Kurt R.A. Giambastiani

When we say that
This is not who we are
it is a lie

It is a lie
either clothed in chosen ignorance
or shrouded in collective aspiration

It is a lie because
we have been
all despised things

We have been
enslavers of millions
slayers of tribes
droppers of atom bombs
poisoners of air and water
oppressors of women
pillagers of nations

We have placed our knees
on necks of every color
at home and abroad
without remorse

We have ignored
friends’ pleas for aid
and denied entry at our borders
to those fleeing the same brand of tyranny
that birthed our nation

It is a lie
of the cruelest kind
when in denial of history
we believe the false is truth
to burnish our vainglory
whilst nodding acceptance
to our forebears’ crimes
absolving them
as ourselves

But even when uttered
swaddled in hope and
dreaming of a brighter future
it remains at its heart a lie
an unsubtle recasting of this moment
as mere aberration
and not the legitimate child
of centuries-long parentage

So do not tell me that
This is not who we are
for unless This is completely new
unseen before today
a crime unique amongst the millions
then it is entirely
who
we
are

Tell me instead
with all knowledge of our past
with all humility for our flaws and sins
with passion born of honest reflection that
This is not who we want to be
for then you will have spoken a truth
and gladly will I add my voice to yours