Sheila's Dribs 'n Drabs

Let those in power no more have power to take us from our homes. Let those with weapons no more force us out to walk their way. Let those with money nevermore demand the tax we pay. Let freedom ring... Till those with power incorporate and with their cash persuade.

He’d worked so hard, epitome of the American dream. He dreamed it just the way we told him to. And if you try… and so he tried, until the day he knew, “It’s not for you.” Should he “return” to where he’d scarcely been, discard all hope? Or hide instead?

First comes the music, then DVDs, pictures of famous immigrants promise how well you’ll succeed. The judge arrives and everyone stands. He calls you fellow citizens and welcomes you by name. There’s a certificate, hard-earned and long-desired. Then you recite the pledge. You’re someone new, and yet, somehow still you.

There are stars tonight, like flowers in the clouds. Bright reds and whites and blues, fire-spangled hues. They drip designs like rain. Loud crashing thunder; hear the cannons roar. Fast-spraying rifle-shot at soldier’s hand. Come to the fore. And here’s a man sets flame to firework’s train. Let freedom reign.

Children stood, hands on hearts, facing the wall. After a while she realized they were facing a flag. They said a prayer, and after a while she realized it wasn’t a prayer; they weren’t praying to the flag. Red white and blue hung in church too. Changing country’s so confusing.

Red ink for mistakes. His fingers shake. They’re gonna call his name. White-knuckled fear. He hopes he’ll hear the questions, get them right. Blue fingers cold with worry now. They’ve taken him inside. He’s failed his fingerprints? Come back next time. Till they print right there’s no red, white’n blue.

Red ink for mistakes. Your fingers shake. They’re going to call your name. White-knuckled fear. You hope you’ll hear the questions, get them right. Blue fingers cold with worry now. They’ve taken you inside. Yes, you speak English. Don’t be frightened. Passed! The flag’s red, white and blue for you.