the streets of Chicago burned

where did you march carrying the flag
in the summer of '68
when the streets of Chicago burned
with a passion beyond hate?
could you hear the voice of your daddy
say "Where is my son?" "Did he die?"
before you took another breath
did you ever wonder why
there were police surrounding Lincoln Park
and a cold wind blew from the lake?
were you enrolled in a great course
or weren't you even awake
when the helicopters flew at night
and the citizen soldiers fought?
when the songs were duty to country
which were the ones you were taught?
did you turn your back and run away
as the smoke burned your lungs and eyes;
and air filled with shouts of wonder
did you hear a mother cry?
into madness with a purple heart
in the summer of '68
when the streets of Chicago burned
with a passion beyond hate
did you take a seat while other boys
in their enthusiasms played
but could not stand the growing noise
and fell silent as you prayed.