I understand
I’ve been blessed
to grow up
in a kinder time
and a gentler land

a time we sailed
the wide seas
to defend
the way of life
we cherished
called democracy...
and dammit ladies
and gentlemen,
we won

years of strife,
but a common cause
held the fabric
of our vessels
boldly bonded as
brothers and sisters

but as the fog of info
rolls in from the horizon
to manufacture differences
evolving into
intolerant cults, then
the true bonds
weaken

and open the hatch
for tyrants and cons
who always lie waiting
but we know the songs
and the spirit of war
to protect and defend

oh well,
even if it’s over
I get to play hero
and dance
with the reaper
to save mother liberty
from broken
winged creepers,
lies and conspiracies

what more
could a son
raised like me,
ask for?

Pella, Iowa '24