We had to do a research poem in my poetry class. For some reason, I wrote it about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, because I've always been obsessed with the fact that they died the same day. Being that that day was the fourth. I felt I would share today. I was going for the idea of, that even when we do amazing things our whole life, people only remember certain things. For example, at this moment I couldn't tell you anything about all the laws and treaties and policies Thomas Jefferson made in his lifetime, but I can tell you about his affair with one of his slaves and how he promised his wife on her deathbed that he'd never remarry.
John Adam’s Final Words
Thomas Jefferson and
John Adams died hours apart on July 4th, 1826, fifty years after
they signed the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson died hours before Adams,
yet Adams final words were “Thomas Jefferson survives.”
It was a quill and ink that signed
One hundred thirty five
To his snare. Perhaps
He simply forgot they were human
Yet at the twilights last
Gleaming skin met flesh
Unknown sons secretly carrying his name
Is that what he meant at
Her deathbed, promising
Never to marry again for another
Would not do as a mother.
Didn’t the hours, weeks, days of
Pacing set that in? Or did
That mean not another wIfe,
But a lover?
What will they remember
Of him, of me
The band of brothers?
The Presidents chair?
Or these indiscretions
Moments of regret
Whatever it be
Thomas Jefferson survives
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