American Dream

Lord, help me give up on this American Dream.
I don’t want a white picket fence
around a front yard no one plays in.
Where comfort is king
and we stack things that we can die with.
Where we store stocks and bonds in mutual funds
while brothers live in poverty
Where we’re swallowed up in vanity!
Where we’re devoured by security!
Lord, help me give up on this American Dream
It’s about my worth
my wealth
my safety
my health
my privilege
and my property
Lord, help me give up on this American Dream
I’m looking out for me
and mine
and me
and mine
and me
and mine
and me!
How did I end up here?
Sinking roots so deep so you won’t move me?
Building my own palace so I can be king?
Father, take it from me.
Lord, help me give up on this American Dream
“God helps those who help themselves!”
”You know, I have my own bills to pay!”
Lord, help me give up on this American Dream
With a clever #hashtag
and a humble brag
I can clean myself up
with a filthy rag
Profile picture of the American flag
Quick selfie
while I donate this sleeping bag
To a street sleeper still wearing his dog tags
Or are they wearing him?
Lord, help me give up on this American Dream
I drive by cardboard signs
and unemployment lines
On my way to the shopping mall
I’m paying off this college degree
that got me this great job in a cubicle!
It’s safe in here, boxed in.
How did I end up here?
Sinking roots so deep so you won’t move me?
Building my own palace so I can be king?
Father, take it from me.
Leave my hands with nothing.
But you.