It’s up to You, America
here we stand
not one Nation under God
fragmented under
a heaving flag
weighted down
by broken parts
shredded by knives
with rusted edges
blunted, yet sharp
in grievances
old cracks and ignorance
faulted lines below
the glossy glaze
held together
are now frayed
here we are
back in time
rolling in dismal strife
wondering how we got to this
at a loss for a healing fix
as in all things we have learned
there’s seldom a road to permanence
each generation carves its path
this one’s up to us, America.
© Neetu Malik
Some of Neetu’s Books
-
mist fills the night—
there are no ghosts, just my self
and me in mellow light -
be happy
she says, her soft arms
hold me as I lean
into them
seeking reassurance
a promise to protect -
be happy
she says, her soft arms
hold me as I lean
into them
seeking reassurance
a promise to protect -
The sign is posted
on the porch
I’ve walked many times
this way before
through seasons warm and cold
but no one appears at the door. -
here we stand
not one Nation under Godfragmented under
a heaving flag
weighted down
by broken partsshredded by knives
with rusted edges
blunted, yet sharp
in grievances
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Bravo, Neetu! Well said.
Thank you, Veronica.