Ancestor America

do you see a face you recognize
here on the edge of the sea
where you leave
for a new country
america
america
my country tis of thee
stripping away the people of another nation
blighted
lighted with the candles of memory

the ship tossed by the wave
i save the last bit of food
as we go to one more funeral at sea
when will it be me
or my loved one
walking that plank
in a white sheet

100 years but a dream
silent in the waves
silent through the days
i remember it all now
sunken eyes
bones for thighs
and my ancestors
call now to be remembered
while mrs. robinson pleas for those of today
and i sit comfortably
here in america
america the beautiful