Make America Great Again

July 4th, 2024

Pro America Rally Parade, 1939, NYC

There is a man in the red hat at the gas station.
He’s the same age as my father,
Acting like I did when I was in the closet.
False confidence, loud talk.
He’s holding his keys so hard,
His knuckles are white.

This November he will vote for the man
Who promises a world he remembers
When his body was whole,
His life laid out before him.

But at the altar of decision,
He chose HVAC.
He doesn’t think it was a choice,
Just how things worked out.

This November he will vote for any man
Who promises; Again.
He’ll do it despite his son’s careful conversation.
Despite his daughter no longer calling.

He’s so angry America changed,
After he couldn’t.
Time used to be a promise,
Now it’s a threat.

I’m supposed to hate him,
But I’m also afraid of dying.
So at 37, I kissed her.
My life is starting as his ends.
Our taxes pay for the same school.

If I was braver,
I would take his hand and say,
Nothing you take from me,
Will give you more time.