I have been to countries where I’ve seen soldiers

Walking around with guns on their shoulders

Or places where people looking for favors

Snitch on their family, friends or their neighbors

There are lands where a woman is killed in disgrace

For going to school or not covering her face

Some people with little constitutional protection

Have seen their enemies overturn an election

On returning home from my treks through the world

I’ve thrilled to see our flag unfurled

My heart was warmed and filled with cheer

Knowing that it couldn’t happen here

Or Did it!

Geraldine Forer Spagnoli