the promise of strength

in all its glory, the new world stood before them. 

a wide expanse of green stretching out beneath their feet, 

leading sailors towards an unknown future. 

built on a dream, crafted for a reason so precise it was written out. 

specifically, 

with rules to follow to keep it up. 

but as the paper yellows, 

we lose sight of what it meant. 

to live on our "new" but stolen land. 

to build a place of freedom, 

a home for those who crave the ability to shine as themselves. 

now we watch and wait and stare, 

minds vacant 

creative thoughts fleeting, few and far between. 

we live without observation,

we live without care.

and those who choose to look deeper, 

are silenced and shunned. 

whatever happened to the joy that once was, 

and the hope, 

and the pact that we made? 

what happened to the dreaming and the wondering?

the progress and the love?

and especially 

the promise of strength?