Have you been there?
To that dangerous place.
To the one with a reputation
for darkness and fear?

Have you been there?
To that place you criticize.
And talked to the people you stereotype
when you talk about them?

Have you been there?
To that place you think is so beautiful.
The one with bright sunny sand
and rural poverty you never see?

Have you been there?
To that place that gets lumped with all the rest.
That is forgotten amongst its larger neighbors
who stole its access to the sea?

Have you been there?
Before you think you know
all you need to know
about that place
you already know so well.