Sunday, August 27, 2023

They Make Patriotism a Dirty Word - poem

 

Lawrence Hall, HSG

Mhall46184@aol.com

 

They Make Patriotism a Dirty Word

 

“…Devil with Devil damn’d / Firm concord holds…”

 

-Paradise Lost II, 496-497

 

How did they make patriotism a dirty word?

A conjuring not of loyalty or love

But rather foul images of bloated men

In bug-eyed shades, knee pants, and slogan tees

 

Cradling their guns in flabby tatted arms

 

Why did they make patriotism a dirty word?

No consideration of what is best for the nation

But rather foul images of treacherous men

In tailored suits and subtle imported ties

 

Cradling their contempt in Pandaemonian cant

 

The Q, the X, mechanical law degrees –

Devil with devil damn’d firm concord holds

 

Cradling their proud disobedience before God

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