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American Tragedy
by Michele Schottelkorbsomething smells of treason here
in our vast and tiny universe
hatred breeds contempt
(bleeds the innocent)
blame your truths on one man
could be a million more
no responsibility
for defending our back door
loyalty is scarce in these parts
on the soil when humans died
your freedom seized for granted
what troubles you inside?
look to purple mountains
and each shining sea
embrace your heritage
be your clan here one generation or three
fight the good fight
for isnt it all relative?
choose your blasphemous words wisely,
my friend
occupation is selective
if you hate your country
as so many swear they do
then please, take that one-way trip elsewhere
America doesnt need you
i tire of all these traitors
elitists who benefit from that which they loathe
give our country back to those who love her
i beg you, disdainful turncoat, please
go away
an American Tragedy i speak of
tarnished red, white and blue
by vicious rancid tongues and liberal ignorance
soiled sacred land of the free
my heart weeps for those who gave their lives
so those who do not care
have the right, choice and freedom
to annihilate that which they expropriate from
hear my plea to look deeper and remember why we are here
on this blessed day in our history
recalling what was meant to be
and seeing all we were meant to see
sow a thought and grow a tree
be grateful that your mind, body and soul are free
and maybe, my American Tragedy will end in bliss
fly your flag, give your neighbor a kiss
and spread a tiny beseeching wish
each human soul dance in a human tryst
hatred vanquished, love in the midst
07/04/2004 Author's Note: the erractic rhyming of the poem is on purpose...
Posted on 07/04/2004
Copyright © 2025 Michele Schottelkorb
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Amy Wustrin on 07/04/04 at 09:10 PM On my favorites list, definitely! |
| Posted by Dana E Brossard on 07/06/04 at 07:16 PM Very well done =) |
| Posted by Lori Johnson on 07/08/04 at 09:15 PM I am SO laughing right now b/c I caught the erratic rhyming pattern & was loving it, planning to comment on how it added so much to the piece, then saw it in your authors note!
At any rate, the rhyme scheme gives a feel of confusion, which adds so much character to the piece b/c it IS confusing how people can be so against a place in which they reside. I've given up trying to understand why so much complaining, yet nobody gets their butt off the couch & does something about it!!! *ugh*
Excellent poem, riled up lots of emotions (as you can tell). :)
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| Posted by Laura Doom on 07/13/04 at 10:02 PM Perhaps it's nationalism that constitutes the problem - ie not an issue confined to one particular state (or States). Lines, when drawn as boundaries, may embrace those within, but they can also alienate those 'without'? |
| Posted by Joan Serratelli on 03/19/09 at 01:40 PM Timely write. I wish more people think the way you do- it would be a better place to live! |
| Posted by Philip F De Pinto on 09/22/16 at 02:44 PM Congratulations, Michele, on POTD. This ode is simply marvelous and soul driven. |
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