I am an American

June 26, 2013... and again in 2015

What if I don’t like your looks,

demand you read my pre-approved books,

think that you must pray my way,

dictate all you do and say?

 

What if  I feel you’re living wrong,

that my way’s been right all along,

that who you marry is my affair,

my views the ones all lives declare?

 

Liberty’s struggle is still going strong,

from founding fathers to protest throng;

neighbors' ways may disagree,

and still, we strive for Unity... 

Author's Note

*The first rendition of this poem was written two years ago. Still, we strive...

Agree or disagree, our country is founded on freedom for ALL

Reviews

[ANTO]

" Liberty’s struggle is still going strong..." I concur Rita.
What gets me is why everybody doesn't just get it - I mean the idea of liberty. Why do some want to deprive others of it (dictators, zealots, despots - an endlist list).
I enjoyed this Rita and the title is a proud statement - well done you
X

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Anto! I agree - what is the problem with people who want freedoms for themselves, but to deny the same freedoms to others? I guess this poem is my two cents on the issue... :)

[Brandon S. Whitten]

Wow, this is excellent! Indeed our country is founded on freedom for All. Thank God.

[Rita L. Sev]

Amen to that! Thank you, Brandon!

[ShelleyA]

I agree, our country is founded on freedom for ALL. But that seems to be forgotten by the powers that be. Our founding fathers would be rolling over in their graves at how far our nation has fallen.
Yes liberty is a struggle that we must fight for, from generation to generation. A thought provoking write and message; definitely something to think about. Excellent closing verse. Well penned and a good read. Write on!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Shelley. The Founders had a lot of freedoms to deal with, and wanted to ensure that future generations of Americans could have Liberties beyond even what they knew. Thank you for your thoughtful review!

[ShelleyA]

You're welcome.

[quinfinn]

so many take our freedoms for granted....i like the message and construction of this write...well done.

[Rita L. Sev]

That is true. That freedom is hard fought, and should never be taken for granted by anyone, or for anyone! Thank you, Quin!

[quinfinn]

ask any vet, they will tell you that freedom is not free. tens of thousands of young boys and girls died so that we could sit in our comfy homes, watching tv and getting fat....glad you wrote this piece.

[Rita L. Sev]

My husband, also a vet, said pretty much exactly what you just did. Our Forces fight so that ALL Americans can enjoy liberty - not just a chosen few. Glad I wrote it, too, Quin - thanks.

[quinfinn]

awesome to know

[David Scott]

Oh.... silly me. I loved the poem BTW. ;)

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Thank you!

[David Scott]

We live in an imperfect world and an imperfect country. Still, we have a great heritage and a great nation we call home. We have much to be thankful for and we must continually fight the fight for freedom for all of humanity.

[Rita L. Sev]

Amen! Thanks, David!

[Will]

First two stanzas sound a helluva lot like the GOP.... Just saying! Now before I start a political shitstorm on the WC, to your poem! Very good message here, Rita. That despite our differing views, we all have rights because we are all American, no matter where we came from before. Great poem.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Thank you so much, Will! Exactly - we can disagree and live differently, but that is the point of a free society!

[John Lauterbach]

I think this is especially appropriate to read today, with the DOMA overturn. What I really like about this is that it holds the human condition of "I'm right and you're wrong," while delivering the message "That's okay, you're entitled to think that way."

It's not about oppression or conspiracy or hating the government and complaining, just people being free to be themselves. It's fundamental America, and I completely approve of it.

The last line in the second stanza gave me a little trouble with "my views." I feel like there should be a comma or an 'are' after views. But you're free to call me wrong. ;)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, John! I did write this in reaction to the DOMA overturn. And you got my point exactly!
I may add that comma - "are" would add an awkward syllable.

[Jack...]

Yes it is an let's hope it stays that way. Very nice Rita. Your poems speaks the minds of many.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Jack - that's what I was hoping.

[Sami Khalil]

A great antionalistic poem appreciating the founding principles and celebrating the basic freedoms entitled to all...Thank you for sharing...:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure...:)........