In the mirrored reflection
The glass that separates us
From the evil empire
Beans and dream,
Grown, bought, stole, consumed
From a caffeine induced haze
I see America
Stars and stripes enfolded
Melting and burning stripes
Half mast in mourning
Ronnie’s dead o-wo-ho
National anthem, tragedy, ism
From the land of confusion
I see America
Walls collapse and weather thaws
Dust barely settles
Heat creates tectonic shift
World War, useless war
Cold war, bodies, reception
From a child’s grave
I see America
Colors tattooed translucent
The boy can not escape his home
In the mirrored reflection
Pride and shame,
Jockey with red, white, blue
Through young teary eyes
I see America
Where will he live?
Whom shall he love?
What got him here?
How will his way be found?
What becomes of boy, flag, dream?
In the mirrored reflection
I see America
© 2007 Tad Monroe. This poem may not be reprinted without permission from the author.
Tad Monroe
a portly pastor poet in Tacoma, Washington
co-founder and director of City of Destiny Faith and Film series
takes comfort in the fact that The Dude abides...
12 year old scotch or PBR, both acceptable and enjoyable
