Today Feb 12th the 16th President of America (the one found on the usa penny) was born. According to this source, "Abraham Lincoln was born 12 February 1809 near Hodgenville, Kentucky, and grew up with little formal schooling. Self-educated, he was eventually elected to the Illinois House of Representatives and served from 1834 to 1842. Admitted to the bar in 1836, Lincoln used law as a gateway into politics, which dominated his life. He became Vice-Presidential candidate for the (new) Republic Party in 1856 and was elected 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 to his assassination by John Wilkes Booth in Washington on April 15, 1865. Lincoln's slave emancipation principles led to the civil war between the North and the South in 1861. He was survived by his wife Mary." Source: https://allpoetry.com/Abraham-Lincoln
Mr. Lincoln wrote poems such as, Source: https://allpoetry.com/To-Rosa
"To Rosa
You are young, and I am older;
You are hopeful, I am not —
Enjoy life, ere it grow colder —
Pluck the roses ere they rot.
Teach your beau to heed the lay —
That sunshine soon is lost in shade —
That now's as good as any day —
To take thee, Rosa, ere she fade.
Analysis: In this poignant poem, the speaker, possibly an older and experienced individual, addresses a young and hopeful person named Rosa. The speaker's tone is one of gentle advice and encouragement, urging Rosa to embrace the fleeting beauty of life before it fades away.
The poem begins with a stark contrast between the speaker and Rosa. The speaker acknowledges their own age and dwindling optimism, while Rosa is portrayed as youthful and full of hope. This contrast highlights the speaker's desire for Rosa to cherish her time while she still can.
The speaker implores Rosa to "enjoy life, ere it grow colder" and "pluck the roses ere they rot." This imagery of flowers and fading beauty emphasizes the transient nature of life and the importance of seizing opportunities before they are lost. The speaker's use of the imperative mood ("Enjoy," "Pluck") conveys a sense of urgency, as if urging Rosa to act quickly before time runs out.
The speaker then shifts the focus to Rosa's relationship with her "beau," advising her to teach him the value of time and the importance of seizing opportunities. The speaker warns that "sunshine soon is lost in shade," implying that happiness and prosperity can quickly turn to hardship and sorrow. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of taking action now, rather than waiting for a more opportune moment, as "now's as good as any day."
The poem concludes with a final plea for Rosa to "take thee, Rosa, ere she fade." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that Rosa's beauty and youth are fleeting, and that she should not wait for someone else to appreciate her before she loses those qualities.
Overall, this poem is a beautiful and moving meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment. The speaker's gentle advice and encouragement serve as a reminder to make the most of our time and to appreciate the beauty and joy that life has to offer.
Source:
Abraham Lincoln Is My Name
Abraham Lincoln is my nam[e]
And with my pen I wrote the same
I wrote in both hast and speed
and left it here for fools to read
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Analysis: Abraham Lincoln Is My Name, a poem attributed to Abraham Lincoln, is a simple yet striking declaration of self-identity and authorship. The poem consists of four lines, each conveying a distinct element of Lincoln's identity and his role as a writer.
https://allpoetry.com/poem/8557301-Abraham-Lincoln-Is-My-Name-by-Abraham-Lincoln
The first line, "Abraham Lincoln is my name," is a straightforward statement of identity, establishing the speaker's name as Abraham Lincoln. The use of the first person "my" creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, as if Lincoln is directly addressing the reader.
The second line, "And with my pen I wrote the same," highlights Lincoln's role as a writer. The pen is a symbol of authorship and authority, suggesting that Lincoln's words carry weight and significance. The act of writing is emphasized, as Lincoln "wrote" his name, indicating a deliberate and intentional act.
The third line, "I wrote in both hast and speed," reveals Lincoln's writing style and process. The words "hast" and "speed" suggest a sense of urgency and efficiency. Lincoln was known for his ability to quickly draft and deliver speeches and documents, often under pressure. This line captures his ability to work swiftly and effectively, even in challenging circumstances.
The final line, "and left it here for fools to read," is a provocative and enigmatic statement. It suggests that Lincoln's writings are intended for a specific audience, namely "fools." This could be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, it could be a self-deprecating remark, acknowledging that his writings may not be fully appreciated or understood by everyone. On the other hand, it could be a defiant challenge to those who might dismiss or misunderstand his words. The ambiguity of this line adds depth and intrigue to the poem.
Overall, Abraham Lincoln Is My Name is a concise and powerful statement of Lincoln's identity and authorship. The poem's simple language and direct tone convey a sense of authenticity and authority. The deliberate use of words and the intriguing final line create a lasting impression, leaving the reader with a sense of curiosity and contemplation.
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