I only speak for myself,

call it a selfish uprising,

I’m confused, battered, saddened, hypocritical,

burdened by some, mocked by the rest,

certain to be the brunt of many wisecracks,

disrespected for my ability to protect, serve,

less thoughtful then I’d like to be,

given the nature of this scrutiny.

I was once proud, held allegiance to many,

began a movement that created a freedom,

recognized the beauty of inclusion,

and even that simple truth,

no longer exists on the streets, in the classroom, at home,

because we are all wrapped up in the chaos,

I worry about the future, not because of my strength,

more due to my self-esteem, my need for validation, my responsibility

to hold up our confidence in global liberty …

The leaders of my dream, I’m curious,

I don’t even know who they are anymore,

Where am I,

this is not my United States,

Where is my America?