At the End of the Day: A Tribute to America

By Marianne Moore

Americans celebrate freedom and opportunity, yet continue to face one adversity after another. Known for their enduring resilience, Americans overcome tragedy and with fond remembrance of those lost, go on.

America's natural beauty, so blessed by the generous hand of Mother Nature, should always be enjoyed, yet respected and protected.

Americans face each day with a little humor and a positive attitude, always looking to the future with hope. United as one people, Americans strive to make each day a little better than the one before.

Within these pages, writers and photographers share unique perspectives on this great land.

At the end of the day, the sun will rise tomorrow and continue to shine on this land called America.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marianne Moore
• Release date: Feb 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9780981483344

Marianne Moore

Marianne Moore (1887-1972) was an American poet, critic, editor, and translator, greatly admired for her formal innovations and her startling vision. Her poetry received many honors, including the Dial Award, the National Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and the Bollingen Prize. Her poetry books include Observations and New Collected Poems.

Book preview

At the End of the Day

A Tribute to America

Anthology edited by Marianne Moore in 2013

Smashwords Edition

Cover Photograph by Jack Anthony Photography

Compiled and printed by Passage Publishing and Art by Marianne in 2010.

Copyright 2010

ISBN 978-0-9814833-1-3

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of these authors.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1: A Patriotic Spirit

Chapter 2: Natural Wonders

Chapter 3: The Lighter Side

Chapter 4: A Diversified People

Authors and Photographers

United States Federal Holidays

American Observed Celebrations

Dedication

In Memory of Rod Eugene Nichols1942 – 2007

The writing community lost a celebrated poet and fine American in 2007. Rod Nichols performed at Cowboy Gatherings and other special events over the years. His work appeared in numerous books and magazines including The Lazy B by The Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor, The Big Roundup by Cowboypoetry.com, The Wyoming Companion, The American Quarter Horse Journal, and American Cowboy.

Rod authored several books and recorded CDs of his work. A Little Bit of Texas, which Passage Publishing had the honor of publishing, received the Will Rogers Medallion Award in 2003 from the Academy Of Western Artists. Old Trees and Tumbleweeds and Drover Diaries have also received national recognition in the cowboy poetry community.

Rod’s good old country jargon, devotion to his family, keenness for humor, enjoyment of life, encouragement to others, and loyalty to his country will live on in his work.

Foreword

by Harlyn and Karen Geronimo

We are Chiricahua Apache. We are a proud people with a defining culture. The wisdom of our ancestors, handed down from generation to generation, continues to guide the path we follow through life.

America is a precious place; Americans must respect and honor the land, the air, the water, and the animals. Everything we eat, breathe, drink, and everything that gives us shelter comes to us in a special way. The Apache way of life teaches that each one of us must give back to nature as nature has given to us.

The rain, snow, wind, and light all give us life. God has given us the rainbow, the colors of life. We must all choose to live in the light of life or the darkness of life; we choose to live in the light of life.

Life is valuable and we must remember that our time is very limited upon this earth. We must find good in all things and not look for confrontation. We must laugh and be joyful.

America is a land with many people who celebrate their unique cultures and follow longstanding traditions. We must all learn to respect others' way of life, though it may not be our own. Practicing the Apache traditions and teaching them to the young members of the tribe are both very important issues to us. We give blessings to others and know that we are blessed in return. Share what you have with others, give what you can to others, help when help is needed, honor all life, and your life will be successful. Living your life in this way will teach you what is important during your time on this earth, and you will rest in peace.

niiguudzani hin zhuua jicsi

Introduction

Americans love America. Despite the chronic complaining about taxes, partisanship, the economy, and every other aspect of daily life, when their freedom is threatened, Americans display unequaled patriotism and unity. We must not forget our adversities and we must not become complacent; we must become involved, we must strive to find solutions to our problems together, and we must use our voices wisely to uphold the Constitution and preserve our way of life.

The events on September 11, 2001 were not only a national crisis but also an international awakening as terrorism devastated our souls. The hurricanes of 2005 brought America destruction at the hand of Mother Nature. Americans, as expected, united to help each other as well as responded to the needs of others around the world who suffered the aftermath of earthquakes and tsunamis. Americans quickly take action to assist their fellow man.

The poetry, essays, photography, and artwork included in this anthology convey a positive message straight from the heart of each contributor. They have truly recognized and experienced the best of America and her people. American life will go on only because, at the end of the day, we truly are one nation under God, we truly enjoy liberty and justice, and we truly are the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Chapter 1: A Patriotic Spirit

The Statue of Liberty

What can be said about Patriotism? Patriotism can be defined as loving America deep in your heart, being eager to serve her, honoring those who defend her, obeying her rule of law, and respecting her land from shore to shore.

Celebrate America with a dedicated and passionate spirit. Live the dream and pursue the happiness.

South Rim of Big Bend National Park

Texas Photograph by Bruce McDonald

America

I am one of a thousand immigrants

legally documented,

ascending the gangplank to a voyage

that will take us to a new beginning.

America, a name precious to millions

who must live outside her borders.

America, my vision,

a lifeline to hold onto.

To secure it, I made it my obsession,

sustenance for mental survival,

carefully nurtured while waiting for a visa.

One day, against all odds,

stubborn faith has overcome bureaucratic obstacles.

Obtained is documented promise,

the goal is guaranteed, assured is a future,

freedom of thought and peace of mind.

Life's old ends are tied and laid to rest.

Alone with God crossing the ocean,

many a solemn oath is sworn.

Many a new heart is born

in the rolling of winter's Atlantic waves.

America, land of hope, chance of new life,

our faces are aquiver,

as the North American shoreline rises into view.

Flat and expansive, massive,

stretching west forever in the mind's eye.

American history strikes like thunder

as our ship steams past the Statue of Liberty.

Engine vibrations below deck

are felt as the last remaining bond

to the land of departure,

an umbilical cord still attached.

The tug to break free

and join the New World is intense;

hearts are clamoring to become part

of the fullness of life

that is our new country.

America. Compassionate land

accepting those seeking freedom,

seeking hope.

America.

With prayers of gratitude

of true obligation,

I join the salt of your earth.

Kaye Voigt Abikhaled

Texas

The Alamo

The veil of night descending