America, oh America
Jazmine, I hope you remember to open this time capsule
To read this poem, and tell me if our country is still a haggle
To live in because of its unfair system
The country where you get dirty looks for being a victim.
America, land of the free
America, home of the great
America, the place where we can feel safe
America, oh America, how magnificent you are,
With your big stars and your fancy cars
The place where all men are created equal.
Except for you standing over there.
Yes, you, with the long, silky hair.
You will not get as much money as man,
But that’s okay; at least you’re not tan.
If you were tan you would get even less
If you were darker you would have to watch your back,
Afraid of the cops who have the power to arrest.
We live in a country where wearing a short dress
Is the equivalent to asking for sex
Where only three percent of rape cases are successful
The statement above makes me feel stressful
And scared, don’t forget scared
Scared because I’m not prepared
To live in this nation on my own.
America, oh America, how magnificent you are
With your prejudiced ways that leave unattended scars
I hope you survived
Without being completely deprived.