I

I have become a part of

this nation where nothing

can be said or done

to reverse any of the claims

we have made or to resolve

any of the holes we have dug.

I have become a part of

this nation where culture

is to be determined by

popular belief and religion

is considered a matter of offense.

I have become a part of

this nation where we’ve made

more steps backwards than forwards.

We’ve stepped on more toes than

held hands and we’ve put more men

in cells than in college.

But I am not with this nation.

My heart and my mind are not

in this nation. We are this nation.

We have become a part of this nation

where everything is well that feels well.

Nothing is well.