The Open Mouth Of F. D. R.

A memorial for Franklin Delano Roosevelt was erected in Washington, D.C.
The artist appropriately features F.D.R.'s open mouth,
which is the theme of this poem
By Father John R. Green.

Copyright © by John R. Green
Shown with his blessing

This poem is in the archives of the U. S. Memorial Commission
which facilitated the erection of the F.D.R. memorial.
(Return To "An Episcopal Poet")

Nothing was ever so dear

In any depression year,

As the Open Mouth of F. D. R.



Banishing fear, the confidence of a nation restoring,

Uttering cheer, rendering population spirit's soaring;

Proclaiming dire destitution at an end;

Shouting measures for the idle to work begin.



Cry for freedom throughout the world,

Vision for a peacekeeping structure unfurled.



Nazi terror will be repelled;

The degradation of humanity utterly quelled.



Though his Closed Mouth utters no sound,

His spirit shall be eternally bound.