I used to believe

I used to believe
America was big
enough
to equip 
neighbors
of diverging dreams
the balanced freedoms
to design their own destinies

I used to believe
America was kind
enough
to support
folks
of foreign features
the warmest refuge
to enhance our own environments

I used to believe
America was deep
enough
to scrutinize
theories
from assorted angles
with rational reflection
to fashion our own fate

I used to believe
in America

I used to…

I used to
believe
kindness and concern
for the greater good
was the common
American emblem

I used to
trust
knowledge and wisdom
from stable sources
was enough to make
sound decisions

I used to
know
safety and success
were shared standards
we worked on
together

I used to

think