by S.C. Kleinhans

Created on: June 17, 2009   Last Updated: July 10, 2009

Casually thrown away.

The American flag's

tears were covered

with ketchup

and candy wrappers.

This iconic piece

of fabric unraveled

with abject humiliation.

Why did he have

to suffer such

a horrible betrayal?

He wasn't garbage.

Then a savior appeared.

In the form of

a trash collector.

That kind man

lovingly rescued

the dirty flag

from the pitiful pile

of discarded debris.

The young man

tenderly folded him.

Slowly, properly and

respectfully.

Then the American flag

was handed over to

the proper authorities.

For a fitting ceremony.

Death by fire.

In a crematorium.

The American flag's

soul was finally at rest.

Learn more about this author, S.C. Kleinhans.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.