Voice

I want to hear America singing
beyond the curses,
the wrangling and the hate.

 Lord knows we have made enough enemies,
freedom replaced by war
and glory
by the pitiable rags of poor.

 And we think we shine.

 O to be young again
when air was something you could breathe
and water drink without 
any carbonation!

 When conversation was face-to-face
and good friends were treasured;

 when we knew where our groceries came from,
the toil it took 
to put natural food on the table,
when we still could cook;
and what was true
was not determined by vote.

 What has happened to the open arms 
that welcomed in
the hungry, and the poor seeking jobs?

 How did America become the oppressor
of the helpless poor,
even those born here on our soil?

 If you’re one who is given to listening,
can you hear America singing?