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CITIZEN JEFFERSON ASCENDS TO THE PRESIDENCY

In year 1800 a new era began

With Virginia’s great thinker and true Renaissance Man.

As tall handsome Thomas assumed the top post,

Sporting a resume that few others could boast.

A man who studied all things, from great books to science,

He could craft a new law and, yes, many an appliance.

And with his classic keen eye, this rare learned fellow

Designed the stately estate, his home Monticello.

Of course, he is known for the stirring fine eloquence

Which declared to all ears this land’s independence.

Indeed, that brush of his pen marks the pivot of ages,

And sets his name for all time into history’s pages.

This gentleman farmer, to now play leading man,

Was a scholar and lawyer and egalitarian.

Not the least high-minded about bloodlines or birth,

Tom believed that all souls were equal in worth.

And so did he urge to hold and keep separate

The worlds of religion from the world of the state.

So that persons of faith, no matter what church or creed,

Would not have officials pushing which call to heed.

Yes, he was moved by ideals, and did cherish and prize

The Rights of all persons, the great goal in his eyes.

Now, ‘tis true he owned slaves; so, no, not a saint

-- But perfect portraits of men, one will never paint.

And as President now, Tom turned his sharp mind

To a prosperous future by his own lights designed.

With a most lofty aim for this land to become

A yeoman nation of farmers and of peaceful freedom.

And always seeking to learn and step from the dark,

He sent forth explorers, Misters Lewis and Clark.

On a journey inspired, in both spirit and mind,

By a promise and purpose of Jeffersonian kind…