Someone lost only a six pack.
I lost my job.

Words been floating around:
extortion
rules
respect
honor
game
love
war
compassion

Someone lost a six pack.
I lost my friggin' job.

Does a true American think
that shit is funny?

Phrases floated around:

"She can use the meds as an excuse..."

"Special needs"

"What can we diagnose her with?"

I wonder how many Americans
have seen the movie Trading Places?

What does it mean to be an American?

I thought it meant that hard work would pay off.

I thought it meant that one could rise above
circumstances,

that nice guys and chicks could finish first.

No promises.
I am who I am
going to persevere
in seeking justice
for my loss on the battlefield,
for the battle
I the woman,
I the civilian,
I the unknowing
never chose.

Any daughter,
sister,
mother,
aunt,
niece
can be dragged into the middle,
into the fray.

How would your daughter,
your sister,
your mother,
your aunt,
your niece
react?

How would you want her to?