The Gettysburg Limerick

Fourscore and seven years (not to the day)
Our fathers got together and said, "Hey,
Let's bring forth a new nation
So that each generation
Will be equipped to keep evil at bay

"We'll dedicate to a singular vision
A simple and clear proposition
That all men are equal
Where it matters - the soul."
But they ignored slavery (as it caused division)

Now we're engaged in a great Civil War
And we're shaken right down to this core
To test if we'll endure
To test if we're sure
If our fate has a greatness in store

We are met on a great battlefield
Where young men gave their lives as a shield
We have come to appropriate
Some of this field and dedicate
It to their memory, how they did not yield

But in a larger sense we cannot dedicate
Nor can we, with our words consecrate
Our efforts run shallow
If we try to hallow
This ground, we arrive way too late

Already here brave men have acted
They have lived, and they've died, and exacted
A consecration far greater
Than we bring coming later
We add nothing, nor can we detract it

These words which will fade in a whimper
An obscure speech from the 19th of November
All the words that I say
Will one day fade away
And the world will little note nor remember

But it cannot forget what they've done
It's for us, the remaining, living ones
To dedicate to their work
Which unfinished still lurks
And will linger until all is won

Those who've fought here have nobly advanced
And gave selflessly at the the highest demands
The last full measure of devotion
Has set vict'ry in motion
They have not died in vain to gain land

But they've died for this: freedom's new birth
That this nation, under God, shall lift its curse
And this government of the people
By the people, for the people
Shall not perish from the face of the earth