ode to an effigy

when i look at you, when i look at you
what do i see? what stands before me?
when i look at you, when i look at you
i see my heart’s desire, i see the world on fire
all the plans and potential seem to glitter and sway
all the pain and decay seem to wither away
for you promise nothing less than a world filled with love
a place in which justice prevails for us all
a home in the heart for the poor and the small
but, then i look at you, then i look at you
and, what do i see? what stands before me?
a ghost of a dream of a world which was ours
a lovely illusion that we held such powers
a chance to do nothing but bow down to you
while the real world continues to crumble in truth
when i look at you, when i look at you
what do i see? what stands before me?
when look at you i feel my heart retire,
i feel the straits are dire
for you gave us nothing but shrines of deceit
as you lined your pockets with blood from our streets
and you would now have us believe you a king
messiah--a liar--who rapes spirits at whim
now, when i look at you, when i look at you
what do i see? what stands before me?
when i look at you, when i look at you
i know my heart’s desire, i know the dreams aspire

© 1993 by Marina Ortiz

(¿te gusta? pues toma más)