A bout of hard words

Should we mourn our own mistakes

our speedy doom hovers over us everyday

all other nations are seeking answers

no one here should be abrogated

let's bear then this fair share of guilt together

our forefathers beyond the graves must know

that when Great America was handed to us

we laid it down on parlous grounds

and all years long, we watched it perish

and from our foes across seas and distances

came quenchless laughter, and they sure

made clear that more sorrow was to come our way

how can you then take no notice?

of displeasure that has overturned our kindness

wiping out our sense of individuality and prosperity

get hold of newspapers, the agony is multitudinous

speak to each man in your county, you will find

his heart full of anxiety and uncertainty

look at the sheriff, how he dreads doing his rounds

for a few, not as tender as he is, spilled the blood

now the streets groan with life-preserving slogans

look at the airports, immigrants are crying

the world around us is discombobulated

yet we sink in the comforts of our play stations

look at women, they still fight for pay

for care, and for a say on womanly matters

look at coal miners losing healthcare promised

should we then weep and sink into the abyss

should we rise, carry the torch that Washington,

Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, and others, ignited