Poet David Lehman has created a new work, "One People," to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary. The poem, which will be released on July 4, aims to reflect the spirit of the nation's founding document.
Lehman focused on using words found within the Declaration of Independence, stating his intention was to “be true to the document,” while also exercising “formal restraint.” The result, "One People," is set to appear in advance of the publication of Declare: A Civic Gospel, a project from Arion Press and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
"We are in America, today and for some time, beset with problems of divisiveness," Lehman commented. "So the phrase ‘one people’ seemed to me a pregnant phrase, and one that would make an appeal not just descriptively but as a kind of prescription."
Lehman, known for his work as series editor of The Best American Poetry and as an editor of various American poetry collections, noted that poetry often serves as a touchstone during times of national strife. He cited the increased interest in W.H. Auden's work following the September 11th attacks as an example of people turning to verse for meaning and solace.