|
American Soil
by JJ JohnsonThere’s American blood on American soil
Closed eyes reflecting the stain of red rain
Burning breeze waves glory atop a flag pole
The scent of rose rake senses with thorns of pain
Columbus discovered slavery and slaughter
Frontiersmen and cowboys we love to revere
Followed in his footsteps from sea to shining sea
So that everyone not white would live in deadly fear
Spilling souls over five centuries
Speaking the science of demise with every last breath
The sword advances to cauterize its wound
Cutting through the bandage between life and death
The time was when only men learned to forget
Tears wept by children of the ungodly enemy
When boys went to school to learn patriotism
Following the trail to the land of the free
At bus stops along the road weapons appeared
Classrooms became the history lessons they taught
With guns in hands that hormones control
Will they live to remember the reasons they fought?
Still war is waged convinced the next is the last
Believing the Lord will forgive their trespass
Failing to look and see who’s been left behind
School is left to teach Death is a grade no child can pass
05/09/2009 Author's Note:
http://astore.amazon.com/seedsandweeds-20
Posted on 05/09/2009
Copyright © 2024 JJ Johnson
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 05/10/09 at 12:00 AM Well, I know I came in here early. I saw it newly posted and leapt in. I will come back, I know. Right off, your very last touch
"School is left to teach Death is a grade no child can pass"
shudders with truth.
I come to your poems because I know your dedication to writing about what matters. I am always better for your observations. This excels, JJ. |
| Posted by Clara Mae Gregory on 05/10/09 at 12:27 AM These words are intense, if not prolific. AN AWESOME WRITE! and sadly the world is not changing for the better before I very eyes |
| Posted by George Hoerner on 05/10/09 at 07:49 PM Very strong write! It represents a truth most don't want to hear and that is why our history only teaches what we want to believe. And, our perspective is lost in what is called patriotism. |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 05/11/09 at 03:01 PM I especially like that beginning stanza - that first line. There is much sad and haunting truth in this, and a strong reminder of how we treat each other. Thanks for that. |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 05/14/09 at 05:45 PM I would change the title to Human Soil. It is the human condition. America has probably exhibited more restraint than any other when it became a dominant nation in the world. It's formation much like that of any other nation--humankind lost its way in Adam's day! |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 05/14/09 at 05:46 PM OOPS! Well thoughtout and well written. |
|
