The Flag

Up the block
From my corner
Past the mourners
And the wings
Four roses
And all those party things
I see the tombs and crowbars raised
I see the passion plays replayed
Through the park
East projects past
Under train tracks
Elderberry lots
Mullberry plots
And pools of blackest light
I see the robes of faith and healing
I see the spirits uncorked and reeling
I see the rules of troubled dealing
And you tell me, I got a right?
Got a right to hold a gun
Got a right to lose my son
But when I stand and face the flag
I see my country wrapped in rags
And west
Up gentle cliffs
Where fathers sip
And mothers trip
Up harsh inclines
Six babies at their hips
I see the playground games gone wrong
I se the imitation bombs
I see the army of the damned and hear their songs
And you tell me, I got a right?
Right and wrong--no inbetween
Turn the other cheek to what I've killed
But when I stand and face the flag
I see my country wrapped in rags