A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA READING ASSOCIATION

Poetry Break! – Feature
Poets in support of literacy.

Hear Allan Wolf read "The Greatest Nation on Earth" (MP3 - 1.05 MB).

The Greatest Nation on Earth
by Allan Wolf

One day I climbed Mt. Everest
(one hand behind my back)
then hiked the Himalayas
sitting high atop a Yak,

fed Antelope in Africa
and kissed a crocodile
(as I was rafting by myself
along the river Nile).

I am a world-wide traveler.
I’ve been to every land:
China, England, Russia, Rome,
New Guinea, and Sudan.

New Zealand and Australia,
Yugoslavia and Perth.
Canada and India.
(and Dallas and Fort Worth).

But although these wondrous places
hold a certain fascination,
the greatest nation in the world
is . . . my own Imagine‹nation!

I visit remarkable, marvelous worlds
and never leave my chair.
I only have to make believe
to feel as if I’m there.

Whatever are you waiting for?
The adventure starts today.
Just place your finger on a map
and, ZING!, you¹re on your way.

Pick a spot, then close your eyes,
and join the celebration.
The greatest nation on the earth
is your own Imagine‹nation!

Hop on board the Dream Express.
It’s leaving from the station.
And the only ticket you will need
is your own Imagine‹nation.

Allan Wolf, “The Greatest Nation on Earth” is reprinted with permission of the author. Allan Wolf is an author, performance poet, and musician. He says he can recite from memory over 1,000 poems. Allan lives in Asheville, North Carolina and may be reached at allanwolf@earthlink.net