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THE ERA OF GOOD FEELINGS

And with word of the rout, Jackson's fame was assured

As such feelings of triumph strike a very deep chord.

Mister Harrison and he were heroic grand figures

Who gave to this land the proud swagger of victors.

Now, should you recall the first cause of this war

-- The impressment and seizure that started it all? --

Well, that villainy and crime which had roiled the seas

Occurred as all Europe matched militaries.

But with Napoleon's defeat, at the site Waterloo,

British raids petered out --- what, with no fighting to do.

So fair trade and commerce did continue once more,

-- Indeed, with a vigor it had not seen before!

And the President now, one Mister Monroe,

Was respected by all, and was himself a hero

At the Battle of Trenton, and all through Valley Forge,

Where he so ably served our General George.

Another man from Virginia; yet no one felt cheated:

By smiles and handshakes was James happily greeted.

In the backcountry towns and those dotting the shore,

There were cheers all around when he took a grand tour.

Now, the question remains (with no perfect answer):

The 1812 War: a Triumph or Disaster?

No conquests were gained, nor were British crimes stopped

-- Yet great pride in our nation did fill every cup.

And thus life in the U.S. began a new phase

With hopes for the future now gilding her days.

And since peace and not war did mark the land's dealings,

A fine season had come: an Era of Good Feelings.

When a gal from New York and a man in Kentucky,

Did share common bonds and feel themselves lucky,

To be joined in one venture, with folks from all places,

Americans in spirit, and blessed with good graces...