this nation has
so many chances
to blind a person
from how
land and sea
appear gemlike
whether up close
or from afar
to how staggering
ideas of its mythology
can become
from musical blessings
bestowed upon
those passing by
to how a random smile
from a stranger
might shift perspective
ease pain
offer comfort
this nation has so many ways
to indulge in camouflage
blood in its soil
is easily missed
is sponged up quick
used to paint flags
