Hyacinth

For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams

   Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes

   Of the beautiful Annabel Lee

When variances are detected, action is taken. Discretion is necessary. Discretion is important. Care. Must. Be. Taken.

Once upon a time there was a young man who sought to understand. With his friend, he changed the world for one. But one knew and trusted only them and feared what the others would do and that those others would take the world away.

The labels began the problem for so many.

"Pain."

"I."

"Why?"

As George Washington stepped away from the presidency in 1797, he left behind a legacy that would shape the United States for centuries to come. His Farewell Address, a cornerstone of his philosophy, echoed principles of unity, cautious diplomacy, and moral governance. In the modern age, these ideas find fresh resonance in the musical Hamilton, particularly in the song "One Last Time." Lin-Manuel Miranda captures not only the spirit of Washington's wisdom but also the poignancy of his farewell.

The Unity of the Union

In his Farewell Address, Washington warned against the dangers of factionalism. He envisioned a nation united under shared values, urging Americans to prioritize their identity as a single people over regional or political divisions. Hamilton reflects this through the lyrics of "One Last Time," where Washington asks Alexander Hamilton to help craft his farewell. Washington specifically says, "I want to warn against partisan fighting." The refrain—“One last time”—emphasizes the fleeting opportunity to cement unity before stepping away. In both contexts, Washington’s parting words become a rallying cry for collective responsibility.

Of course, the politicians in the following two centuries have taken Washington's words to heart and don't stoop to taking potshots at their foes, insulting the opposing party as a whole, or giving opposing candidates belittling candidates. Since all modern politicians want, above all, to respect what the Founding Fathers envisioned for America. Especially the ones who say that's what they want to do.

A Cautious Approach to Foreign Affairs

Washington’s address also advised the young nation to avoid entangling alliances and overreliance on foreign powers. He understood the fragile balance necessary for independence. Hamilton translates this into Washington’s firm resolve, as portrayed by Christopher Jackson, whose performance carries the weight of a leader steadfast in his convictions. The song's gentle melody underscores Washington’s measured wisdom, reminding us that restraint is often the hardest—but most prudent—path.

Some people feel the United States polices the world. Some people feel the United States should police the world. Some feel the United states shouldn't police the world. And some feel it should do all three things simultaneously but only as it is most advantageous to businesses, regardless of treaties that may have been signed or how that may affect the world and its people in the long run. A fascinating conundrum. Washington's struggle to preserve his fledgling nation does not apply to the country that exists today. But it is compelling.

The Grace of Letting Go

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of "One Last Time" is Washington’s act of relinquishing power. Miranda’s lyrics bring to life a man who understands the importance of stepping aside to ensure the longevity of democratic principles. This mirrors Washington’s historic choice to forgo a third term, setting a precedent of peaceful transition. The song’s climactic moment, where Jackson's Washington sings, "If I say goodbye, the nation learns to move on. It outlives me when I’m gone," resonates deeply with the core message of his Farewell Address: governance should be about the people, not the individual.

Ah yes. The first peaceful transfer of presidential power. A beautiful, democratic thing, the marvel of the American Experiment.

Shame about that one time.

A Modern Legacy

Listening to "One Last Time" provides an accessible lens to revisit Washington’s timeless wisdom. The song reminds us that leadership is not just about holding power but about knowing when to release it. Through Miranda’s artful storytelling, Washington’s farewell is reframed as a call to humility, unity, and foresight—a message as relevant now as it was in 1796.

Investigations suggest a spike in bizarre, inexplicable dreams. Further data was not forthcoming. Initial leads seemed promising, but soon petered out.

Hoax probable. Inconclusive.

...

I don’t know if the first poet I remember was Emily Dickinson or Robert Frost. In a way, they’re two sides of the same coin, right? Totally different styles and time periods, I know, but their imagery of nature is so vivid. So clear. It doesn’t feel like they’re hiding things in their poems. So many poems are full of subtext. I’m not good at subtext.

There are things to admire about both. On the one hand, I feel appreciation for Emily when I’m sick. Feeling trapped. Confined. Like the reclusive poetess, who wrote so often of her flowers. Her confinement was largely late in life though, not early.