Washing the Rag

The love which binds us together

is a glue which lasts forever.

It makes all of us feel like one

like nothing else has ever done.

And yet, love is often hidden

while our hatreds are forgiven

when our own country goes to war,

no matter what we’re fighting for.

Is patriotism a curse,

and jingoism even worse,

if we can’t love our enemy?

Love cannot be hostility.

Should we really love our flags

while others’ are just colored rags?

Walt Abbott–4-17-2010