If This is America

If this is America,

All I’ve been taught,

As a student in school

Or in life, adds to naught.

 

If this is America,

Fairness and truth

Are mere follies we bandy

About in our youth.

 

If this is America,

Bullies may rule,

With justice expected

By only a fool.

 

If this is America,

Decency’s out,

For power and flattery’s

What it’s about.

 

If this is America,

So much is wrong

That all I can think is

That I don’t belong.