as

the Badge of Honor

lies in headline's mire

gasping for breath

wishing it were yesterday

and as

the Cap of Justice

blows in scandal's gale

landing in filth

crying for an alibi

and as

the Vow of Freedom

fades in memory's vaults

swept under rugs

getting in the profit's way

and as

the Dreams of Children

dash on rocky shores

seeing the truth

knowing it was all a lie

and as

the Smile of Respect

turns to killing rage

screaming for blood

falling in this new affray

and as

the Stench of Rotting

spreads through hallowed halls

tainting us all

trying still - to dignify...

we ask: why...?