Image: Ben Franklin by Jules Paige
I have travelled half a world to stand here. Left behind my steamy summer for this freezing winter. But rugged up against the cold I have longed for this day to look up at a man whom I have read so much about. A ‘founding father’ a man who actively promoted the union of the states a man from poor working class origins who had a vision that only unity could bring about.
Today on this bitter morning I look up at you, your face looking ahead I wonder what you saw, I wonder what you would think now. Is the world as you thought it might be, I am sure you would never have envisioned the technology we take for granted now but has your country reached the heights you could see all those years ago.
As a visitor and in awe of the achievements of you and others at the time I am saddened just now a small boy walking with parents asked them who you were and your name didn’t ring any bells with him. I watch as his dad explains your significance no doubt this boy’s education will be enhanced by this visit.
I gather by coat around me and head off, like you Mr Franklin, I too look ahead.
winters bracing wind
historical legacy
forward thinking
Written for: https://haibunthinking.wordpress.com/2015/01/20/haibun-thinking-january-20th-2015/
Morpethroad 
Nicely done. Philly is a grand place to visit especially when the weather is better. But I was there in the winter when I took that photo about a year ago. All those keys… And in truth my husband tells me that if indeed Franklin’s key were struck by lightening at the end of his kite, it would not be as glamorous as the story they do tell. Kind of like Washington chopping down the (non-existent) Cherry tree.
And it is very true that Franklin started out poor, invented and reached beyond breath and breadth. A witty writer too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_Richard%27s_Almanack
Thanks for using the photo for your inspiration. 🙂
I haven’t written for this prompt yet. I am ‘impressed’ by all the keys in the sculpture.
Thanks Jules I did a little research on him before I started and know there is stuff I didn’t say but it is such an interesting statue to write about.
🙂
Maybe today I’ll scratch some words down.
Thanks again. I’ve always liked Mr. Franklin.
Posted today:
https://juleslongerstrandsofgems.wordpress.com/2015/01/23/electric-connections-a-flash-fiction-haibun/
Impressive haibun, Michael. I have not checked many prompts lately and this makes me want to:) your haiku is truly great and Jules photo is so magestic.
Thank you Cheryl-Lynn you are very complementary.