Flag (John Agard)

What’s that fluttering in a breeze?

It’s just a piece of cloth

that brings a nation to its knees.

What’s that unfurling from a pole?

It’s just a piece of cloth

that makes the guts of men grow bold.

What’s that rising over a tent?

It’s just a piece of cloth

that dares the coward to relent.

What’s that flying across a field?

It’s just a piece of cloth

that will outlive the blood you bleed.

How can I possess such a cloth?

Just ask for a flag, my friend.

Then blind your conscience to the end.

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