This I heard the Old Flag say <br /> As I passed it yesterday: <br /> 'Months ago your friendly hands <br /> Fastened me on slender strands <br /> And with patriotic love <br /> Placed me here to wave above <br /> You and yours. I heard you say <br /> On that long departed day: <br /> 'Flag of all that's true and fine, <br /> Wave above this house of mine; <br /> Be the first at break of day <br /> And the last at night to say <br /> To the world this word of cheer: <br /> Loyalty abideth here.' <br /> <br /> 'Here on every wind that's blown, <br /> O'er your' portal I have flown; <br /> Rain and snow have battered me, <br /> Storms at night have tattered me; <br /> Dust of street and chimney stack <br /> Day by day have stained me black, <br /> And I've watched you passing there, <br /> Wondering how much you care. <br /> Have you noticed that your flag, <br /> Is to-day a wind-blown rag? <br /> Has your love so careless grown <br /> By the long neglect you've shown <br /> That you never raise your eye <br /> To the symbol that you fly?' <br /> <br /> 'Flag, on which no stain has been, <br /> 'Tis my sin that you're unclean,' <br /> Then I answered in my shame. <br /> 'On my head must lie the blame. <br /> Now with patriotic hands <br /> I release you from your strands, <br /> And a spotless flag shall fly <br /> Here to greet each passer-by. <br /> Nevermore shall Flag of mine <br /> Be a sad and sorry sign <br /> Telling all who look above <br /> I neglect the thing I love. <br /> But my Flag of faith shall be <br /> Fit for every eye to see.'<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fly-a-clean-flag/
