My Country 'Tis Of Thee Poem by Maurice Harris

I love my country, why does it not love me?
I ponder my country's import, why does it not, of me?
I sacrificed for Her, why does She not sacrifice for me?
Only the best for Her, yet, why no satisfice, for me?

I have bled for Her but She does not bleed for me;
I love and need Her so, yet She has no need for me!
When I needed Her so-the very most,
She has been naught, but an illusive ghost!

Where is this ever-present aegis She promised?
That for which my whole life has been premised;
Though She surely failed me, I shall not fail Her;
I seek only whole agnize of same, I shall not assail Her!

I now blanket myself in Her most beauteous work-
From this right, er, this solemn duty, I shall not shirk! !

Maurice Harris,15 February 2010