By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2020

First published in the Spring 2020 Edition of the Pennsylvania Literary Journal

With contagious humor and good-natured wit,
His personality warmed hearts across our nation,
Infusing optimism and indefatigable spirit,
Regardless of race, creed or life station;

He saw America as “a shining city upon a hill,”
Blessed by God and,  two centuries since its birth,
Exceptional still…
Recognizing in each of us – intrinsic worth;

Exuding faith that none could shake,
He extolled freedom across the world,
Causing brazen terrorists to quake,
Bombers avenging America’s flag unfurled;

The Great Communicator of his time,
He convinced fierce Cold War adversary,
It would be costly and a futile climb,
To thwart a missile defense that none could parry; When he dared Gorbachev to “tear down that wall,”
Who could conceive,
That the Communist Empire would fall,
And its Iron Curtain lift and leave?

Countries held hostage until a light,
Did shine upon their shore,
Unafraid to show its righteous might,
Borne valiantly by a man who dreamers still adore.