I was born
here in a Capital place,
as in DC, or so I'm told
by the yellowed scrap of paper
embossed with a seal,
which Birthers might say is forged,
but it's not, and that's
a happy circumstance for me,
because I hear folks like me
are different, maybe even
exceptional,
and with that lone American
difference comes a boat load of perks,
including the right to say
I don't see any difference
when it comes to simple
appearances,
but I do feel different
than those who want to speak
in the name of the same
old stupid conceit
that some belong
and some don't,
all the while they search
for differences
and seize on the might
to drive wedges
between us,
and if they end up driving out
our differences with this crocked-up
lack of a due process
cloaked in the flag, well that would be
the real crime.
It's the final day of NaPoWriMo, an occasion marked with the mixed emotions of satisfaction, relief and a touch of sadness. Today's prompt from ReadWritePoem isn't really a prompt at all, but a free day (and farewell). A huge thank-you to the folks at RWP, without whose nudging this would have been much more difficult and much less interesting. Unfortunately today marks the last day of the RWP site too, and it will be missed. As far as this poem, I generally try to steer away from political commentary, but some issues demand a reckoning, and yesterday's news-inspired piece got me lathered up. Thanks to everyone who played along or commented during the 30-day Challenge, and I hope to keep the poetry rolling well beyond April.
17 comments:
I love that word flibbertegibbet!
Not sure I understand all the ramifications of your latest poem, being a benighted Brit living in France. But it may have something to do with the change of tone when I tell a Frenchman I was born in London. Is that it?
America is such a complex place, with a fascinating history. The creoles, etc, so interesting for a foreign language-nerd like me.
This poem runs effortlessly and I really like the narration. I think I know what Arizona drink you mean.
I am surpised to hear that the RWP site will close down. Quite sad.
I've enjoyed reading your poetry, and
seeing your illustrations. Thanks for visiting my blog, too. Check in sometime.
You see Francis that is what happens when you allow foreigners
to comment on your poems...we aliens cannot understand your politics. I am comforted to know that you have a yellow birth certificate from Washington...I am sure it makes all the difference:)Arizona..that's where the cowboys live isn't it?
Hi Francis,
Life is rarely a bowl of cherries anywhere in the world but when it comes to a melting pot, the US seems more welcoming than most. Always assuming the migration is lawful. Is that not a proper reading?
This is why I don't venture into political poetry very often ... it requires too much background information :). In very short summary, the poem is in response to an Arizona law that enable the police to stop anyone who they think "looks like an immigrant" in order to verify their paperwork. The problem is of course, there's no way to tell a legal immigrant vs. an illegal immigrant vs. a citizen. So it's just a way for some politicians to score points with a voting base frightened by immigration, and harass innocent people with probably unconstitutional search and seizures.
I'll be back to to respond to the individual comments a bit later. I hope all my foreign visitors will excuse this lapse into US domestic issues.
We like ur political views Francis,
even if its in poetic form! you are so well- informed, we appreciate your sharing of information with us!saingem
@Viv These are strange times in the US, but it's a little comparable to the politics of the parties such as the National Front in France. Their scapegoating immigrants for the economic problems we've been experiencing here.
@Jenny America can be very unique both in its history and its often contradictory political impulses. The title is a pun on that Arizona Iced Tea soft drink. I missed the announcement so I don't know exactly why RWP is shutting down. It was a big surprised to me when I heard.
@1965 Thanks for your visits too. I enjoyed reading your poetry and I'll definitely be checking in regularly.
@Rall You're much better off not understanding these politics. My birth certificate used to be nice and shiny, but time has its way with all of us. Arizona used to have cowboys now it mostly has retirees.
@Derrick Most Americans are very welcoming of other cultures but there are also a group of folks (like those in Arizona) who like to scapegoat immigrants (both legal and illegal) for the lack of jobs and other social ills. It's mostly about politicians exploiting people's fears to misdirect their anger and gain votes.
@Kay Thanks.
Francis, this is very nicely done! Your point is well made to open ears. And, I can definitely relate to your choice to steer clear of politics, as well as the way some things just draw you in. Bravo!
It's always a pleasure to read your work.
Shari
@Smita I'm glad you like the poem. I don't usually like to write things that are so narrowly focused that they're lost on people unfamiliar with the subject.
@Shari Thanks so much. With the absurdity of the political situation in this country right now it's hard to stay completely out of it.
well done again Francis....thanks again for all you words...game on tomorrow...GO NUCKS....anyways...hope to see you on the other side somewhere..chers
I am in Australia, but I understand.
Profiling is rife everywhere.
Airports as well as day to day patterns of life and policing.
I think it is good that there is some reaction. The worst and best of expressions. Australia too has a mix of tragically racist and gently inclusive moments.
Francis,
It is a damn shame what they are doing in Arizona. I live in Mexico as you know and I have spoken with some of the people here in regards to what is happening there. I have enjoyed reading poems over the past 30 days. Thanks for your comments. I hope to continue sharing with you.
Pamela
I thought this piece was impressive in how you used bluntness and subtlety in effective balance. Even the use of the " they" did not suggest a powerless experience of a monolithic entity.
I liked following your April project, perhaps belied by my minimal commenting, and quite admire your commitment.
Bravo for this Francis it is very good. It is true with poetry and sometime with blog posts even one has to know the history or of previous things said to understand, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
@Wayne The hawks didn't fare so well in that first game, but there's plenty of series left.
@Lucy It's intellectually lazy to jump to conclusions by jumping people into very broad categories, but we all have a tendency to prefer laziness.
@Pamela I'm taking a couple days off to regroup, but after than I'll be back at the poetry and checking out what all my pals are up to.
@Harlequin Thanks... it was a fun commitment, and I liked getting in the habit of writing something everyday. I'm going to try to keep doing that, even if I do post everything I write.
@Cooper Yeah, I guess I worry too much about these posts being accessible to everyone, and for some reason I seem to have as many foreign readers as I do American ones.
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