by Salie Davis

Homeless vets, forgotten in the news, forgotten on our streets,

They served our nation, The media ignores their battles and feats.

In unity, we can honor them as victims of war, strive to understand,

Their sacrifice for all of us should ensure they never roam,

Yet their plight remains hidden, a tragic national syndrome.

Those who fought for us, now need a helping hand.

Yet homeless Americans and children too, a shame upon our land,

In a world of change, don’t let it overwhelm you, we can grow,

In matters of the heart, love for all knows no bounds,

But children’s innocence should be where our love surrounds.

In schools, young minds are molded, perceptions sway,

Imparting the notion that one’s skin, black or white, must obey.

Truth and science, all colors, both genders, we must always know.

Instead of reversing bias, let us teach that potential’s untold,

That every child’s dreams can break free, uncontrolled.

And then there is innocence lost when exposed to the crude,

Inappropriate content, entertainment, it’s a moral interlude.

Though some may dissent or choose to unfriend,

Protecting our children is never wrong, their minds we must keep,

away from the things that cause innocence to weep.

In the media, in the streets, in schools, the tale of oppression’s spin,

Yet, all should hear, that the American dream is not lost, we can win!

Proclaim out loud, the quest for truth and justice has no end.

Balance, in the media, and in entertainment, is a question we must weigh,

For objective fairness is the game, in all of this, we all must play.

More news, in sports, fairness calls for a level playing ground,

Media doesn’t promote biological differences, facts must be found.

And now, back to the children’s sake, let them be children still,

Men and women competing, let them compete, each with their might,

Let justice prevail, protect the children, and let competition be right.

Locker rooms shared, why is this a challenge we must face,

Why can’t we respect everyone’s privacy with decency and grace?

Children are not pawns in a quest for a momentary thrill.

No boys in girls’ spaces, biological science, it’s a line we must draw,

To ensure all feel safe at all ages, and protected by law.

The media’s voice is prepaid for, and a cacophonous choir,

Pushing narratives that are fueled by a political party’s desire.

Opinions abound, but the minority is louder across the land,

For whichever party in power the media makes its money to uphold,

Ask yourself, why is truth for sale? Why does objectivity grow cold?

Divisions, the politicians dig deep, seeds have been sown by those in power’s seat,

They feed on the hate that they themselves grow, call us cheaters to hide their cheat.

The complexities of this world, they claim we are too ignorant to understand.

In the media’s glare, the simplicity of it, the lies in their narratives entwine,

To blind us through ignorance, to make us divided, and our freedoms to confine.

But we already know the solution, speak your mind, let common sense prevail,

If you want to change our directions, in your voice, the strength of truth shall avail.

If we are to survive as a nation, speak your truth, don’t be silenced by fear,

Be Brave, Be free, though some may dissent or choose to unfriend,

from sea to shining sea, the quest for truth and justice has no end.