America the Beautiful? A poem in honor of those slain in Minnesota
My poetry has become an outlet for the anxiety and sadness that result from learning of each new atrocity being perpetuated against the American people by the lawless regime currently in charge. The latest execution-style murder, that of Alex Pretti on Saturday, January 25, was a sickening display of force. After watching a broadcast by Heather Cox Richardson, in which she commented that it would only take 16 Republicans to stop ICE and 23 to impeach Trump, I wrote this poem.
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL?
A small boy in a bunny hat
Is sleeping behind bars
A woman was shot in the face
While trying to drive her car
A man who helped save veterans
Was killed before our eyes
And those in power responsible
Now spin their web of lies
One senile man who leads
With racist minions at his side
Wreaks havoc on our nation
Whenever something hurts his pride
Now 23 Republicans
Could finally take a stand
To end all this insanity
And bring peace throughout the land
The whole world is a witness
As these fascists cause such pain
Will Congress finally save us
From this lawless despot’s reign?
America, the beautiful
Now hangs her head in shame
And those who longed for “great again”
Are totally to blame
KATHERINE BILLINGS PALMER