The New Reality
Rochelle Hope Mehr
You forget the blood.
But then you remember.
You stand erect
And salute the flag.
You go about your business
And take pride in your work.
You try not to smirk so much.
To be more sensitive.
Anything can offend now.
Dangers lurk in the most unobtrusive word.
You try not to think of risks
From terrorists
And hope that those in the know
Know what they're doing.
You don't have much of a stomach
For the ballyhooing.
Life is short
And you want it to be sweet.
You curse this new reality
Which attends you --
You are willing to be a patriot
But not a parakeet.
