Comment from bichonfrisegirl

Exceptional

The word "enstaff" actually makes sense, and it's easy to see how this word came into being.

I like the whole feel and gist of this poem, Craig, and agree whole-heartedly with the sentiments you've expressed. A little less flag-waving and a little more reasoned discussion between countries would definitely serve us all better.

"I'm not a bumper-sticker kind of guy, and I don't really care what kind of flag you fly" ... my favorite part of this very well written poem. Excellent rhyming, great flow and terrific sentiments expressed. Well done!! ~~ Connie

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2018

Thanks very much for the lovely rating and the wonderful comments, Connie! I'm pleased you enjoyed the poem, and hope you have a great weekend! Craig

reply by bichonfrisegirl on 16-Jun-2018

Thanks Craig. Wishing you a great weekend as well.

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Good word to know and well used here in your wisely independent poem. In our neighborhood (maybe the whole city) the flag that is most enstaffed is that of the state pro football team.

 Comment Written 16-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2018

Flags aren't really all that big here, and never have been, although schools used to have flag-raising every day (not sure if they still do). There's only one day a year when they are really out in force - that's our national day. And even then they are a cause for debate. Many thanks, Helen. Craig

Comment from --Turtle.

Excellent

Hi, Craig

I read through this poem, enjoyed the thoughts spurred and the them taken with the word of the day. Nice, easy to read rhyming scheme and flow that I found pleasing.

Thoughts as they came:

if it no longer held the Southern Cross.
(The start of this poem sets the tone of the work to be flag related, concerning the image of the flag. The presentation of having the flag available for looking adds to the mood, and the start with Republicans gives a sense of odds, political differences that might be addressed.)


Some wish it bore a blazing yellow sun,(;)
(maybe a semicolon instead of a comma? feels like a comma splice)

without a flagpole standing on my lawn.
(If we are stripped of our colors... maybe it would be easier to realize there really isn't a reason to need to take sides. But, that is how we evolved... survival by visual adherence to what group you belong to.)

and to the persecuted, open doors.
(Ah, nice, strong flow and contemplations with a refreshing perspective ... I think here I started to think of the concept of a phrase that is often misquoted and related in some ways here. Money is the root of evil... When I think the actual phrase was originally... the love of money is the root of evil. I started contemplating this thought after reading this section to conclusion, the sense that sometimes it feels like flags start to get in the way...where it can bring out the worst of people, but really, it's the love of flags above all ... over the virtues they are supposed to stand for, that's when you start doing things for flags despite people, and something just feels wrong there. )

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2018

Thanks very much, Turtle. Yes, it's not so much that flags in themselves are evil, although I do tend to question their usefulness. But certainly, using something that is supposed to create of spirit of unity or belonging to create division seems most fruitless, to me. Your thoughtful comments, as always, are greatly appreciated. Craig

Comment from catch22

Excellent

Hi Craig, bravo for speaking up!!! This poem captures my sentiments perfectly. It's how we treat others that matters, our relation to others and the world we all inhabit. Excellent rhythm and rhyming in this verse although I think it would be a stronger poem if you used more vivid concrete images. Show your sentiments rather than say them. What does openness look like? This would come across less preachy, although I do agree wholeheartedly with the message.

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2018

Thanks, Pam. I guess I could just say, "Don't do what has just been done, and then use scripture to endorse your evil actions." That might cover it :) You're probably right, it is a bit on the preachy side. Many thanks, Craig

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Craig, This is a very lovely and true poem you have penned my friend. You spoke much truth with great words in this work. I tend to think the same way as you mostly. In my eyes, it's not about the flags, but about the cross of Jesus! Blessings, teri

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2018

Thanks very much, Teri. Most appreciated - have a great weekend! Craig

Comment from Sandra du Plessis

Excellent

A very well-written poem about your point of view of any country's flag. It is part of our history and a token of where we belong, but I agree not to over-exaggerate the flag to honor it like a special kind of god.

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2018

Thanks very much, Sandra. Hope you have a great weekend :) Craig

Comment from Alexander Vasa

Excellent

Hello C D Richards, what a great rhyming poem with a lot of rhythm. I enjoyed it a lot. I like the emblem choices for your flag, very telling of your social conscience. I like the flag we have, and until we are a Republic, that will be my flag, because like a lot of Aussies, my ancestors are from somewhere else, but I call Australia home. Thanks for sharing your poem, cheers, Ana.

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2018

Thanks very much, Ana. I'm in no hurry to see it changed, nor for us to become a republic. There are far more important issues to worry about, in my opinion. Have a great rest of your weekend :) Craig

Comment from Pamusart

Excellent

Another fine effort by you, Craig. Have you ever noticed that your flag, the New Zealand flag, the Union Jack and the American flags are all red white and blue and have stripes. The French flag is red white and blue but has vertical sections. Good effort. Thank you for sharing

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2018

True that, Pam. And the Dutch flag is RWB, with horizontal stripes. I'm pretty sure that would be the most common colour combination of flags of the world by far - I wonder why? Surely it's not ALL to do with colonial pasts? Many thanks - Craig

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

This is a sweet write and symbols don't mean anything without the emotion, love and devotion behind those people in countries like yours. Australia has the history of the British which cannot be denied. But all countries are melting pots of people from all nations these days. Flags and their origin always fascinate me and I loved your sensitive poem, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 15-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jun-2018

Many thanks for the much appreciated comments, Dolly. Have a wonderful weekend! Craig

Comment from meeshu

Excellent

a very good write, CD. flags are suddenly a topic here in the states, do you stand or kneel? do they symbolize hate? flags, by definition are designed to inspire the loyal and warn the foe. hate is in the biased eye of the beholder..........meeshu

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 Comment Written 15-Jun-2018

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reply by the author on 15-Jun-2018

They certainly seem to be good at inspiring division, which seems to me the opposite of what they were designed for. Many thanks for the thoughtful; response :) Craig