I SWORE

Sometimes you have to go where you wish you didn't. This first appeared in Epistemic Lit Issue 8 - Righteous Rage: https://epistemiclit.com/current-issue/

In a time of war I took an oath
to serve my country and its constitution.
If called upon today to take such an oath
I would have only questions:
      Am I white enough to serve?
     Am I your version of Christian enough?
     Can I swear fealty to he who would be emperor?
     Can I turn my back on ethics?
     Can I offer no compassion to those in need?
     Can I demand more for those who have enough?
     Can I aid in the erosion of the Constitution?
    Can I find a compassionate, democratic place
         that would accept me when I
        refuse to aid and abet the slow,
       painful destruction of the nation
      I once took an oath to serve?