I have been to countries
Where I have seen soldiers
Walking around
With guns on their shoulders
Or places where people
Looking for favors
Snitch on their family,
Friend or their neighbors
Some people with little
Constitutional protection
Have seen their enemies
Overturn an election
There are lands where a woman
Is killed in disgrace
For going to school
Or not covering her face
On returning home
From my treks through the world
I’ve thrilled at the sight of our flag unfurled
My heart was warmed and filled with cheer
Knowing that it couldn’t happen here.
Or could it?!!
Geraldine Forer Spagnoli