Is this my country?

Disbelief
what am I seeing on this screen?
 
Flashes,  sparkles
Hastening to moments
almost forgotten
yet eternal

A blossoming young woman
Could it be? Yes.
Stands there. Right there.
Hallowed halls before me
where freedom is written
A country’s deepest core
Reverence
Awe
Silent prayer

A little girl, dancing with glee
Colonial dress brushing against my legs
Spinning
Bicentennial in a 6 year old heart
Pride
Belonging
Joyful prayer

Older eyes open
More scenes on the screen
This?
Not this.
Not there.
I never thought
This?
Screams echoing

Hours later.
Yes!
Pride
Silent prayers
Beginning to be answered

True colors shown.
Seeing clearer
Angles
Shadows
Light
Strong Lines drawn

This
Is still.
My country.