Updated date:

Mar 3, 2018

i am PATRIODD

Author:

Larry Rankin, an experiened writer, enjoys creative writing in all forms, from literary to mainstream.

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 am utterly alone, because it is a more social, inviting place this day and--I fear--for many yet to come.

As Read by the Authur

Opinion

Comments

Jack Shorebird from Central Florida, US on April 20, 2020:

Every time I read this, it makes me think...

At least with the video, I know how to pronounce it now.

Luis G Asuncion from City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines on November 23, 2019:

I love to read your poem specifically in regards with patriotism. Thanks for sharing it.

Neetu M from USA on May 31, 2018:

An odd patriotism - is that where you got the word? Good thinking!

Larry Rankin (author) from Oklahoma on April 26, 2018:

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.

Catherine Giordano from Orlando Florida on April 21, 2018:

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.

Lawrence Hebb from Hamilton, New Zealand on April 03, 2018:

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.

Larry Rankin (author) from Oklahoma on April 03, 2018:

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.

Lawrence Hebb from Hamilton, New Zealand on March 31, 2018:

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.

Larry Rankin (author) from Oklahoma on March 29, 2018:

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.

Larry Rankin (author) from Oklahoma on March 29, 2018:

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.

Larry Rankin (author) from Oklahoma on March 29, 2018:

JG: lol. I hope the term catches on.

Larry W Fish from Raleigh on March 21, 2018:

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.

Dianna Mendez on March 19, 2018:

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!

jgshorebird on March 12, 2018:

I am also PATRIODD. Where the hell do they sell the bumper stickers?

Larry Rankin (author) from Oklahoma on March 12, 2018:

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.

Larry Rankin (author) from Oklahoma on March 12, 2018:

Monte: thanks so much for the concise and thoughtful response.

I'm glad you found the work relevant.

Jill Spencer from United States on March 06, 2018:

Awesome, Larry: resist.

MONTE ARMSTRONG on March 06, 2018:

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