Today Is the Birthdate of Abraham Lincoln
Today is the birthdate of Abraham Lincoln.
Born in a three-sided cabin. Named for his
Grandfather, killed in a struggle with
Indigenous people. Abraham (the second)
Grew tall, used his height to play pranks on
His mother. Used to do math calculation
By the fire. Grew up, tried many things.
Such as storekeeper, postmaster. Failed at
Them all. Did learn to split wood for rails.
Did pass the bar (a win or failure still to be
Determined). Spent his childhood in Kentucky,
Not so far from Louisville. Then went to
Illinois, Springfield. Joined a law practice
As a junior partner. Ran for public office. Lost.
Somehow became a candidate in the new
And upstart (liberal) Republican Party.
Possessed an eloquence none could fathom
But all (most all) respected. Maybe breathing
Air above the rest was an assist. This is the
Thing he won, became our sixteenth
President. And the best. We know what
Happens next.
There is a terrible war. He guides us through.
He dedicates a cemetery with 270 words
(Thereabouts) that come to shiver the whole
World. For many reasons, he declares
Black slaves free, something the founding
Leaders of the nation could not or would not
Do. He leads into victory. He orders “Dixie”
To be played by his band upon the White
House lawn.
He wanted to heal the nation. He never got
The chance. Surely, goodness and mercy
Follow and attend him. And he, if any, dwells
In the house of the Lord.
C L Couch
Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Lincoln is slightly left of center, just behind the mass of blurry people, facing the camera, head slightly down and tilted to his right (camera left).
David Bachrach – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID ds.03106. This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons: Licensing for more information., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5127661
clcouch123 
February 12, 2020 at 3:32 pm
Funny tragic how the influential men who might have actually done something good while in office were snuffed out. People who fight against the tide of opinion in defence of what is right are to be praised.
February 12, 2020 at 3:41 pm
Yes, they are. To know something’s right and then to have to defend and campaign for it–that is effort in service of communities. It’s hard and sacrificial. Such folk do not remain unscathed in realizing what all should know and do. They are heroic.
February 12, 2020 at 3:55 pm
At least he’s regarded as a great man now. That’s progress I suppose.
February 13, 2020 at 1:35 pm
My favorite Historical figure. In Illinois years ago we ventured through a small village where he lived before he became famous. His life was so tragic and our Nation’s loss was great when he perished.
February 13, 2020 at 6:57 pm
I didn’t know there was this village. Thanks for alerting me. Yes, his life was tragic, sorrow from beginning to its end. And his loss was great, as you say. Reconstruction became a travesty from which we have not recovered.
February 15, 2020 at 1:39 pm
Lincoln – New Salem, Illinois. Arrived at age 22 Was there from 1830-1837. There are some good articles on line about this village.
February 15, 2020 at 10:37 pm
Thank you for sharing this! I’ve heard of the village, though I never knew its particular significance. Now on to learn more!