Make Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico the 51. State of the USA

"Fifty-One Guns"
A Petition in Rhyme for Puerto Rico's Statehood

By thunder, friends, lend me your ears,
Let’s speak of a land that's bled for years—
Not in war, but in limbo, still adrift,
An American cousin denied the gift.

Puerto Rico—name as proud as any,
Pays its dues, yet votes not a penny.
Fought in our wars, sent sons to fall,
Yet they got no voice in the Capitol hall.

Now hold on, partner—ain’t that a sin?
They wave our flag, but can’t vote in?
Taxed like you, yet silent at the table—
That's not the justice of our old fable.

We’re the land of the free, home of the brave,
Not the land of the half-free, silent slave.
It’s time we answer the Founders’ bell:
"All men created equal"—ain’t that what we tell?

These folks speak English, serve with pride,
Pray in churches, stand arms at side.
They believe in God, in law, in land,
With the same red blood and a calloused hand.

They farm, they build, they dream, they strive,
Workin’ like ants just to stay alive.
And ain’t that the grit we all admire?
Sweat on brow, soul on fire.

So here’s our ask, loud and plain:
Let Puerto Rico ride the train.
Not as a guest, not on a trial,
But as a star on the flag, in proper style.

One nation, under God, not split,
Fifty-one stars that brightly lit.
A union stronger when we unite,
Not when we stall what is just and right.

We ain’t asking for handouts, tricks,
No wild-eyed schemes or socialist picks.
Just the ballot, the bond, the badge, the bill—
The same ol’ promise on Capitol Hill.

So if you believe in the Constitution’s creed,
That liberty grows from every seed,
Then let this verse be your refrain—
"Puerto Rico’s star must rise again."

From sea to shining sea, let's stand,
Extend that oath, extend the hand.
Let honor reign, let freedom sing—
And crown this isle with eagle’s wing.