Poetry is the food of the soul. It's my greatest contribution to the world and an area I can always grow.

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

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on December 01, 2017:

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

Larry W Fish from Raleigh on November 19, 2017:

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.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on November 12, 2017:

Good questions which merit individual answers. I like your stance: "stand for my country / But kneel to my God."

breakfastpop on November 12, 2017:

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!

manatita44 from london on November 11, 2017:

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!