for GL
by James B. Nicola
What I know, I know I know.
The News is not for everyone.
I know that when it’s time, I’ll go.
And you know that I know how to use a gun.
And where our leader wants our flag,
you know that I shall want it, too.
My patriotism shall not sag.
And you know I love my BMW.
I know the word “republican”
means leaders will decide for me;
that free elections choose the man
while they reconfirm that you and I are free.
I know that conquest liberates
invaded lands (when we’re not the
invaded land) and celebrates
the greater glory of God and Germany.
James B. Nicola is the author of eight collections of poetry, the latest three being Fires of Heaven: Poems of Faith and Sense, Turns & Twists, and Natural Tendencies (just out). His nonfiction book Playing the Audience: The Practical Actor’s Guide to Live Performance won a Choice magazine award. He has received a Dana Literary Award, two Willow Review awards, Storyteller's People's Choice magazine award, one Best of Net, one Rhysling, and eleven Pushcart nominations—for which he feels stunned and grateful. A graduate of Yale, James hosts the Writers' Roundtable at his library branch in Manhattan: walk-ins are always welcome.