City on a Hill - an American Sonnet 

In reverence to my country's noble creed,

Where freedom’s spark first kindled in dark nights,

Light broke through: Created equal, indeed,

endowed with unalienable rights.

 

Though sorrow stains our past with grievous sin,

Injustice marred our land of liberty,

Yet hope provéd strong; bringing to all men,

The promise made to all who would be free.

 

With gratitude, I honor those who bled,

Who gave their lives, our sacred rights to shield.

In Washington, where I was born and bred,

Doth rest Our nation's heart, their Glory sealed.

 

O Lord, we pray, fulfill our destiny,

A City on a Hill, so blessed and free. 

 

-JD Boye