Advanced Citizenship

Advanced Citizenship

 

Sometimes I think

I didn’t sign up for this

I didn’t choose to be born

Of this place

Of this time

Of this family from this country

In this world that seems

       so vast and confusing

              And so limited and infinitely finite

But here I am

And who I am

Albeit reluctantly

Is a citizen of a world,

This world.

Where borders, colors, and languages

tell us who we are supposed to be

Where one mans freedom flag, is another’s flag of tyranny

Where my own liberty is contingent upon the way others choose to see me

As 3/5 human, as property, slave, whore or president

Its an interconnectedness I sometimes resent

That who I am must be placed in this subjective context

For others to qualify and quantify

The validity of my existence

But don’t I do the same?

Isn’t it just a part of the human condition?

To seek, to find, to claim my tribe?

To draw the circle around myself?

As much to keep me in as to keep you out?

But if I am truly a citizen of something beyond my country, then what would be my flag?

What would be my anthem?

Would my tribe be a reflection of the united nations?

Would I finally be able to embrace them?

Those strangers who would be my family

Those enemies who would stand with love for me?

I am not sure if I am ready for such advanced citizenship.