A Nation's Passion Play
by Michael Doyle

From our earliest days, when we dwelt in caves,
We have tried to understand what it is that saves
Our rarest sentiments are served up like a delicacy
These are questionable as we define principled liberty

It is a hard road to pretend we're a civilized country
When we hung on so hard to the viciousness of slavery
Childish illusions struggle and toss around us nearly daily 
Lost in the shame of the great escape, we are betrayed, maybe

We think it bold to speak of freedom with great sympathy
Toward those we don't hold as brothers in feigned empathy
Condemnation is the feeling behind our grasp of freedom
Despite the complexity, we hope we are spared wisdom

Held in the same chains by which we hold any others in
The best we have is the worst of the lesser man's sins
These are insurmountable in flavor that restrain our power
As we bend our bloody knees for moments of our best hours

Civilization, then, is the best influence of a good woman
Who can look us in the eyes and cure us of our inflicted demon
Crossing the stormy seas, barely managing to keep control
Until the power of love manages to hold onto our souls

We think it bold to speak of freedom with great sympathy
Toward those we don't hold as brothers in feigned empathy
Condemnation is the feeling behind our grasp of freedom
Despite the complexity, we hope we are spared wisdom

(c) March 25, 2025   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved