ROETHKE'S AMERICA

To dazzle in verse
an early bird America
where no utopias
need apply
for bread line crumbs,
goods are available
to bird and human,
just work out each day
at the edge of sunshine
in a muscled time
by speechless rivers
grow up
near apple meadows
under a common brown tent
let each seasoned citizen
be vigilant in their nature
to enjoy this poet's signs,
bringing your blue guitars
to the noonday picnic
on a transparent earth
of Evergreen trees
beyond a lake shore
lovers expect the best
for their futures
with no downhearted way.