Homecoming

come home my children
issues of my state
spawn of my earth
return to my belly
and let my cloak
of stripes red and white
of crescent moon
and a star to unite
keep you safe henceforth
and comfort your kin
so tears may flow more decidedly
with purpose
with more dignity
on markers of stone
or clay
or marble
whatever form means may allow
and then together
we pray