America's Flag

That flag with the blood in it,
purity in it,
loyalty in it.
That flag with the country beneath it,
army beneath it,
people beneath it.
That flag with the rivers in it,
sky in it,
light in it.
That flag over the bank building,
city hall,
neighbor's yard.
That flag hanging from the embassy post,
makeshift war camp,
aircraft carrier.
That flag folded by Marines at a funeral,
aides after a political rally,
boy scouts at sunset.
That flag sold out at stores every summer,
overstocked at Halloween,
out of season by Christmas.

Its colors might fade over time,
but they never run.
Its stitches might fray in the wind,
but they never blow away.
Its spirits might cry when forgotten,
but they never forget.

That flag is mine.