| Our American Flag
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BxPR
| “I pledge allegiance to the flag and | 1 |
to the Republic for which it stands.” | 2 |
Which is the most beautiful flag one can see? | 3 |
One symbolizing the struggle to keep all free. | 4 |
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So which is the handsomest? Take a guess. | 5 |
The question's subjective, it's not a test. | 6 |
No opinion? Then here're some clues, | 7 |
Ole Glory, stars and strips, the red white and blue. | 8 |
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What's my answer? Well I don't want to brag, | 9 |
but in all modesty it's our American flag! | 10 |
I know that there hasn't, or never will be, | 11 |
another flag that waves to keep everyone free. | 12 |
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Jingoist patriot, or burner, of our flag | 13 |
“and to the Republic for which it stands.” | 14 |
If for the flag your reverence is not | 15 |
then don't call yourself a patriot. | 16 |
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You're not a patriot you're a citizen, | 17 |
a resident of the country you're born in. | 18 |
Patriots honor their nation’s flag, | 19 |
not treat it like some plain old rag. | 20 |
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If your banner's a peace sign, be advised me sickens | 21 |
I call it “the footprint of the American chicken.” | 22 |
While some went away, our enemies to fight, | 23 |
others ran north or protested in fright. | 24 |
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They hoisted our flag and lit it to burn | 25 |
under the freedoms our soldiers' blood had earned. | 26 |
Air Force, Army, Navy, and the Corp | 27 |
protect our country in peace and in war. | 28 |
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From Valley Forge and Tallahassee | 29 |
to Bella Woods and Mount Suribachi | 30 |
Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. | 31 |
Our flag shows the world that we're proud and tough. | 32 |
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“I pledge allegiance to the flag | 33 |
and to the Republic for which it stands.” | 34 |
Patriots stepped up, while protesters ran, | 35 |
fighting and dying in far away lands. | 36 |
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Doing it for “one nation under God” | 37 |
not some self-serving patriotic facade. | 38 |
“Indivisible with liberty and justice for all,” | 39 |
just consider the names on the Viet Nam Wall. | 40 |
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Patriot-warriors always pay the price | 41 |
and no matter what, most vets'd do it twice. | 42 |
Yes, do it again despite any snag. | 43 |
For that red, white, and blue, Our American Flag. | 44 |
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4 Jul 09 |
Rated 5.5 (5.8) by 12 users.
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Inactive (5): 1, 1, 1, 1, 10, 10, 10
(define the words in this poem)
(32 more poems by this author)
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Comments:
Walking point on the comments here... this piece speaks for itself, kinda quirky, yet right up there this morning at" O Dark Thirty" Marines would understand... seems like Marines get a lot of print here at p/c, well that is because; Yeah though I walk thru the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for I am the meanest mother fucker in the valley... J. G. Smiles U.S.M.C. 1965 thru 1969
— goeszon
all flags should be burnt.
— raskolniikov
You can express this opinion because of those who don't believe they shouldn't. Ironic isn't it?
— BxPR
Amen
— unknown
-BxPR-
it is funny how you have been infected with this so called idea that because i have an opnion it's because i live in a democratic society. wrong.
i have seen more people frog marched away for flag burning in the USA and the UK than the middle east, and I have lived in all countries so I am able to testify to that. You americans are just as brain washed with sound bites as the rest of the slaves living under dictators. the difference is yours is just covered in a red, white and blue candy floss deception called 'Freedom'.
— raskolniikov
I've been to five of the seven continents so I am a little aware of different cultures and political realities. And when democracy is threatened it's America and Americans that stand up. And do you now reside in the country which you criticize? I've shed blood in foreign countries for democracy and freedom. What have you done and what country are you from? I can tell you now reside in the state of confusion though. Any one that calls "Freedom" "red white and blue candy floss" is obviously self deluded if not totally confused. Tell me is your idea of freedom colored in the blood of those who have the intestinal fortitude to actual stand up for what they believe? I would say you were the one that's brain washed but in your case it's more like a light rinse. Have a nice day
— BxPR
The poem is good. The notions are obviously heartfelt. I don't agree with all of them. I have been a little jaded by American foreign policy. I think Americans are stuck up and narrow-minded (and I'm one of them!) But I do respect the fact that people fought and died to give me the right to think that way.
— Ananke
A true compliment by someone truly objective and that understands the intent of the piece, thank you. :-)
— BxPR
This could be a country/western song. It's very hearty, very involved with paying respect to a symbol of one countries struggles not only for freedom in life but freedom from the bondage of being uninvolved and feeling safe only because of a name, a place. While I believe this could be shortened without harm and tightened quite a bit, I understand the sentiment. You might want to spell check just a bit, dying, for instance, is not dieing.
— Isabelle5
With all due respect Bxpbr
you had to have known that your poem would stick a nerve with people, not all view the American idea of 'flag and country the same. So i say if you put it out there then you should be able to take what you get for a response.
