i am PATRIODD
Inspiration for the Poem
This poem is in response to the current definition of the word Patriotic, which recently has been changed to mean ignorant, close-minded, and cowardly.
The word Patriodd has been coined here as a new term to encompass the old meaning of Patriotic: free-thinking, open-minded, and brave.
As the Author Intended the Poem to Look
Below is a photo of the poem "i am PATRIODD" as the author intended it to look visually.
"i am PATRIODD" Hubpages Version
I am patriodd. I think. I am not blind.
I am patriodd. I believe in what this world can be. I know it has never been great and therefore cannot be great again--only great for the very first time.
I am patriodd. I pray for the safety of troops and the destruction of the impotent old men putting them in harm's way.
I am patriodd. So I fly the flag upside down and kneel where others stand.
If I did not care, I would put my hand over my heart and pretend.
I will not be a coward. I will not be a casualty of convention. I am strong. I am brave. I am patriodd
I am patriodd. I don't recognize appointed racists. I don't support sexist pigs. I reject innocents killing one another for HIS amusement.
I am patriodd. And sometimes faith is sterility--vanquisher of established culture--and questions the breeders of life.
I am patriodd. I still care. I won't leave because I still care. I won't shut up because I still care.
It may be that this thing that is happening will happen no matter--but it will not happen because of me!
Rather I parish here attempting to cure the illness that has gripped the rest than succumbing or running away from it, because I am patriodd!
I ACTUALLY BELIEVE IN A SOMETHING! I CARE!!!
I am utterly alone, because it is a more social, inviting place this day and--I fear--for many yet to come.
I AM PATRIODD!!!
As Read by the Authur
Opinion
Should Patriotism continue to mean exclusion, hatred, narrow-mindedness, and cowardice?
Questions & Answers
© 2018 Larry Rankin
Comments
- Author
Catherine: lowercase I is symbolic of a lot of things. Feeling small is certainly one of them.
We're also often taught that poor grammar is a sure way to not be heard. So when I do things like this with the grammar it is often symbolic of feelings of impotence as far as being heard.
I coined the term Patriodd, and as far as I know, no one else used it in any capacity before me.
The video was hasty. I wanted to figure out how to do one for future reference and conceptually it's fine, but I have a poor reading voice and it needs work.
Thanks so much for your feedback.
You have done a terrific job with this. Patriodd? Did you coin that word?. I have never heard it before. The English language certainly needs this word.
I like how you put "I" in lower case. I took it to mean a lack of ego, but also the feeling of being very small.
The video was a wonderful way to add another dimension to this article.
Larry
I agree that just because you don't agree with the government of the day, doesn't mean you don't support those in the military.
A few years ago, over here we had a debate about changing our flag. The argument for changing it was it reminds people of the 'colonial' past and modern New Zealand wants to leave that behind.
One argument against it was "it would be dishonouring all those who fought and died under the New Zealand flag.
That was until it was pointed out that they were buried with the Silver fern (a symbol of New Zealand that even appears on the All Black jerseys).
It's one thing to disagree with the government (democracy allows for that) but disrespect of the anthem shows a nation divided.
Another argument would be to think of the words being sung, America was under attack, the soldier was a prisoner, yet as long as he saw the 'banner' hope remained.
That, to me, is why anthems are important, for us it's a prayer that God would defend New Zealand, doesn't matter what our faith is, we can all join and at least stand while those who believe sing it.
- Author
Lawrence: I stand for the anthem. It isn't how I choose to protest. But I support the right of those who do.
I don't see the direct relationship between not standing for the anthem meaning you don't support those in the military.
Not agreeing with the government doesn't mean you don't respect those in the military. Sometimes to support the government means you're happy to see the brave young men and women who put their lives on the line die for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
Larry
There is another way, one that builds unity through diversity, maybe that's why I feel at home here in NZ, we have unity through the diversity.
Personally, I'd struggle with the sitting through the national anthem, I'm not arguing whether a government is right or wrong, I'm more concerned with honouring men and women who made sacrifices so that I could have a voice, as Patten said, "We should thank God that such men lived"
Patriotism should never be about ignorance and racism, but its up to us to stand tall and shout why such people gave their all.
- Author
Larry: see my prior response. It applies to you too.
