Mir-Yashar Seyedbagheri

Billowing Flag

The swarthy American is surrounded by flags. They billow from
cabins, ATVs. Chills rise with each flap.
They convey orange man’s words. Go home. Question a
thing, you’re not patriotic. Liberal, America hater.
You’ve a funny name. You must be a terrorist, Mexican. A
monster.
He wants to take down every flag. Wipe the wounds, as if
performing surgery. Make the red, white, and blue rise anew. Assure
him this is his land.
They’ve been consumed, symbol of hate. Blood red stripes
assault. He can’t pay fealty.
Future taunts him, monstrous.
He wants to be home. He runs, waiting for relief.