But she has a history that pre-dates "Lady Liberty"
As we approach Election Day, I’ve been reflecting on the poet Phyllis Wheatley (1753–1784) and her vision of America.
Wheatley, the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry in 1773, wrote “To His Excellency, General Washington” during the Revolutionary War. In it, she paints an image of Columbia, an idealized personification of America, with “fair freedom,” “graceful ease,” and a “heaven-defended race.” Wheatley saw beauty and potential in America—a young nation striving to embody the ideals of liberty and justice.
Here’s a taste of her powerful poem:
Celestial choir! enthron'd in realms of light,
Columbia's scenes of glorious toils I write.
While freedom's cause her anxious breast alarms,
She flashes dreadful in refulgent arms.
See mother earth her offspring's fate bemoan,
And nations gaze at scenes before unknown!
See the bright beams of heaven's revolving light
Involved in sorrows and the veil of night!
The Goddess comes, she moves divinely fair,
Olive and laurel binds Her golden hair:
Wherever shines this native of the skies,
Unnumber'd charms and recent graces rise.
In Wheatley’s time, Columbia became a beloved symbol, representing the young nation’s ideals, aspirations, and—importantly—its beauty and resilience. Named after Christopher Columbus, she embodied the spirit of discovery and the “new world.” Columbia appeared often in art, poetry, and political imagery of the 18th century, depicted as a graceful figure in classical attire, embodying both strength and moral virtue. As America struggled for independence, Columbia symbolized freedom, bravery, and the pursuit of democratic ideals, holding symbols of liberty like the laurel wreath and standing alongside eagles or ships.
Wheatley’s portrayal of Columbia, one of her earliest literary depictions, shows her “divinely fair,” a beautiful yet strong leader guiding her people with grace and facing the intense anxieties of war and a nation’s birth. Her Columbia embodies the hopes, sacrifices, and moral aspirations that would come to define America’s character.
Throughout the 19th century, Columbia remained a familiar figure in patriotic art and literature. Though her role as a national symbol gradually shifted to Lady Liberty by the early 20th century, Columbia still evokes the early spirit of America—a reminder of its founding vision and the pursuit of liberty and justice. Wheatley’s Columbia captures the nation’s hope and the solemn duty to uphold its ideals—a sentiment that resonates strongly as we face the decisions of each election.
But Wheatley’s Columbia, though moving “divinely fair,” also felt the weight of her mission, with anxiety over the dangers surrounding her. Wheatley’s poem captured that mix of hope and uncertainty—a feeling all too familiar today.
This Election Day feels momentous, as though Columbia herself, once radiant with new hope, now kneels with us in urgent prayer, burdened by the choices before us. Her beauty remains, but it’s mingled with a solemn plea for the future.
Did you know the very first post on this blog, written 20 years ago, was a prayer for America?
So, as we go to vote, let’s remember the vision of Columbia that Wheatley gave us. She is more than a symbol; she embodies the courage, freedom, and promise our nation holds. Let’s join her in prayer, in hope, and in action. Our votes are the voice we lend her, and our prayers are the strength we give her, seeking a future that honors her ideals.
I turned this into a song- you can hear it here- click on the title just below:
Praying with Columbia (Election Day)
(Verse 1)
In the heart of this land, where freedom grows,
There’s a lady of beauty, in soft repose,
She moves through the ages, a vision so fair,
With laurel and olive bound in her hair.
She’s America’s grace, her strength, her pride,
But today she kneels with us, by our side.
(Chorus)
We’re praying with Columbia, for the heart of the land,
With hope for tomorrow and faith in our hands.
She’s radiant with beauty, yet heavy with care,
For the promise of freedom, we all breathe a prayer.
(Verse 2)
Phyllis saw her standing, strong in the fight,
With “fair freedom” shining, a “heavenly light.”
Though danger and darkness might come her way,
She lifts her gaze to a brighter day.
Now we stand with her, her hopes and her fears,
Her voice through the ages calls out in our ears.
(Chorus)
We’re praying with Columbia, for the heart of the land,
With hope for tomorrow and faith in our hands.
She’s radiant with beauty, yet heavy with care,
For the promise of freedom, we all breathe a prayer.
(Bridge)
The weight of a nation rests on her soul,
She fights for our future, to keep us whole.
In fields of freedom, in skies so blue,
She stands in our shadows, she stands with you.
(Chorus)
We’re praying with Columbia, for the heart of the land,
With hope for tomorrow and faith in our hands.
She’s radiant with beauty, yet heavy with care,
For the promise of freedom, we all breathe a prayer.
(Outro)
So we lend her our voices, we lend her our song,
In the hope of a future where freedom is strong.
She’s America’s dream, her sorrow, her grace—
Together, we pray in this hallowed place.
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