TO THE FOURTH OF JULY

Just happened to remember and share this interesting piece of information: (especially if you like reading poetry). Years back, prior to coming to US,  I read this poem by Vivekananda on 4th of July...Surprisingly, he passed away on July 4th, 1902.
http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/vivekananda/volume_5/writings_prose_and_poems/to_the_fourth_of_july.htm

Behold, the dark clouds melt away, 
That gathered thick at night, and hung 
So like a gloomy pall above the earth! 
Before thy magic touch, the world 
Awakes. The birds in chorus sing. 

The flowers raise their star-like crowns -- 
Dew-set, and wave thee welcome fair. 
The lakes are opening wide in love 
Their hundred thousand lotus-eyes 
To welcome thee, with all their depth. 
All hail to thee, thou Lord of Light! 

A welcome new to thee, today, 
O Sun! Today thou sheddest Liberty! 
Bethink thee how the world did wait, 
And search for thee, through time and clime. 

Some gave up home and love of friends,
And went in quest of thee, self-banished, 
Through dreary oceans, through primeval forests, 
Each step a struggle for their life or death; 

Then came the day when work bore fruit, 
And worship, love, and sacrifice, 
Fulfilled, accepted, and complete. 
Then thou, propitious, rose to shed 
The light of Freedom on mankind. 

Move on, O Lord, in thy resistless path! 
Till thy high noon o'erspreads the world. 
Till every land reflects thy light, 
Till men and women, with uplifted head, 
Behold their shackles broken, and 
Know, in springing joy, their life renewed!