Once  I  was  of  this  world  A  lawn  party  in  August  Dresses  flitted  by  Children  played  in  the  shade  along  the  riverbank    I  saw  America  once  then,  Not  in  the  anger  and  frustration  that  destroyed  it,  But  in  the  contentment  and  community  that  built  it,  And  it  was  beautiful.    Fireworks  flashed  in  the  sky  The  men  laughed  and  flipped  steaks  And  the  women  sipped  white  wine,  the  glasses  sweaty  with  condensation  and  neighborhood  musicians  played  together.    The  country  that  was.  Until  it  was  smothered  by  a  toupee.