I pledged allegiance
I pledged allegiance to the flag
after the scuff of chairs and desks,
facing front, hand pressed to my heart;
The sagging stripes and folded stars
didn’t stand for the Republic,
but Happy Days and Hostess cakes,
sprinkler summers and autumn leaves,
tobogganing and snowball fights;
They’re throwing more than snowballs now,
and there’s no ducking it: it’s blame,
for their dead American dream.
My hand still presses to my heart.
O America, this rebirth
of indecency must not stand;
Remember justice?
It was supposed to be for all.
Words: Sheila M. Averbuch
Photo: Paul Sableman on Flickr