born here
clutched in a nation’s hands

not clad
in that nation’s favorite colors

not clad
in that nation’s preferred skin

born here
then pushed aside for counterfeits

replaced for this nation’s needs
by mascot and magic act

replaced for this nation’s mythology
by drunk, savage, earth maiden, elf

born here
in one nation imposed upon many nations

then rooting into 
what lies below that shroud

they thought
their nation had smothered all

they did not understand
they do not understand

they will never understand
what it means to be 

born here
not of this one fleeting nation

but of those
many still here

from before that one
was ever dreamed