Susan's Challenge
Old Glory on splintered pole
the mirror's reflection does not lie
her fabric pulled by greed's control
a promise stitched in freedom's seam
bartered cheap for power's dream
her stars dimmed by angry cries
truth drowned in cunning lies
red runs hot, white is frayed
blue is bruised, trust decayed
still she waits in tattered grace
for hearts to heal, minds to face
freedom simply not a prize
it lives or dies
in how we rise