician singing lies
Of freedom and equality
To the voters he betrays.
The protester singing, desperately fighting
For everyone
To be treated equally.
The lunch lady singing
Dancing with her mashed-potato-spoon
Before students storm the school.
The firefighter singing to protect
The word of their honesty,
Their determination, their strength, and their bravery.
The veteran singing as they come home
From war and service
To open arms.
The teacher singing while grading,
Preparing, studying, and educating
To empower the future of our community.
The minority singing songs
That fight for equality,
So we can all make a change to the country.
The musician singing and creating songs
Deep from their hearts to unite us
To sing the same song.
We hear America singing
Different tunes in different languages,
Yet all the same song.
The author singing to spread the word.
The word of their dreams, their hopes,
Their imaginations, their songs.
The environmentalist singing her's
As she works long tedious hours
To protect what's dear to her.
The janitor singing in time
To his broom in an empty hallway
Long after school is out.
The barista singing in the cafe
Serving smiles
With each cup of espresso poured.
The artist singing on canvas
Inspiring people
To express themselves freely.
The nurse singing while working long hours
To give patients and their family
Hope and relief.
The politician singing lies
Of freedom and equality
To the voters he betrays.
The protester singing, desperately fighting
For everyone
To be treated equally.
The lunch lady singing
Dancing with her mashed-potato-spoon
Before students storm the school.
The firefighter singing to protect
The word of their honesty,
Their determination, their strength, and their bravery.
The veteran singing as they come home
From war and service
To open arms.
The teacher singing while grading,
Preparing, studying, and educating
To empower the future of our community.
The minority singing songs
That fight for equality,
So we can all make a change to the country.
The musician singing and creating songs
Deep from their hearts to unite us
To sing the same song.