Spend Some Time In America

(dedicated apologetically to all African Americans)

Arrive on the Wrights' incredible flying machine,
walk through the tawdry, fortified air-port,
battle your way
through a dangerous free-way,

make it alive to a franchise-cloned steak-house and
(harassed by brain-washing waves from TVs)
eat an inhumane meal with a flavorless lager beer.

but drive on, reader!:
please don't go disillusioned back
to Indonesia, Zaire, Ireland,
or what part of the globe you're from!

Come out to the great open country
where the green fields
are full of tractors and healthy cattle!
Ask directions from a gnarled old man
leaning on a shovel;

Accept his invitation
and come join the family table
where everyone, you'll find,
is amiable and respectful.

As you feast
on the home-raised chicken, potatos, and apple dumplings,
you'll come to know that this very old man
(his tiny grandsons across from you gobbling greedily,)
was once a soldier bravely landing
on the hellish shore of Normandy,
and the withered old woman
(so quiet by his side)
helped many a wounded freedom fighter
on the road back to life.

Stuffed and enlightened,
wander on your way, honored visitor,

ramble through a bright and sprawling pine forest
where bald eagles are circling,
plenteous deer are grazing,
and nubile young ladies of liberty
are bathing in the water-holes.

Now listen, friend,
(with a careful ear)
and as sure as sunset you shall hear
the freedom songs
of heroes like Lincoln, Lindbergh,
Red Cloud, Thoreau,
Harriet Tubman, and Paul Revere.