A revolutionary work of erasure poetry that exposes the contradictions in Thomas Paine’s Common Sense—calling for a new definition of citizenship that embraces all AmericansIn his famous cry for inhabitants of the thirteen colonies to seek independence from Britain, Thomas Paine claims to call for total freedom and equality, yet his arguments are directed only at white men, excluding women and people of color. Crystal Simone Smith, known for writing poetry about the human condition and social change, offers a new poetic work that calls out the contradictions in one of the foundational texts of American democracy.
Britain’s oppressive rule, while strongly criticized throughout Paine's text, was subsequently repeated by the founding fathers who, when forming our nation, established laws that oppressed racial groups and women. Smith uses the power of redaction to revise Pain’s approach, inviting readers to critically engage with the text and reimagine it anew. Retaining the original text as a translucent background, Smith highlights specific words and phrases to reveal new meanings that reflect not only the totality of America’s founding, but the ensuing fragile, if not failing, democracy of our present times.
Perfect for students and US history buffs alike, this highly interactive collection functions as a textual reveal of historical biases and makes a case for a new, inclusive definition of citizenship that recognizes all Americans.
From an award-winning poet, a rousing act of erasure poetry that compels us to reexamine one of America’s most significant founding texts
Crystal Simone Smith's powerful work exposes the uncomfortable truth about America's founding text. While Common Sense is celebrated as a cornerstone of American democracy, Thomas Paine's arguments for "total freedom and equality" were written exclusively for white men—completely excluding women and people of color from his vision of liberation.
Through innovative erasure poetry, Smith transforms this foundational document into a mirror reflecting both our nation's incomplete promises and today's ongoing struggle for true equality. By making Paine's original text translucent and highlighting specific words, she reveals new meanings that speak to the experiences of ALL Americans—those who were silenced in 1776 and those still fighting for recognition today.
This creative reinterpretation arrives at a crucial moment—just as America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. Smith's previous work, Dark Testament, has been recognized for its ability to illuminate hidden histories and challenge dominant narratives.
This work:
· Transforms a crucial historical document into living, breathing poetry
· Exposes the contradictions in America's founding mythology
· Encourages critical thinking about citizenship and democracy
· Offers a fresh lens for understanding civil rights struggles
The book's pamphlet design echoes Paine's original format while the visual erasure technique creates a haunting reminder of whose voices were erased from our nation's story.
