The Stars and Stripes
Perhaps you fly the flag to show you are
a patriot. Perhaps you fly the flag
to mask that you are just the opposite,
the agent of a hostile power. There
are other possibilities. But let
us say you love your country, and to fly
the flag declares your love and loyalty.
The country has been good to you: new car,
nice house, no doubt a strongbox full of swag,
a trainer in the gym to keep you fit,
surroundings with clean water and clean air,
a hedge groomed like a plush exotic pet,
a pergola to frame your swatch of sky—
The red stripes set it all off beautifully.