They hoist me up
on a pole
an act of patriotism
or oppressive control?
They paint me on roundabouts
to be driven over by
a white van man.
An act of patriotism
or the tantrum of a child
hurling toys from a pram?
They spray me crude
on flyovers and walls
red drips running
like bloodshed
from colonial wars
Tell me how?
How can society stay complicit
while the sword of Saint George
is swung by
the semi-literate?
-
Author:
Syd (
Offline) - Published: August 22nd, 2025 18:00
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 50
- Users favorite of this poem: Teddy.15, Demar Desu, Cheeky Missy, Priya Tomar
Offline)
Comments6
Powerful and makes me actually proud to know I'm not the only one who thinks it's all gone bonkers. 🌹
Cheers Teddy. You're not bonkers.
- Syd
For some flags do not mean what they used to mean but then neither do other symbols. A lovely write
Thank you 😊
Most welcome
Great stuff, Syd - also glad to know you are still around.
Always been some ambivalence surrounding flags, and I've seen it change over my (getting long) lifetime.
But don't tell me your are patriotic, surely?
Hi Dave, it's feels like a while since I've been on this site. I would describe myself as patriotic in the true sense of the word but not the way the far right has hijacked the meaning of the word patriotism.
I hope you're keeping well.
Good to define that Syd - thanks for the clarification.
Look after yourself.
PS: at the time of my initial commentary, your advertisement up top wasn't available to me.... would you be terribly offended if, as finances are a wee bit tight this month, I passed up on your generous offer?
Feels like we either have to go back to the the first purpose or create our own flags
I agree. Thanks for reading and commenting 🙂
I won't demean its effect by saying "powerful" - too tame.
This was like riding a bullet train with no brakes...loved it 👏
Thank you so much for your kind comment. Apologies for the late reply.
- Syd
that's a power packed statement indeed.. and a true one
Thank you so much. I'm glad the poem resonated with you.
- Syd
yes indeed - thanks for sharing
waiting for many more
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