Where the Stars and Bars Waves

Looking at the Confederate flag

And considering all that it embraces,

We're now in the middle of a heated debate

As to whether it belongs in public places.

 

Supporters insist that the flag represents

Their heritage, to which they want to hold fast.

To non-supporters the flag stands for

A painful reminder of the past.

 

I try to imagine the feelings of many

African-American descendants of slaves

Who daily face a bitter reminder

When passing a building where the Stars and Bars waves.

 

What do you think? Would descendants of Loyalists

Raise some eyebrows or get some flack

If they remembered their ancestors publicly

By proudly flying the Union Jack?

 

Since the Southwest was once a part

Of Mexico, would descendants there hit a snag

If they honored their heritage by flying

On government buildings the Mexican flag?

 

At issue here are government properties--

Places that should unify our views.

Private property is another story;

People will fly whatever they choose.

 

To love and honor the Stars and Bars,

You have to be Southerner and...Cripes!...

And white, too, and…well, let's just stick with

A state flag and the Stars and Stripes.

 

(7-9-15)