John Marshall Poem by Ima Ryma

The U.S. Supreme Court got spine
When John Marshall, early and long,
Earned the 'Great Chief Justice' tag line,
Molding the Court into stuff strong.
Presidents, Congresses and states
Lost in the power game of chess,
As Marshall's Court moves won checkmates.
He set the Supreme Court, one could guess,
That's lasted through from then to now,
In how the Court can play the game.
If We the People wonder how,
John Marshall gets the praise or blame.

When Marshall died - little known fact -
The Liberty Bell rang and cracked.