Is it a poem? if a poem then i will say not too bad. maybe a 7
or a statement? if statement i say find a forum for opinions.
People should be 'FREE" to hold whatever beliefs they choose to hold, and you
have a right to yours and likewise for others.
Only please don't think that all of us feel that Americans have to buy the whole
'we fight for freedom monologue'. There have been many many injustices in this
world that America (those with the power) have turned a blind eye to. The sad fact is that if there is not
any money (oil) or power to be gained - as such, those people can just die.
{Having said this- i am not at all doubting what some believe wholeheartedly
they have done, is for their country.}
By the way, most American flags are made overseas! HEH! HOws that for you?
— unknown
LOL, are you serious or are just being funny? If you're serious then you miss not only the message of my poem but that of what America stands for. And I can take what others comment but by the same token be prepared for my response. This is a poem and my first response is what's your screen name so one can see what your creativity and points of view are. But alas no guts not screen name.
— BxPR
"People should be 'FREE" to hold whatever beliefs they choose to hold, and you have a right to yours and likewise for others" and? That's Liberty which is what our flag represents! "Only please don't think that all of us feel that Americans have to buy the whole 'we fight for freedom monologue'" it's called a poem not a monologue. Again where your poem with your POV? Oh I forgot no guts no screen name, no screen name no confidence about your poems in other words cowardice.
— BxPR
"There have been many many injustices in this world that America (those with the power) have turned a blind eye to. The sad fact is that if there is not any money (oil) or power to be gained - as such, those people can just die." I would check which members of congress voted against U.S. intervention and what were their political party. Take for example the "killing fields" of Cambodia, the "re-education camps" of Vietnam, and the genocide in Rowonda to name some, Most recently who voted for what regarding the so-called coup in Honduras. Check the facts then comment.
— BxPR
As for: "i am not at all doubting what some believe wholeheartedly they have done, is for their country" my question is: I know, not just "believe," what I have done for America and the world so what have you done for this or any nation to express your political/global altruism. I mean real action not just verbal blather about it. If we wanted to take oil no one could stand up to our collective military might ergo we could just take it. But tha's not U.S.
— BxPR
As for the American flag being manufactured overseas. So? the origin of manufacture of a flag has nothing to do with the reality it represents. We are a capitalist system aka the "free enterprise system." What you need is to 1) give your true screen name and not hide behind "unknown." 2) perhaps present a poem representing your view on the flag. 3) take a remedial history course and get back to the adults once you have.
— BxPR
I love the American flag!
— Ebony
"Oh, say can you see..." Weird, I'm Australian and some of us know that anthem better than our own, I reckon. Seriously, you should send this little gem to the makers of South Park.
— CervusWright
"Australians all let us rejoice..." Thanks for the comment CervusWright but Seriously I think a little gem that South Park would enjoy is "My Song"
— BxPR
Politically I am most always left of center and while I don’t agree with all of this, I do agree with some. This piece is well written and heartfelt. As a fellow American—kudos to you for standing up for what you believe in.
— PaulS
Thank you much Paul. That's fair.
— BxPR
You are a true 'patriot'.
— Liliana
patriotism
the last refuge of the scoundrel
— unknown
america stands for slavery.
— unknown
Being "unknown" in Poetry Critical refuge of a scoundrel/coward. America stands for freedom shar'ia law stands for slavery. Anywhere a woman can't show here face, wear make up, can't express any other religion, can be murdered by a father because of perceived violation of religious laws is a country that stands for slavery
— BxPR
Your mother needs to be my slave, I would make her a good muslm. Make her beg like a dog.
— unknown
Unknown, unknown still a coward. I thought muslims weren't allowed to have dogs! But then you're not even a good muslim are you?
— BxPR
the worst kind of nationalist, proto-nazi style propaganda imaginable.
you are supposed to be an educated man who has seen something of life, yes?
it appears, though, you are the embodiment of those human beings who should never be given a uniform, a gun, nor the chance to use them.
— unknown
unknown above-
you're an asshole
— unknown
unknown above
you're an asshole.
— unknown
The real danger today is Islamic fanaticism they get their hands on some explosives and the first thing they do is blow up the elderly, as well as woman and children. They're afraid, as is unknown, to confront someone who stands up to them so they hide, as in this case, giving low scores from the "unknown," badges of courage as I consider them the price to pay for stating the truth. As I've said time and time again "unknown" is a cowardly punk. I've been to Nam and back you think a low score is anything but a minor inconvenience? Please, think again coward. ;-) have a nice day
— BxPR
Unknown, no one in the military, let alone the Marines, is ever "given a uniform, a gun, nor the chance to use them." You earn them, and "earning them" is extremely difficult. You are trained, extremely well, and no one who has earned the privilege to be called, and/or wear the uniform, of the U.S. Marine Corp ever looks for chance to "use" them. But if are we are trained and disciplined to use them. "you are supposed to be an educated man who has seen something of life, yes" then you should know "the worst kind of nationalist, proto-nazi style propaganda imaginable" look to Al Queda and/or the Taliban. Cowards without a flag. But I guess being a coward you've never served in a real military unit so a lot of this is beyond your comprehension. Yes? I'm watching.
