Each country has its symbols, flags, distinctions. We let these things define us, divide us, when in truth, most of us want the simple things: connection, care, peace.
thinking the country I lived in exceptional,
above all others, believed the history I was taught
not realizing it was incomplete, inaccurate,
slanted towards building the narrative
that would keep us all believing.
I see my country clearly now.
America is a place, a land defined by borders set
as colonizers pushed, killed, claimed
until from sea to shining sea
we had it all, united.
That word feels true only when disaster strikes,
tears are shed, and war begins
to do unto others as they did unto us,
or to make a few bucks in the warring.
The illusion of patriotism keeps us willing to fight,
confident in any cause presented as defending freedom,
chained to an ideal.
Imagine the difference if there was no love of country,
if borders defined for governance
did not govern the care we have for others?
What if we looked beyond the flags we fly,
saw the souls beneath them
and in them, saw our own?
Countries change as wars are fought,
as laws are changed,
as money moves from hand to hand,
but love of people should stand above
the flags of every country.
Poetry by Melinda K Zarate
Read 13 times
Written on 2026-07-05 at 17:15
Tags Country Love Peace
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The Flag of Love
I was proud to be an Americanthinking the country I lived in exceptional,
above all others, believed the history I was taught
not realizing it was incomplete, inaccurate,
slanted towards building the narrative
that would keep us all believing.
I see my country clearly now.
America is a place, a land defined by borders set
as colonizers pushed, killed, claimed
until from sea to shining sea
we had it all, united.
That word feels true only when disaster strikes,
tears are shed, and war begins
to do unto others as they did unto us,
or to make a few bucks in the warring.
The illusion of patriotism keeps us willing to fight,
confident in any cause presented as defending freedom,
chained to an ideal.
Imagine the difference if there was no love of country,
if borders defined for governance
did not govern the care we have for others?
What if we looked beyond the flags we fly,
saw the souls beneath them
and in them, saw our own?
Countries change as wars are fought,
as laws are changed,
as money moves from hand to hand,
but love of people should stand above
the flags of every country.
Poetry by Melinda K Zarate
Read 13 times
Written on 2026-07-05 at 17:15
Tags Country Love Peace
Save as a bookmark (requires login) Write a comment (requires login) Send as email (requires login) Print text|
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