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I feel like a frontiersman
Seeing the terrain for the first time
Looking upon the outskirts of the continental plains,
Dreaming of the Pacific Coast on the expanding western horizon

Wondering what I’d imagine
Of the world as it is today

Wondering if I would marvel
Over a children’s playground
Or become puzzled over its intent:
For all the children I know
Amuse themselves in the countryside
Of their own imagination
And play hide in the seek
In the grasslands and corn fields
Stretching out for miles

What would I think of lighthouses?
Guiding the way for cargo ships
Returning with a full bounty
Or sailing into the rough seas
Transporting crops and technology to foreign lands

Would I be amazed at a butterfly kite riding the wind?
As enormous oil barges come into the sound
Bellowing below rainbow breezes

Would I have the time inquire
Into the verse of men and women
Scattered across the steel and glass landscapes
Of Johnny Apple Seed dreams?

Would I stand in awe of the stars and stripes
Flapping across the winds of modern history?

And what would I think about a world economy?
And the stock market sanctuary?
And of the endless wars spilling blood and hatred
Upon the battlefields of the almighty dollar
Doused with culture, religion and greed?

Would I speculate on the half-truths?
Uttered by leaders and neighbors
Attempting to justify the reasons of their iron masks
Hiding behind utterly maddening motives

Whatever I would wonder
I hope I would never lose sight of my dreams

Or lose the desire to forage on
Like many of the settlers surrounding me
Are beginning to feel