The Ugly American
When Europeans first came to America, it seemed to be their role...
To reach out with both hands, for all the goods and lands they stole.
When our nation was founded by men of vision...
They spoke out, their king showed them nothing but derision.
The colonization by troops and taxes imposed were so unfair...
Liberty from him was declared, fought for, and taken from there.
The thefts of that king were small by any means...
To the way we have treated our fellow Americans.
We continued to take the Indians' lands...
Never thinking twice, of the blood on our hands.
We greeted the black man with whip and chains...
Can we ever remove the ghosts of their pains?
Yes, we drenched our land red with blood to set them free...
But prejudice remains, even after more than a century.
We have helped set so many peoples free with our aid in war...
Have we forgotten at home, just what was fought for?
"Ours is the greatest country" we tend to shout...
Yet, the Ugly American still lurks about.
The world watches us with wonder and awe...
Many hate or envy us, because of our human nature's flaw.
Many cast for hope, but reel in despair...
The things we do to others, we must do with better care.
The Greatest Generation the world will ever know...
Is slowly dying, their life's light passing out, as darkening embers go.
If our nation should have learned anything...
It must be that millions suffer to have Freedom's Ring.
Our understanding and compassion will go a long way...
To let them see, the "Ugly American's " face, as not so ugly one day.
Copyright © Daniel Cwiak | Year Posted 2010
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