DEMOCRACY UNHINGED

I have succumbed to fear
Even though we breathe 
The same air

America, the land of the free
Only for the fortunate 
But not for the ones seeking asylum
That looks like me

She stands at the empires gate
The Statue of Liberty 
With her torch of freedom 
Hope and faith 

But that was for the people 
Of long ago 
Those days are long gone 
So the misfortune of today 
Must endure it's blow

Walking for months 
Through dangerous terrains 
My newborn on my back
Seeking a chance to live in peace 
And to be treated humane 

But lady liberty 
Seems to have laid down her torch
That once burned
With the cry of welcome 
Now those that seeks freedom
Are considered a menace and a curse 

The ones that are called 
To protect and serve 
With night vision and guns
Seeks me out as a criminal
Crushing my spirit to be free
Into the dirt

But I love you America
And if given a chance you will see 
I can be a law abiding citizen 
Productive and trustworthy 
In your so called land of the free
And questionable democracy.

Wilford Barker.