what it first meant was:
the strongest buildings still announce bomb shelter
sturdy tan boxes where
before i was born
my parents cousins possible friends
learned to hear sirens and crouch under desks
what it really meant was a blue for freedom
like the seas between us
an arbitrary line drawn in bullet or tank track
red over there, for blood we still desire
what it means now is that a children's tv show
told me to save water.
i choose not to i like the fizz of its pressure,
white with excitement after brushing my teeth
& after the first spit, i cup my hand,
lower my mouth
lips to the water,
ah! how tasty how endless beautiful clean & free