A Democracy forged in the fire of human discontent
and molded into an enduring symbol of freedom.
A Republic founded on the highest of human ideals
to aggressively defend against tyranny and oppression
that may come from within our borders and far beyond.
A country of immigrants from every corner of the world
who always held true to the promise for others that came.
A land of hope cradled between two shinning seas
where anything no matter how improvable was possible,
where dreams that seemed impossible could be realized.
A nation full of people who are stronger and better
only when they elect to embrace their great diversity,
and not only celebrate their differences, but relish in them.
The home of a grand lady with a torch standing in a busy harbor,
a bold monument to the virtues and principles of freedom itself,
a profound testament to what our great country proudly stands for,
a welcoming sight for those desperately seeking a flicker of hope,
for those yearning to be free from persecution and oppression,
for those seeking a new beginning in a more accepting place.
Please! Please! tell me where did our beloved America go?
How did we go from tearing down walls in other nations
to erecting these unwelcoming monuments in our own backyard?
How did we go from being the leader of the free world
to putting people from neighboring countries in metal cages?
How did we go from being the world’s defender of democracy
to separating small children from their families at our borders?
How did we lose our civility and our national sense of purpose
to become repugnant provocateurs of ignorance and intolerance?
Today one small child cries for their mother on our border.
Tomorrow we mourn in silence for a great nation,
that once was the focal point of democracy in the world,
that once set the example for other nations to follow,
that once stood as the standard-bearer for freedom everywhere.
Please! Please! tell me will our beloved America ever return?