Poems & Prayers

These longer poems are about the state of the US as a nation, and McConaughey’s experiences as a citizen within it. 

“Streamers in the Hall of Justice” is based on McConaughey’s interaction with the legal system. In the poem, the speaker must resolve a false paternity suit. Court is held virtually, in an “abandoned library with streamers in the hall” (Line 10). When his accuser does not show up, McConaughey takes the stand, swears to tell the truth, and quickly gets the restraining order. McConaughey expresses dissatisfaction with the legal system; the case took two years to have this day in court. 

In “Pep Rallies,” McConaughey declares himself to be neither liberal nor conservative; he prefers documentaries, believing them to be more truthful. 

“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” bemoans the process of diplomacy. Those who want to be peacemakers see issues in black and white, or in terms of evil and good. It would be better to use neutral terms like “better or worse” (Line 17), rather than invoking a divisive sense of morality. 

“America, Yet” is written in prose. It lauds the US as a country dedicated to becoming better, but notes that the American dream is a paradox: We must pursue equal opportunity, justice, and righteousness while knowing they are unachievable; this struggle is it in itself the promise of the American dream.