The American Way
Along a stretch of Kentucky highway
The Women’s garden club of Richmond
Mounted a wreath and plaque honouring
American veterans, their virtues, bravery
Sacrifices to democracy, freedom and the
America Way.
“We thank you for your service to your country.”
Further south under a cold cement interstate
Overpass, New Orleans state Troopers were
Rudely herding veterans taking shelter for the night.
Mardi Gras crowds descending on the city
Were not to see the fallen veterans in their dirty worn
Clothes, their vacant dark faces,
vagrant warriors fallen from grace.
Its the American Way
“We thank you for your service to your country.”
On Bourbon Street now protected from car terrorists
Go the party people the drummers and the revellers
The beggars and the veterans seek the allies the sidewalks
And the intersections with their sad dogs, squeegees and cardboard
Signs, asking for deference, seeking some hope,
as the well intentioned businessmen, tourists
and party people walk
Taking a guilty glance, not giving a thought
Not giving a care
It’s the American Way.
“We thank you for your service to your country”
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