— BxPR
muslims are allowed to have dogs. it's backward tradition that says you are not. you need to educate yourself.
— unknown
It is you who needs to educate yourself in your religion. Do you call the Hadith "a backward tradition"? Are you ignorant of your own religion, a disrespectful Muslim, or just inconsistent? And if anything is backward it's the number of poems you've written to date, Unknown lines 19 & 20. I'm watching, have a good day.
— BxPR
I am not muslm and I don't write poems. I merely comment on the crap that others write.
— unknown
If you're not muslim and don't write poems them at least make sure the crap you write is factually correct. So again you need to educate yourself ignorant one. And I am still watching. have a nice day
— BxPR
P.S. I've read your crap and you're right you don't write poetry and you are no muslim. But you are a coward and a liar ergo you post anonymously so those you comment on can't comment on the crap you write. And if you're not muslim tell me, is Muhammad the final prophet of Allah? Not what other muslim think but you say. If you don't reply that tells me you are in fact a muslim. I'll be waiting for the answer. And you need to get a new pair of sunglasses those are so last year.
— BxPR
"If we wanted to take oil no one could stand up to our collective military might ergo we could just take it. But tha's not U.S."
so sorry i have had a life and as such not been able to comment to your rarablah.
The above statement is enough to make me puke. This is exactly right, but there are other countries with the capabilities to blow the shit out others for what they want- and some have. The thing is the eyes of the world are watching, and there are allies which would not sit by, allies that are all tied together, one by one.
It is indeed a small world if you are those with power. NO, dirty work has to be
done more subtly, and under other causes, keep the general public blind to the
agenda. Before you say a word- I have my reasons for remaining unknown, of which do not amount to cowardice, they amount to protection to one's family. I can
assure you that I know of that which I am speaking. Makes no difference to me one bit whether you believe that or not.
goodbye have a nice life, my fellow American.
— unknown
lol the unk above is a coward and an idiot
— unknown
"my fellow Americans"? That is so 60's, If you're going to pass yourself off as American at least get the terminology for the correct century if not decade. And My statement shouldn't make you puke since you are puke. Vomited from your country of origin and you come here to the United states to show your cowardness, ingratitude, selfishness and stupidity. ( see Unknown lines 4-6 for a further profile n you). "rarablah" aka patriotism vs eastern fanticism hmmm a future poem? I'm watching have a niceAnd I'm still waiting on your response to my last question four comments up: "f you're not muslim tell me, is Muhammad the final prophet of Allah? Not what other muslims think but what you say. If you don't reply that tells me you are in fact a muslim."
— BxPR
BxPR
Don't be a child. You are arguing with an unknown. HA HA, shows how really mature you are. This poem is shit, nothing is going to change that.
— unknown
I haven't been a child since I was your level of maturity. And the childlikeness is not giving your user name when you comment, the sign of childlike fear or rather cowardist. And also wanting the last word reply and prove me right. Have a nice day ;-)
— BxPR
Isabelle5 , thanks it's late but I made that correction on line 36 thanks
— BxPR
Truth has a price, so "trees" retaliate. Have a nice day :-)
— BxPR
"Australians all let us rejoice..." Thanks for the comment CervusWright but Seriously I think a little gem that South Park would enjoy is "My Song"
Hey, thanks for reading it! I sent it to them, but they were too deeply moved by my heartfelt confusion, and authentic torment to utilise it. I still reckon they'd like yours. "Freedom costs a buck oh five..." My stuff is way too personal, but I read yours, and feel inspired to watch Bill Hicks. Again. Cool.
— CervusWright
CervusWright I haven't a clue as to who Bill Hicks is
— BxPR
He's from Austin, Texas. If you feel like researching, have a look at 'Revelations' on YouTube or Google vid. Definitely a special man, mourned to this day by many in your country.
— CervusWright
Patriotic! Love it. yes how is Bill Hicks?
— frugal
30' foot of spun aluminum... mounted in concrete and steel... brass ball mounted atop the pole... 5x7 foot american flag... followed by the Marine Corp Flag, followed by the P.O.W. Flag... unfurled to the winds... spot lighted by night, never taken down... my contribution to our country and the city of Beaumont, california ... People sleep peaceably in there beds at night because rough men stand by ready to do violence on their behalf... G.O j.g. smiles
— goeszon
My Complaint for you Poem is maybe good but maybe not good and bad. I see on Telle many flags for USAS and when wars with oil. My father tell me Flag for USAS not only flag but many flags like for United Kingdom and flags for sweden and africa. I see flags for USAS all time and maybe colours nice but picture very ugly. tHIS it my complaint for Poem for seriously.
— leaf
"You can express this opinion because of those who don't believe they shouldn't. Ironic isn't it?
— BxPR"
So completely true.
— unknown
I don't get you at all!
— BxPR
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