To Kneel or Stand, Why Does It Matter?
Let me get this straight
I stand for my country
But kneel to my God
So are the kneeling players
Trying to be closer to God
Or are the standing ones
Putting their country first
And their God second
Or nowhere at all
And are these huge stadiums
Churches or parade grounds
Where kneelers pray
And patriots salute
Then there is the locked arms thing
Stating solidarity
But to which loyalty
Is one nation under God
A fact or a fantasy
Or worded incorrectly
Should it be
Something different altogether
White lines measure yards
Boards that keep the score
Sticks keeping downs
How do we measure
Justice
Do the paychecks of millionaires
Dressed in advertisements
Under the yoke of their owners
Help us to decide
Whether we salute a flag
Or worship
God Money
© 2017 Ralph Schwartz
Comments
wow Ralph ..this just blew me away.. it's simple, yet perplexed LOL kneeling to a god or stand for a flag.. I was told you stand for a flag because no one should push you over and if they do stand taller.. and kneel to a God when you feel humble.. I think good write
Good poem, Ralph. It really does make one think. My personal opinion and it is only my opinion that players, spectators and everyone should stand for the national anthem. That is just my opinion. I realize kneeling is a silent protest with no violence so in a way I have to respect that as well.
Good questions which merit individual answers. I like your stance: "stand for my country / But kneel to my God."
I don't think most Americans want to have their moral compass dictated to by NFL players. I don't buy their protest for one minute. If players are really concerned about racial equality they should take their money and use it in communities that need a leg up. Fans come to the stadiums to enjoy the game, so players be respectful to the flag and play ball!
A very deep and thought-provoking one Bro. Who knows the answers? But perhaps it's good that you have addressed it; that you have put it out there.
You seem to think more of your poetry than your political thought. Both are important, I'm sure, but I'm very proud of you for this new direction. God speed!
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