Art and Poetry by Cheryl McDonald, 2025©
Once upon a time in America the Beautiful
A new society was built
A new way of thinking, equal, diverse, inclusive
All are welcome
Come and build a democracy
Free to imagine, dream, and create
Some called it the Shining City on a Hill
Lady Liberty stood as a beacon of Freedom
To all those who wanted more
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
She called as her light shone across the oceans
Now she stands shrouded in darkness
All that she stood for lies
Broken, tired, and weak
Sold off for parts
A few million here, a few more there
Strangled and left for dead
Barely on life support
Her congress has abandoned her
Giving away their power
Forgetting that they are the balance that keeps it all moving forward.
Wishing for the good old days when life was simple
June, Wally, and the Beaver loom large in their memories of life as it should be
Her president, a clown in a king's clothing
Begs for attention and
Tantrums like a child when he doesn’t get it
Her courts are silent in complicity
Drunk with the power to rewrite laws
That have stood the test of time
Now only uphold the flatulent tyrant
The world cries tears of disbelief and anguish
Can she be saved
Let not Lady Liberty falter
Though cracks appear in her foundation
And her light shines weakly
Her heart is still strong
Those she has saved must come to her rescue
We the people will not be sold to the highest bidder
We, the people, are the true owners of Freedom
And we will not give it up willingly
Stand tall, Lady Liberty
We are counting on you to lead
Guide us through the dark corridors of decay
Till at last, we come to the other side
Free again at last
By Cheryl McDonald 2025©
On to the Next Adventure 