A Commonwealth

The common weal, meaning the body
         politic, the well-being of an entity or state.

The state capital, a Sunday in spring: streets
         where, even late in this century, I don't

see too many with my same face. Perhaps 
         transients and students are gone on break.

Perhaps, dark-skinned ones like me are careful
        to avoid spaces where rebel flags with seven

stars still whip high in the wind, shameless 
        declaration and misplaced belief that all men 

are not created  equal. But surely you've walked 
        past the homeless on the avenue, stopped to listen 

to buskers at the train station take a sad song 
       and make it better, through chipped teeth and smiles.