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I, too, a removable alien

written March 2017

I ,too, am a citizen

Yet the only proof is a paper
Easy target for conflagration
judged high risk pigment
by a force of deportation
by vague executive amendment

My home, naught but a dream
Broad exclusion and bright fear
Amber waves meant not for me
Land of slaves and home of tears
from sea to shining sea

But, I will sing as I was taught to sing:
Lord prepare me,
to be a sanctuary

I will stand as I was taught to stand:
my name upon a list,
to be worn as a badge of honor

I will say as I was taught to say:
I, too, count it as joy
I, too, am a removable alien