Must we put on the facade of camaraderie? 

You stand with me 

beneath the flag that bleeds

Only I drip with rage, paint 

a silhouette of my anger 

and call myself 

brave.

I pledge allegiance to the flag, 

it answers with disgrace.

I clutch my bleeding heart again;

so thin is my reprieve.

If I stare into those pierce blue eyes

Will you admit deceit? 

The tie hung around your neck

slung like a gun, erect 

For me, no disguise is kept,

I keep my silent scream.

Is it solely me who bleeds?

No.

The stars and stripes, they weep 

Red, I may stand stained 

but I am not yet dead.

I am.

needed for violent iconography 

of peace? Perhaps prosperity!

steal away some liberty, for you

Never for me.