Jasmine Standez: “Untitled”

JASMINE STANDEZ

Untitled

The shared sun rises over expansive grasslands, sparkling, snowy mountains peering through shuttered windows, spilling gold on the faces of America.

Bleary eyes look upon our country, the revered place of freedom hoping this will be their day, this their moment.

Sleep shaken away, uniforms donned, truckers snake their silver trucks cross-country, Teachers slide on glasses, the future of America waiting in their classrooms, Farmers pluck strawberries, straw hats palm trees over a desert of crops.

Some bleakly stare at a hazy skyline, hoping for time to make a change. As the ozone layer chokes on pollution.

Dread fills the hearts of those pleading for a future, as unexpected fires ravage hope, floating away with plastics discarded into the sea.

The scars of the past poison today, remnants strangling those who have fought so hard. Dripping blood and sweat for the promise of America only received with its beauty stained by the cynicism required to survive.

And yet. We still hope. Hope for change. Hope for true equality. Hope for a future slowly, slipping away.

Hope not lost, only scattered seeds in a field of stone.

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But alive. Seeking the kiss of elements, a blessing to stretch out roots, a crack in the steely facade.

Shadows of pain leech compassion, spark selfishness. I take what I need to make it. Worn hearts of America close, drowning the budding tendrils of selflessness in cold velvet.

Our roots intertwine but our sunflower faces look to different stars.

And yet.

We long, For our cold-glass country to warm. For unity, connection. To release the spark tightly closed in our fist,

Each person a radiating accomplishment in this lovely land.

For a moment, we all look towards our shared sunrise, our sparks blazing. We all fight for everyone and ourselves Full of love.

The caged wings of America stretch, shine down promise, iridescent in every sparkling eye.

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