Blessed Be the Nation

Thanks to Pete Seeger for writing this poem that points out the qualities of a nation that is blessed as one where there is more concern about its people rather than profits.

CURSED be the nation of any size or shape
Whose citizens behave like naked apes,
And drop their litter where they please,
Just like we did when we swung from trees,

But blessed be the nation and blessed be the prize,
When citizens of any shape or size
Can speak their mind for any reason
Without being jailed or accused of treason,
Where an end to pollution is not just a dream,
Where factories don't blow poisonous smoke,
And we can breathe air without having to choke,

Cursed be the nation where all play to win,
And too much is made of the color of the skin,
Where we do not see each other as sister and brother,
But as being threats to each other,

Blessed be the nation with health care for all,
Where there's a helping hand for those who fall,
Where compassion is in fashion every year,
And people, not profits, is what we hold dear,