PATRIOT games

star-spangled yards filled with

red, white, and blue

colorful porches

yellow ribbons

diverse

with subtle undertones of

segregation

"We are the real Americans"

implying that you are not.

We took it back.

Lapel pins become a patriot act

the banner appropriated

symbols replace ideas

do not question

do not dissent

it is un-American

terrorist - a word used to terrorize

neo-ideals wrapped in a shroud

oh say, can't you see?

you're either for us, or against U.S.

either way

you are not a part of Us.

We took it back.

One proud November evening

a people speak as one

a spirit rises, a spirit older than Old Glory

born in Boston's harbor

in Lexington and Concord

in Philadelphia

in schools and churches

in living rooms from coast to coast

and again we saw

the governed revoke their consent

a destructive government abolished

cheering as the stars and stripes wave in the street

on a morning when the dreams of a nation are realized

We took it back.

It is ours, once again.



11/4/2008 - J. Nelson Watts

(J. Nelson Watts' blog is The Fickle Sickle, where some of his other writings can be found. - kw)