You Can't Poem by Jim Yerman

He stood in the line to be processed…one old man with hair of gray
They were deciding who would've to leave our country
and deciding who could stay.

You have to answer a few questions first…the man behind the counter said
The old man looked the questioner in the eye
smiled then nodded his head.

They make us ask the easy questions first…So…for what it's worth.
Can you tell me the name of the place you were born…
The old man answered…Earth.

The questioner looked at the old man…wondering…what am I to do…
then asked the next question…what is your race?
It's human…just like you.

The questioner readied the next question…now thoroughly appalled
What are you politics he asked ready to write…
Why that would be freedom…freedom all.

And your religion? The questioner asked
wondering what this man could possibly be thinking of…
The old man smiled again and said…
My religion…why that would be love.

Let me get this straight the questioner said
now becoming a little inflamed…
You're birthplace is Earth…you're human, …freedom is your politics
and love is the religion you claim?

If everyone answered like you…how can I tell you apart?
the questioner asked in a rant
A smile filled the old man's face…
You can't…he said…you can't