Oppressed, Under the Flag of Stars & Stripes

Every school day morning, 
hundreds of students rise
right hands on their hearts
and pledge allegiance to America
monotonously repeating in unison
"indivisible, with liberty & justice for all"
Yes, we're more progressive than some
Hordes crowd in boats to come to our shores

But only the people who come 
with nothing but hope
spilling out of their pockets, 
their mouths,
their ears & eyes
will ever know the dreams 
"America" brings

Only the people who face
the weight of cold metal 
on their wrists,
their ankles,
their neck & soul
will ever know the freedom
liberation brings

Only the people who are judged
by how they appear to wordly eyes
who are hatefully told they are inferior 
because of the color of their skin,
the size of their eyes,
how much money they have
their accents & body shapes
will ever know the true acceptance
equality brings

Only the people who bring with them
nothing but their hopes and dreams,
who dragged their chains & pull through the judgement
will ever know the disappointment
"America" brings
when they come waving these
false promises in hand
and realize that America
is not as welcoming as it boasts

amaryllis

CA

YWP Alumni

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