By Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes

Amerika
is a good idea
that can’t live up to itself
looks better on the page
than in streets

Amerika
promises what it can’t deliver
takes from many
gives to few
is more muscle
than grey matter

Amerika
cares more about money
than the children it folds into flags
believes its own lies
draping truth

Amerika
is quick to condemn
slow to look in mirrors
gives blood
to highest bidders
is too large
for its pants
is ashamed to dance naked
can’t wait to shove warheads down throats

Amerika
Is only human

After all
what is here today
will be on sale tomorrow

Amerika
has hope
knows how to talk but can’t perform
when push comes to love
is worth more on paper
than deeds

Amerika
might measure up to itself
if it stopped putting people down

Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended Herbert Hoover High School and went on to study Religion and Theology at the University of San Diego. His book “Intimate Geography” won the 2012 San Diego Book Award for Poetry. Ish, as he is known, has also written lyrics for German musicians Andrea Hörkens and Thomas Roderburg (Tender Art).

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Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes

Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended Herbert Hoover High School and went on to study Religion and Theology at the University of San Diego. His book Intimate Geography, published by Ragged Sky Press, won the 2012 San Diego Book Award for Poetry. Ish, as he is known, has also written lyrics for German musicians Andrea Hörkens and Thomas Roderburg (Tender Art).

Latest posts by Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes (see all)

• Word’s Out | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 14, 2018
• Political Love Affair | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 7, 2018
• Deer Tracks | Geo-Poetic Spaces - November 30, 2018