A C.L.I.P. of Poems

A dream to be American is such a common wish,
So many folks will risk their lives and end up with the fish
to start anew in this great land, to then fulfill their dream
of living in America, and raise their self-esteem.

There was a fly that was content to live inside his jar,
the only place he ever lived---’twas filled with vinegar;
He thought ‘twas sweet but never knew how others ever dwelled,
or knew what motivated some to drive and be compelled.

Some know there is a better place away from their oppression,
they seek escape with family so they’ll have free expression;
Yet commonplace can creep upon because we’ve never seen
a lesser land, we want much more: Our own “American Dream.”

To want for so much better is okay to dream and such,
but there is no assurance that we get, or need, so much;
To moan and groan because we feel that we have been deprived,
are only whinings and complaints when actually we’ve thrived.

To dream to be American, or have the American Dream --
could they be such great opposites and not on the same team?
We’re not assured, nor guaranteed, to have all that we want;
is it because the Joneses make us envious by their flaunt?

A dream’s a dream, a wish’s a wish, as well a need’s a need;
Living in America doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed.

 Shouldn’t we appreciate our freedoms of a choice --
and we aren’t in some vinegar?  For that we can rejoice!

I wear a hat that is unseen that I cannot escape,
It’s there whenever I’m asleep and stays when I’m awake.
When passing by upon the street I’m careful brim won’t brush
Against a person strolling close so Hat won’t cause a blush.
When saying grace before a meal I bow my head in plea,
But must be careful Hat stays clean because I cannot see.
It would be shameful then to look when Amen has been said
And find that Hat, unknowingly, alas has jammed the bread!

When leaning back and resting on a soft and comfy chair,
Hat still will not come off of me but musses up my hair;
My neck may need adjustments because of the apparel,
Hat can cause restrictions and put me over a barrel.
If I am walking in the sun the brim won’t let me swelter,
But if it’s rainy one gray day this hat will give me shelter;
Any time of day or night Hat earns consideration,
If care is not afforded it there’s cause for complication.

What kind of hat is on my head that it will never leave?
It’s undetectable to some, my choice they can’t perceive;
This hat is called DIABETES, it’s always there with me,
No matter where I go or do---with it I don’t agree.
I’d like for Hat to go away and let my life be free,
But until a needed cure is found that wish can never be.
Some recognize the adornment---others cannot comprehend;
Thank the Lord for special friends when kin don’t understand.

This hat remains upon my head though it I did not choose,
I