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Poets and Patriotism: Old Glory

© Thadine Franciszkiewicz

This is the third article in the series on poetry and patriotism.

Each war, past and present, inspires some poets to write with empathy concerning peoples' struggle for freedom. The following stanza comes from a poem entitled, "Forgotten Fighter". What I found interesting is the sustaining point of view of nationalism articulated. The entire poem can be read at http://www.geocities.com/a_j_matthews/Pa...

Although the anonymous poet reminisces about World War II experiences, the words reflect the flowing support of Americans as we face the current war against terrorism.

I love this country very much,
It's still the very best.
And I would fight, to keep it free,
And, safe from foreign pest.

One of the symbols American poets frequently utilize in patriotic poems is the United States flag. The most famous poem is the "Star Spangled Banner". Although not as widely known, the poem below successfully exemplifies the American flag as a patriotic symbol.

ODE TO THE FLAG
By Linda Sheehan Cunningham
COPYRIGHT 1970 & 1996

Our Nation's Flag is a stirring sight
As it flutters proudly in the breeze
Its colors of blue, red and white
Mean so much to you and me
Red stands for courage and hardiness
The white means innocence and purity
Blue for justice, perserverance and vigilance
In its promise to keep us free.

This banner stands for a bountiful land,
Its government, people, and ideals,
The stripes from the thirteen colonies stand,
Its symbolism is very real.
Each State now is represented
By a star of white on blue
President Washington first presented
The American Flag to You.

Many brave men have fought and died
To protect it from dishonor and disgrace.
Wives have mourned and mothers have cried
So we could remain...the United States.
The sight of this Banner brings feeling of joy,
Of courage, pride and freedom to all.
A symbol of our nation in all it's glory,
On the moon Old Glory stands tall

Symbols in poetry are images that represent some other thing, such as an apple for knowledge or health. These symbols can be further defined as metaphors and/or similes. A simile is figure of speech that directly compares two different things, such as cotton to clouds. They are linked using like, than, or as. Another form of symbolism occurs when a poet uses metaphors. A metaphor is also a figure of speech, but the images are indirectly compared to each other; for example, Her friends call her Cat, for she is coy.

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