Freedom's Forsaken Refugee

Stepping off fickle railroad ties looking for a new location

Leaving behind thoughtless crowds of angry prostration

Freedom’s forsaken pilgrim refugee looking for salvation

But tonight a place to lay my head, not a final destination

In perplexing nightmares I sadly say goodbye to liberty

Mocked for being proud and speaking highly of country 

Though not perfect we were good from sea to shining sea

But remaining free requires diligence, we have complacency

“Freedom.” It falls from deceitful lips with disquieting ease

From those who aim to repress and those who aim to appease

Twisting the meaning of the word, giving it up by degrees

Maliciously attacking those defending it with their urgent pleas

Intellectuals and elitists decree some speech should be denied 

Since they are in charge it is they who get to decide

By culture and law they enforce compliance with their benighted side

For this we fought a Revolution? For this our bravest died?

They bully and browbeat as if dictated by holy writ

Incomprehensible, but headless people choose to live with it 

I’m past recriminations, no desire to dwell on the split

Call it irreconcilable differences, put the best face on it 

With a new sunrise I'll head out into the wilderness

With fond recollections I'll remember freedoms I now miss

I'll get far away from those who shun the light for darkness

And reflect on what could have been without bitterness

September 2016