My Respect for the USA

I am an immigrant

from India, living in the USA.

My first respect for the USA came

when, as a young woman,

I could ride my bicycle,

wherever I wanted, without fear.

If today, I know so much

about flora and fauna,

it is because I went to natural places,

all alone,

saw tide in the bay,

cottonwood and osprey,

basked in the smell

of sage and willow,

as long as I wanted

without worrying

that someone will harm me

in any way.

Can an Indian woman say so?

No. Some of them are not safe

in their own working place

in a hospital!

We saw it, when a young doctor

was raped and killed.

My second respect came now.

People who could have

simply downloaded my art

and printed for themselves,

but decided to purchase instead.

When I asked for just $2,

for my time and effort,

they offered $5 or $10.

That's ethical and being kind.

People,

When you help someone

feel safe,

When you tell her,

we see your effort,

it is commendable,

that is Godly act,

that you are looking in

temples, churches, mosques.

Note: I am combination of artist-writer-researcher- naturalist and healthy dose psychology. Heed the words.