“It would be the irony of fate if my
Administration had to do chiefly with foreign affairs,”
Said Wilson before he became President. Why,
Then Fate struck. He was first abroad, aware
Of the war’s desperate pull, and the need to act influentially.
Yet his efforts to remain neutral were given the sting
When the public swayed to enforce rights, balanced and free.
This meant wading into the war, “a fearful thing . . .
But the right is more precious than peace.” His clarion call?
Democracy, the right to a voice, to participate
In one’s government, nations separated as states, all
Free in peace and safety, each for all.
He suffered a stroke after weeks of a non-stop campaign
For a League of Nations, and then, its Father he became.
June Edvenson 