Political Poem: The American Dream, by Kevin Irigoyen Penatello

I want to be an American.
I can see it now.
To have a home where I can flourish.
To feel the plush green grass as I step out.
Perfectly guarded by a white-picket fence.
An impenetrable wall to keep the others out.
I’ll know it when I see it.
It’ll feel like freedom.

I want to be an American.
To smile as my children go to school.
No gangs or ricocheting bullets.
Free from indoctrination.
Free from discrimination.
A perfect education.
Unlike back home.
It’ll feel like freedom.

I want to be an American.
Where the government is not corrupt.
Politicians and Police are one with the people.
Under Uncle Sam’s watchful eye,
bribes and deceit are punished,
and the good are set free.
I’ll know it when I see it.
It’ll feel like freedom.

I want to be an American.
Where food is plentiful.
The hardworking backbone of a nation,
laying forth a bountiful cornucopia.
Wholesome and healthy.
Natural and untouched.
Unlike back home.
It’ll feel like freedom.

I want to be an American.
Where fresh water flows to our homes.
Never questioning its purity.
Uncontaminated.
Clear and bright,
like the stars on the flag.
I’ll know it when I see it.
It’ll feel like freedom.

I want to be an American.
I can see it now.
The Land of the Free.
Where eagles soar alongside dreams.
Hope as high as the Rockies.
Horizons ever stretching.
Worries fading into the plush green grass.
I’m just waiting to see it.