James Madison’s Vision

A vision, not a dream,

A vision in which was grasped

Like a vice grasps a pipe

An analog of nature

With its forces, gravity, turnings, twistings, bearings, seasons.

And in this vision,

Grasped partly at Montpelier, partly at Philadelphia

Ambition, greed, passion, faction,

Would provide the forces, etc.

And the system would experience, enjoy

Growth, balance, liberty, and peace.

--October 3, 2013