We’re proud to present this spoken word poem, “I Love America,” written and performed by lyricist Alfred Howard. Inspired by an encounter Alfred had with an audience member after he read a piece called “Definition of Patriotism” at an anti-war protest, this poem explores the many things that unite us as a human race.
“I stepped off the stage and this guy got in my face and he was yelling at me. He said, ‘If you don’t like America, you can get the F out of this country,'” says Alfred. “And I tried to have a conversation with him, and he wasn’t willing to talk. And I had this realization that I love America…so I went home that night and I sat down and put pen to paper. I think we have this tendency to just view ourselves as polar opposites…we probably have more in common than different and I think it’s important to explore that, so that’s where this piece came from. When people hear this poem I want them to remember that we’re all brothers and sisters, friends, and family, just trying to make it through life here in America, in the world.”
Through communication and honest dialogue we can start to heal the social fabric of our homes, communities and world. Let’s lead with a listening ear and an open heart and together, we will leave this world better than it was before.
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