It is hot! The air above me suffocates, lacking breeze.
This July eve, the heat affects me most.
Tomorrow, I will end one affiliation and begin anew.
The future causes my brow to arch, the heat adding to my discomfort.
This house, my home is large and strong, but may not survive the coming storm.
All before me, I must be willing to cede as a consequence of this nights decisions.
I feel the heat began to crescendo into a fire storm.
I envision myself appearing at the very gates of Hell.
I finish my dress and put on my coat realizing, soon, this will be my home no longer.
I will be branded a traitor in my native country, a patriot in my new.
As I sit in the Congress, I am alone if not for Jefferson and my Congressional Secretary.
The document prepared by Jefferson beckons my signature.
I am overcome with emotion as I, John Hancock, President of the Congress, slowly, in large bold script, sign The Declaration of Independence.
As I return to my home, I realize this heat will not go away for a long time.
I return to say goodbye.
Author Note: The original draft of the Declaration was written by Thomas Jefferson from 11 June 1776 to 28 June 1776.
It was finalized and approved by the Congress and printed on the evening of July 4th.
The original document was signed by only John Hancock as President of the Congress and Charles Thompson, as the Secretary of the Congress.
Other signatories were added beginning in August and weren't completed for several months.