Freedoms Remarked



On this day in eighteen hundred and fifty-four

An area was established which'd become a sore

Culminating in a great war between the states

For it was given the right to call its own fate ...



In regard to the issue of choice relating to slavery

An issue hotly contested, for it wasn't neighborly

As popular sovereignty really served very few ...

Causing sides, and the country's break into two



A little later, the Emigrant Aid Company was formed 

Promoting antislavery immigration in the land torn

Conceived to assure enough squatters would move in

Who chose against slavery, but membership was thin  



And so Kansas eventually would split over slavery

While Nebraska committed to the other way, namely

Remaining free, choosing not to lean any way at all

And staying out of the Civil War, following its own call



It would gain statehood just two years after the war

But Kansas obtained it just before the country tore

With its inhabitants bitterly divided within its own land

Causing more casualties there than on any other state's sand ...



After the Torrington, Connecticut-born John Brown

Moved to Kansas, then fought pro-slavers on grounds 

Asserting he was an instrument in the hand of God

Precipitating the larger movement - following grounds he trod ...



- Tristram



© Christopher W. Thomas

written 1:40pm Mem. Day

(for Sun. May 30th, 1999)