Unraveling of the Flag, a Poem by Clara Klein

What draws people together?

What splits them apart?

Shared experiences, common viewpoints –

Shamed experiences, hurtful misconceptions.

What brought us together birthing a nation -

a tapestry of coordinated fibers

joined together for strength

with under and over weaving.

Now unraveled to individual threads -

Separate, individualistic, slapping against

each other in the wind, warp against weft.

Soon tattered remains lost to the ionosphere.

We fight over a flag purported to be

a symbol of unity. Bring it out,

it offends. Put it away, it offends.

Offer up a replacement that

no one can agree upon.

Then too many conflicting

banners take to the air.

Burn them every one. Start over.

What do we really want the regalia to say?

Perhaps it should say nothing at all but

symbolize that which can strike honor

in the hearts of all. What is your answer?

Where is our commonality? For what

will all people fight? Emblem unknown.

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Clara Klein is a Christian writer, authoring poetry and prose that looks for inspirational ways to deal with life’s challenges. She has written for Valiant Scribe before, and for Words of the Lamb, Spirit Fire Review, Grit and Grace, Agape Review, Pure in Heart and other Christian publications.