Z-183: The Homeless Veteran's Song: "In A Democracy, Everyone..."

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In a democracy, everyone is the President. Someday,
when I grow up, I will become a Veteran and sleep
in every street. Cold streaks of phlegm along my beard,
my breath will hurt the flies. Make Uncles Ho and Sam
apologize. I’ll roar around the corner in delirium
and drop my quart of Boone’s Farm on my foot.
My tongue will stiffen up, my gorge will rise,
my scalp will sweat and I’ll throw up. But even then
I will preside, over something: I will administer
the filth around my neck; rule my lice; tax my fleas.
I can hire them to bite me, pay in blood.
I can use my wisdom as a force for good.
I’m President Me. Hand in hand in hand, three
years walk straight into the sea: 1963, 1973, 1983.