The wind blows.
The metal chain
clanks against
the flag pole
and at the top
the colors unfurl
red, white and blue.
Our flag
stands for one nation,
our states
united in liberty,
freedom, truth,
justice. The flag
of these United States
has a long history.
Each time I see
our flag waving
I think of
more than our flag.
Thanks to you
for helping
to keep
our country free.
What do you think of when you see a flag? Fireworks, baseball games, parades? Can you write your own "flag" poem today?
Such clear images in those first lines. I can hear the clanking on the pole. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Doraine.
DeleteThat flag pole clang and the smell of the lunch room are two of the most evocative memories of elementary school I know.
That clanking sound is so perfect. I hear it right now.
ReplyDeleteHey Amy,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Can you smell the paste in the classroom too? How are the baby lambs? What are the names of all the new ones? Someday I must come for a visit to meet them all. Have you tried writing a poem for each of them?
A common sight shown in an uncommon way. Great flag poem. =)
ReplyDeleteBridget, thank you. My daddy was born on Flag Day and so it has always been a special occasion in my house. We got to put the flag out for Daddy's birthday. Nothing like having a visual reminder for important days.
DeleteWe just installed a new flag pole at school in honor of a staff member who passed on last fall. Your poem reminded me of that special day and of him. There is an enormous flag that flies from a car dealership on a street I often drive down, and I love seeing it wave in the breeze. Our flag is indeed important to us, and thanks for writing about its importance, Joy.
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you for sharing your stories about flags. I'm starting to wonder when wooden flag poles were replaced with the metal ones. And why would flag pole sitting ever become something trendy to do?
DeleteWhat a special way to remember a special day!
ReplyDeleteHey Linda, now you've got me thinking I need to do an etymology search on the phrase, "Let's run it up the flagpole and see who salutes." I'm sure it is one of the many that comes from defence spending in the military. But maybe not. I wonder when it was first introduced.
DeleteYup, me too -- love the clanking chain!
ReplyDelete