To ideals woven in your colored fabric
We rose to pledge from our confining desks.
But you were hijacked, claimed as the bigot's rubric;
A flag for one face. We left, or wore the mask.
We learned to raise and fold you, not touch ground;
Now polyester, you're left out in all weather,
Malign neglect reflected in a city drowned,
Wounded abandoned, dogs of war untethered.
To that for which you stand we pledge allegiance
Not merely to our colors in a rumble
That principle, fought for by forgotten legions
The dignity of each, however humble.
For on these words we surely rise or fall:
"Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."