The American Flag, It Is You

A symbol of respect, pride, and strength,
not to be ruffled, wadded, or soiled,
to be folded, unfurled, raised for all to see,
as in going into battle resounding victory.

Not to be tattered, torn, or burned in effigy,
rather a symbol of hope to those in bondage,
of hate for those who seek to enslave,
of patriotism to those who guard fiercely,
enshrined with those who died for liberty,
entrusted to each generation to decide its fate,
to be the most loved or most hated,
to be seen in every city, state, and on foreign soil,
wherever seen, America is found.

No other symbol rises above or would be allowed,
representing freedom, recognized the world round,
a powerful adversary to an enemy
a gentle giant to those who are represented.

A symbol of red and white, 
with fifty shining stars on a field of blue,
call it a flag,
in reality it is you.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Fraser Avatar
June 20, 2010 at 5:05 AM
The flag of any country represents all as it should be. When I see the Saltire of Scotland, I always feel an inner proudness. Wonderful poetry Mac > thank you for your kind words on my Blue Rose poem, much appreciated >> James
Mehta Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 3:23 AM
A nice on nationalism and national pride.
Horsman Avatar
June 5, 2010 at 1:18 AM
excellent poem mac, i'm a british born new zealander, and as long as we have people like yourself, we in the free world have nothing to worry about!
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