I Proudly Wave The Flag
Copyright by J. Joy "Sistah Joy" Matthews Alford

I proudly wave the flag
America’s flag
But only if the stars
Aren’t tipped with daggers
And the stripes don’t strangle
Hopes, dreams and aspirations

I proudly wave the flag
America’s flag
The flag of those who know
Justice and liberty must be
Unilaterally dispensed within
And beyond her shores

I proudly wave the flag
America’s flag
The flag of brave
Citizens of conscience who will
Never hide behind it

Citizens who refuse to be blind
To crimes falsely committed in
Her name

Citizens who wave it to confront
Bigotry and shame denouncing
Venomous flags that once waved 
And those still waving on ships which
Enslave through cargo holds of death
And destruction

I proudly wave the flag
And stand firm knowing my nation’s
Integrity guides how high the flag
Will fly

I wave it and shout welcoming cries
To new tomorrows where equality
In boardrooms, courtrooms and
Classrooms is a reality for all
Citizens of this country

I proudly wave the flag
And will not be divided from my
Sisters and brothers by lesser views
That would hold me from
My rightful pride

I decry all who dishonor and disgrace
With fabricated stories of guts and
Glory what the flag represents

I denounce those that boast
With arrogance and greed
Of a righteous might
While maligning national pride

I proudly wave the flag
And continue to do my part
Ensuring democracy is strong
Within our shores
removing barriers, opening doors --
And yes, remembering when

So for the elders, the children
And all of tomorrow’s champions
Who fervently search the horizon
To see if the flag waves for them

I stand vigilant
And proudly wave the flag

*Contact Sistah Joy at Poetsistahjoy.aol.com for permission to reprint or use this poem.