It Means Much More

by Pat St. Pierre

A banner often slighted
as it blows in the breeze
taken for granted
and pledged in the line of duty;
it isn’t just a symbol for
freedom,
peace
and a nation proud and strong,
it means much more to me.
It’s the loss of a brother,
a soldier to the end.
Letters from him
said he didn’t understand
but he fought for his country
in a foreign land;
others turned
and blamed the nation,
he struggled for freedom
and for peace.
The flag isn’t just a symbol
it means much more to me.

It Means Much More was originally published by Boston Literary