SandScript 2023 [Digital Exclusive]

The American Nightmare
Allegra Aguirre
Somewhere in America a child’s stomach
growls, slowly digesting itself, as if it will
feed them. At the same time someone is
complaining about their food not being
scalding hot. “I’m so sorry I can’t eat this,
I’m on a keto diet for summer and this won’t
work for me.” There are people scavenging
through garbage, their hands stained with the
remnants of poverty.
Somewhere in America a college graduate
stands on the side of the road, using their
freshly framed diploma as shelter from rain,
and their graduation cap as a cup for spare
change. “You did amazing in your interview,
but we need someone with more work
experience.” The thought of debt waits
patiently in the back of their mind, feeding off
words like ‘overqualified,’ ‘budget cuts,’ and
‘inflation’- to eventually swallow them whole.
freedom to pick and choose which people we
want to protect, freedom to sweep our history
under the rug.
Somewhere in America people scream for
change while plugging their ears.
The battle begins with an unleveled playing
field. Privilege and ignorance propel some
forward, while others scratch and crawl
their way to the end, forgetting what they
were fighting for in the first place.
Somewhere in America a soldier’s chair is left
empty at Thanksgiving, Christmas carols are
a reminder of absence, a baby is born without
their father by their side.
In return- memories sentenced to play on
repeat, “Here, fill out this form to see how
much you qualify for.” Soldiers are dying for
our freedom. Freedom to dictate what people
can and cannot do with their bodies,
Inspired by slam poem “Somewhere in America,”
performed and written by Belissa Escobedo, Rhiannon
McGavin, and Zariya Allen.
Flail
Steel & Wood
William Aaronson-Glaab
19