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