Citizen

This is written with inspiration from Obama’s Farewell Address.

Citizen 

An underpin 

Not to weaken 

But sustain 

Change 

Identify as American 

A title

Not to take lightly 

But to live up to

The pursuit of real truth

Proof

That all are equal

People

Peaceful 

Know our role

Pay the toll

Of putting them first

Be the church

Stake in the ground 

Not lost but found-ed

On principles

For our fellows

Red and yellow

Black and white

That all citizens be precious

In our sight 

Alright ?
​​

Sensitive

Hearts softened 

Jaws droppin’

At the slightest offense 

Toward an acquaintance or friend 

Can’t decide if it’s good or its bad

To take things so personally 

On another’s behalf 

This name callin’

Such gall 

Built walls 

Now our tears fallin’

This sensitivity 

And empathy 

And “hearts burdened be”

Is what the world needs 

What I need 

To breed peace 

To set free 

A new reality 

Where walls are down 

Hate is drowned

Love is found 

We’re “home” – ward bound 

Ethiopia as depicted in “Global Family Portrait”

A poor man’s hunger 

Coupled with his wish for peace 

His work never done 

But abundance of generosity 

Few luxuries 

But many Pleas 

For humanity 

To experience peace

Free from 

Treason 

Wars 

People pleasin’

Outbreaks 

Poison 

Turn the noise off 

Settlements 

Shootings 

Governmental pollution 

Hatred 

Crime 

Only want what’s mine 

And yours 

See, it’s funny 

How this guy with nothing 

Doesn’t want more for himself

His Belly aching 

His Fingers shaking 

A life without essentials

Bereft 

Left 

But his only request 

Is world peace 

So Outrageous 

Almost contagious 

Now my wish too 

Only, I wish that Ethiopian man had food.