Creating an American

A villanelle poem about my family's experience in America.

By Brenna from Gerstell Academy in Maryland

Find your own American Creed,

Grown from your culture, your family, your history

And treasure the rights that you’re guaranteed.

Leave Ireland and travel far to plant a new seed,

Move to the land of possibility.

Find your own American Creed.

Work hard, stand tall, wear the uniform to lead,

Go overseas and fight to protect your country

And treasure the rights that you’re guaranteed

Start a business and take risks in order to succeed.

Leave jobs and make improvements to your community.

Find your own American Creed

Don’t neglect traditions you used to heed

Like going to church or celebrating holidays with family

And treasure the rights that you’re guaranteed

America is not perfect we all agreed,

But the people will amend it until all have opportunity.

Find your own American Creed

And treasure the rights that you’re guaranteed.

Gerstell Academy

Leadership and Change Section 1

Senior level leadership class responses, section 1/3

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