America

I wrote this in 11th grade after finishing a test in American Studies

America the beautiful,
America the brave,
America the foolish,
America the slaved.

Land of the free,
Land of the oppressed,
Land of poverty and,
Land of stress.

America's the best,
With it's judicial flaws,
And crocked politics,

It's freedom of speech,
But don't forget the consequences.

There's freedom of the press,
But to a certain degree.

You have the right to own a gun,
Which brings more death.

You have the right to an attorney,
With certain limitations.

You have the right to your own religion,
But you still get judged for it.

You have the right to be free,
If you fit what they want.

You have the right to protest,
And they have the right to shoot.

The rich keep getting richer,
But the poor keep getting poorer.

There are no slaves,
But there are indentured servants.

We believe in life,
But yet we kill.

We're peaceful,
But yet we're in war.

We're powerful,
But yet we are weak.

With this freedom,
There are limitations and consequences,
So how are we free?

Reviews

[[untitled]]

LOL, the truth, absolutley the truth, I always think of this when something is going on in the world, this is great, thanks for writing it, maybe people will start getting the picture of what it's really like in America (not saying it sucks though, just some flaws).

[Passingdaze]

Why would anyone question one's opinions or thoughts? We are all humans and we all breathe the same air. We bleed the same blood. This poem is a brave work and it was written by a young lady that I admire. And to think she was in 11th grade when she wrote this...If only every youngster thought on this level.

[Robert Francis Callaci]

Just because someone may have issues with some of the hypocrisy this or any country practices does not make that person ignorant or unpatriotic. Too say go live elsewhere is a foolish and misguided statement. This was an intelligent poem done with idealistic fervor. The love it or leave it statements or you don't know what you're talking about drivel I've heard many times before with many of those directed at me. I was an antiwar activist after I left the army - I was a wide eyed wonder boy -duty honor country and all that rah rah stuff until I saw the underbelly of war and the fatcats who profited from it. Don't get me wrong I was still a patriot but I questioned my country as you are now doing. I still believe duty honor country but for me the country is now the world.

America is a great country- it has it flaws and its dark side but all in all a great place to live and serve in- I'm glad that there young people like you that still keep this country on its toes- good poem.


my warmest
bob

[bluessadmood]

My friend ,i did not want to interfere ,cause of my sensitive position, but everything you said was so right..
i will not go in details for again i dont have the right ,but speaking in general you are free to speak your mind..
i read some beautiful writings of yours,so i tell you even in most strict dictatorships,writers are given extended allowances to speak ,for they surely
even there are treated differently,and you,all you said i will agree to that hundred per cent..
yes now they will give patriotism as a pretext so as not to ever speak your mind ,which is very wrong..
what you said is true ,very true..
wonderful write..

[Captain Savage]

beautiful poem, our land is a troubled one indeed. Land of Poverty and stress is a great line, unfortunately it is so true.

As for dumbass 1 and dumbass 2 below my comment, it seems your part about freedom of speech with consequences rings true. Even though they don't realize it. Of course you could move out of the country. Or instead of following a dumbasses suggestion, we could try and make our once proud country better. It seems he is suggesting the easiest way out. Poems like this could be a key in fixing our impoverished nation. Good poem

Ryan
Captain Savage

[David Salinger]

The only thing I have to say is that you should pay a little more attention in American Studies and stop getting your news from "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report."

[Mike Hunter is Hilariou..]

Well, dear, if you think America is bad, move to Iran, China or North Korea for a while.

You'll be pretty goddamn glad to live in this country after that experience. I have no doubt about it.

[Dave Lounsbury]

Very well written. Also interesting, being a Canadian most of the American's I meet are extremely patriotic and blind to some of the problems in there own backyards.