America; Land of Hope?

A novice soldier,
armed with a death machine,
struggles to understand why
war is key to the American Dream.

A confused child of seven pumps
quarters into violent video games.
Winning helps him forget
a home where words ignite flames.

A lonely old man of twenty,
in a dirty, damp but safe haven
searches for an decent vein
to again, chase the dragon.

Hope, that elusive feeling
like an angel climbing a ladder.
It takes strength and faith
tough work for the weak.

It takes a spark,
a crack of sunlight
from under a locked door;
prayer, a moment of clear vision.

Hope means plans, goals,
a reason to exist, our legacy.
It says we walked this world,
shadows of our footprints remain.