(in wake of USA candidate debates)
“America Great Again”
Presumes, first, that America
Was great; second, that
America is not great now;
Third, that the way to save
America is retro-work—to
Move back
Americans (from both
Continents) were majestically
Successful in overturning
At deadly, awful, perilous
Cost the evil that was Nazi
Warring by crazed leadership
America (USA) is great with
Wealth and resources,
Though deserves skeptic
Observation in generosity
And evened opportunity;
and while one can appreciate
What are traditional, even
Foundational, values, the
Way ahead is not behind
Returning to the basics
Doesn’t work—though we
Can move forward to the
Basics, crafting and cementing,
Dreaming and creating these
Anew—this way makes USA
Great for a new time, which
Now is a smarter reason to
Elect then, wisely, move forward
clcouch123 
February 15, 2016 at 5:33 pm
well written, good observation and interpretation. I often wonder about the “Make America great again.” slogan…what exactly does it mean? You summed it up in your first stanza, that it 1. assumes America was once great and 2. that it is no longer great. The ills and failings of our country are neither better or worse than they were “once.” Some of us have no idea what the slogan even means; others don’t care what it means; still others think everything is perfect as it is; others would like to see improvements of their own notions.
February 16, 2016 at 12:20 am
Yes, it’s a slippery phrase. Looks good but has quizzical substance. Thank you!
February 16, 2016 at 12:37 am
well, there are the folks out there that may think an $8 billion wall is a good idea. 🙂
February 15, 2016 at 9:17 pm
Love this! This unoriginal slogan (first used by Reagan and Bush) insinuates that right now, America is not great. What’s making America not great? Sure we have things going wrong but that doesn’t mean we have great things too. Going back is not the way forward that we need. Again, love this so much. Thank you!
February 16, 2016 at 12:26 am
As an educator, I’ve heard back-to-the-basics way too often. What does it mean? Go back to polio and to Spanish flu? We need fundamental skills. We also need to be ready to take part in a changing world. Because it’s always been a changing world. You know this, of course. Clarissa, again, Thank you!
February 16, 2016 at 2:19 am
Woah! What a great relevant poem, Christopher! This is insightful and I just hope a lot will listen to your compelling words.
It is election time here in the Philippines, and we should all vote wisely!
February 16, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Wisely–that for sure! Thanks!
February 17, 2016 at 1:22 am
You’re welcome! 😀