We don't want to always be spinning our wheels, but comversly, there is definitely such thing as too much unity.
- Author
Dianna: I hear and understand what you're saying, but I'm also a strong believer that you can have way too much unity.
Differing ideas and a society that celebrates ideas and perspectives is essential to a healthy society to.
Kind of a moderation between soulless government machine versus anarchy.
Thanks so much for dropping by.
- Author
JG: lol. I hope the term catches on.
Larry, it is always good to stand up for what you believe in. Life has changed here in the US since I was a young boy. There is a lot of divide in this country and if it is to survive we must bring ourselves together to make it a great nation again. Love your way of thinking.
First, we must return to our roots of being one in this country on government. We cannot survive if we are divided, at least to agree to do what is good for all. Second, your card drawing is really good!
I am also PATRIODD. Where the hell do they sell the bumper stickers?
- Author
Jill: when something is wrong, sometimes resistance is all you have at your disposal.
When enough people say, "This is normal! This is normal!" Over and over again, sometimes it's hard to keep a grasp on the true reality.
- Author
Monte: thanks so much for the concise and thoughtful response.
I'm glad you found the work relevant.
Awesome, Larry: resist.
I was impressed with the writers ability bring emotion to pen and deliver it it unabashed FROM the heart.
The subject matter though relevant and and contemporary ,is timeless and can be contemplated for generations to come as a well as in antiquity. The Word patriot in and of it's self is an incubator to ambiguous interpretation.
I look forward to seeing more of this writers work . I believed he has a lot to say that should be said about the human condition
- Author
Bill: too much divide and conquer. With collective effort, truly collective effort where we are all heard, things couldn't have ever possibly gotten to this.
Too few people being allowed to wag the dog.
Thanks for dropping by.
- Author
Heidi: yes I actually drew it!:-) It's my best work to date. I have limited artistic skill. Took me around 20 hours, because I kept having to develop techniques to accommodate my limited art skills, lol.
Thanks so much for the kind words, friend.
- Author
Linda: I always appreciate and value your feedback. I'm glad the poem carried some meaning for you.
I didn't even think of the other destruction when I used the term. Just want their influence taken away, and the vindictive part of me wants a dunce cap put on their head and their nose shoved in the corner;-)
- Author
Nikki: exactly! And never does that involve just assuming what is being done has been done in our best interests as a country.
Thanks so much for dropping by.
- Author
FlourishAnyway: so many things taken away. I like to avoid terms like left and right when I can, but sometimes it's hard.
Get far enough either direction and you run into trouble, but recently it's the far right.
This redefining is interesting to me. Like the following logic regarding the National Anthem: "it is a military song and if you kneel that means you hate the people who protect us."
That logic is wrong on every level. It's all of our song to commemorate being an American citizen. As such, it is a perfect venue to protest, and such a protest, especially when doing something respectful and symbolic like taking a knee, does not necessarily directly reflect on the military, and even if it does, it probably isn't directed at the troops but those figureheads who are endangering the troops.
Thanks so much for dropping by.
- Author
Chris: that was just beautifully put, my friend. You have a way of summing things up that is just wonderful.
It's not just military and force, it's not just the rest of us. It's all of us having ownership here and all of us having a right or even a patriotic duty to either agree or disagree.
Thanks so much for dropping by.
Wonderfully said! Love the playing card. I'm guessing you drew that. Thanks for sharing your insight and talents with us!
Your poem is powerful and thought provoking, Larry. I don't wish for the literal destruction of anyone involved in the situation, but the destruction of their influence would be wonderful. Your new word and its meaning should be adopted far and wide.
Well done, Larry! I love Chris's comment as well....we can...we must...come together or we all lose.
A wonderful poem and message is amazing too as being Patriotic is very necessary to love, respect, defend and to fight for the betterment of your country.
Bless you.
The word has been hijacked by the far right. I liked your message and your poem. Keep creating, Larry.
This is a good message, Larry, and thought provoking. The idea, concept, even the word Patriot, has been taken from the great number who deserve it and redefined for the few who believe the only form of bravery and patriotism is when one wears, or stands behind (very far behind) those who wear a military uniform. It takes all of us to build a great country and world. Great poem and message.
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