American Song

“I too sing America”
wrote Brother Langston.
How true the words ring!
as I lift my weary eyes in this seamstress song
silent as a fading sun
that will rise again strong
tomorrow or the day after that
for my two girls and son
who learn their English
in a perfect, clipped tongue
that carries them along
far away from their home.
away from their Amma
and from where they belong
lost in the chorus
of this American song.

written c. 4/16/2001