Often I get frustrated over the way things are in relation to the way they should be. This is a representation of that frustration and the feeling I am unable to do anything about these conditions. This is another of my poems that will never be finished as long as there is something to add.
America, why did you stray from the old way.
A constitution put forth, the foundation of our land,
barely recognizable what was originally Jefferson's hand.
Tarnished and smudged by misinterpretation,
overindulgence and greed, to satisfy political,
judicial,and journalistic need.
Once majority rule, now bordering on ridicule,
the law of the land, ever changing,meeting demands,
of whoever takes a stand.
America, why did you stray, parents unable to discipline,
fear children undisciplined now rule, school in chaos,
students unruly, guaranteed to pass, unprepared for their future,
parents unsure, wish for the past, hope the next generation,
won't be like the last.
America, why did you stray, streets used to be a place to play,
neighbors knew one another, socialized every day,
doors left unlocked, nothing to fear,families stayed close,
helped one another, took care of mother.
Now drugs rule the day, hate and crime more common than play,
multiple locks symbolic of today, rarely talk to a stranger,
living in fear; life no longer precious, taken away,
day after day, the bloody count rises,a country in crisis,
victims pay, guilty appeal, courts give them the best deal.
Nobody protests for victims rights, put a murderer to death,
they scream all night.
America, why did you stray, hatred and bigotry alive
and well today, nationalities split, long for the old way,
when an American, was just an American, now hyphenation,
the accepted way.
America, why did you stray,once an industrial giant
you gave it away, too high a standard for industry to pay,
moved out of country, the new American way, unemployment,
poverty, homelessness rapidly increasing, ruined lives,
while billions are spent on so called allies.
America, why did you stray, what's written today,
barely address the wrongs building every day,
religion is accepted, God is not,
country divided, politically split,
presidential bashing provides journalistic wit,
hatred and bigotry, live for it.
America why did you stray, new chapters every day,
really a damn shame.
Author notes
Written December 20th, 2004
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Why, indeed, did we stray? I think there are probably several reasons; the first being complacencey. As a nation, we've taken our blessings and gifts, as "rights," not considering for one moment that they can all be taken away from us as quickly as they were given. Another reason is probably an offshoot of the last...greed. Too much, and a never-ending hunger for more. This is a wonderful, and certainly, thought-provoking poem. If only more of our people would ask themselves that question, and then sincerely try to reason out an answer. Wonderful write!
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Top notch, but that's no surprise....
hey there mac, it's been a hell of a long time, i hope you and yours have been doing as well as you write!! that was amazing, you have a taste that makes me hunger for more. so i have a poem, well an opinion, that basically states the same frustration and the feeling of being at a loss for words, and wondering if anyone feels the same, or feels anything at all. so sedated, zombified, WAKE UP!!! i truly do love the way you express yourself, such intelligence and patience, it gives me hope. so i'll send you this piece i wrote and you can let me know what you thought, i should be around for a while and i'll be enjoying your words till i retire.
my suggestion to you, keep on truckin'!
have a great day....katy d
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Hopefully you can tell me where this poem pertains to racial issues, I don't really think that it does. I am open to your thoughts though.
Best wishes
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Amen, and I so agree why did America stray from her values. Excellent write! Good luck in my contest
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Great
Milly and I were discussing a similar scenario the other day, that England from where the American settlers came from seems to be better off than America; as they care for their old people and their animals. Perhaps because their spiritual roots go back to Joseph of Armithea in Wales (who was the uncle of Jesus), from whence came alot of today's leaders.
And yet having said that, there were deep spiritual roots established in Kentucky with Squire Boone and others of the Quaker faith. Maybe, instead of looking at the physical situation, the remedy is in the spiritual first? Just a thought, as nothing seems to improve the physical.
Hope you and your family have a great christmas.
Your friend, Heather -
This is a great poem!!!!!!! and I love it so much!
You have captured the real essence of the true America today and how it has walked away from it's original principles which it was once founded upon many years ago. It is sad..to realize that a nation once based upon God and his trust....has walked away from that very founding forthought. I pray that America could come back to the original state..however..I feel we have strayed to far...by this time. It is good to see your words..and I look forward to reading more your wonderful work.
I can see you are very talented
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A WONDERFUL POEM
This was FANTASTIC. I totally agree, what a wonderful poem. I'm glad to see there are other Americans who think like me. We all have to speak up. Our voices get lost in political correctness. God Bless you and thank you so much for serving our country. We don't thank our servicemen and veterans enough.Thank you for sharing. Take care, Sandy
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good job
Yes, I have to agree with most of this, although I suspect your political views are 180 degrees away from mine. Still, you have done a good job of enumerating the problems we face, and your comments on most things were quite a propos and to the point. I can't give you an applause since I used mine already today, but I can say that this is a good write all in all.
Jim Dunlap
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