This poet used to write beautiful patriotic poetry.

The following sonnet is a fair representation of those works.

Of the questions posed in it, only one can still be answered by its author with a “yes.”

… For how much longer?

*****

America Created Me

Do I serve justice with my every word
And love with every single moment’s deed?
Do I stand out a little from the herd
No present sanction from the masses need?

Am I enabled to pursue my peaceful way
Protected by watchful society?
And when the moment comes for me to say
My own small mite — to do so am I free?

Do I stand tall, and do I move with pride
Independent opinion in my head?
Is my smile joyous, are my gestures wide,
Permitted by my conscience to be led?

My nation is to thank that so I be
For our America created me

*****