To My Country

To my country,

I have grown from your soil

Took root in your values

Attempted to grow

But as my leaves spread toward the sky,

I was nurtured by education

In the digital age

And I learned that my soil was becoming toxic

Politicians poisoning my self-worth and rights became apparent

I wanted nothing more than to uproot,

To change potted points of view.

I will always love opportunity,

But reject hate.

There is no room in my veins for anything but love.

Endlessly spreading into the soil,

Hoping to one day flood the chemicals out.

Allowing a garden to flourish.

Love,

Your withered flower