AMERICA
Then and Now
(AWARD WINNING POEM by Josh C. Jones)

Do you know what America was founded to be? Why it was founded? The warnings we were given about our enemies? Do you know what we have allowed America to become?

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What Is This Book About... really?

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My book, AMERICA: Then and Now, is an award winning poem (1st place in published poetry), and it is a politically and philosophically reflective work presented in poetic form. Through this art form, I express a critical perspective on how America has changed since its founding, suggesting a deep concern over what I understand and know as a departure from the nation's original principles and moral foundations.

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This book is less about celebrating accolades and more about issuing a solemn warning. In this poetic piece, I mourn the moral and ideological decline of the United States, using poetic language to stir reflection and inspire a return to what are the country's original, purer principles. ​

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These Are The Key Ideas.

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1. Loss of Foundational Values

With this poem, I submit that America has strayed from the original values laid down by the Founding Fathers. I suggest that the "roots" of the country are no longer secure, implying that the foundational principles (like freedom, moral clarity, and truth) are being eroded.

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2. Historical Negationism (denial)

In this book I boldly accuse modern society of "historical negationism" — rewriting or ignoring history to fit current narratives or popular opinion. I submit that the true history and intentions behind America's founding are being distorted or forgotten.

 

3. Metaphorical Imagery (Seeds and Weeds)

There is a central metaphor of seeds and weeds in this poetic work. The “seeds” represent the ideals and efforts of the Founding Fathers, while the “weeds” represent harmful ideologies or cultural changes that have grown over time, leading to “fundamental change.”
 

4. Questioning Modern Truths

With this poem, I boldly challenge readers to think critically about contemporary understandings of truth and morality. I submit to you, especially through the back cover content line “Which ‘truth’ will you salute?” that truth has become pluralistic or relative — something that is dangerous and misguided.

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5. Call to Reflection

 

Ultimately, I make a call to readers to reflect on their identity as Americans, the meaning of truth and freedom, and how the past should inform the present.