Canada, oh Canada, our neighbor next door,
You used to vacation here, but alas no more.
To Mexico and the Caribbean you now fly,
Your friendly demeanor we are sadly denied.
Tariffs rose and fell we did decree,
And finally you had to disagree.
And tho we’re still a powerful nation,
The drift is subtle to degradation.
For even Europe our longstanding allies,
Has turned its back against hurtful lies.
Does the fall of an empire happen overnight?
Or can citizens wake up and change their plight?
It takes strong minds, and bold hearts to deploy,
A society that cares for they, girl and boy.
Where education health and food on the table,
Are shared by the fit and differently able.
Yes, Epstein’s a tragedy we must pursue,
But justice grows strong with a principled crew:
People with less private greed on their mind,
And a democratic spirit to lift humankind.
But all is not lost — I’m hopeful still;
America bends, but it has the will.
We’ve walked through darker hours before,
And found wiser paths worth fighting for.
The better angels still have a voice;
Democracy lives in the people’s choice.
So lift your face and take your stand —
Not in anger, but hand in hand.
Together, steady, patient, and true,
For with our courage, shape the world anew.
Val Gee
Oak Park
