Night Flag – 7 (Patriotic Poetry)

Our flag at home lives in a window
Blunts with stained plastic strong morning rays
And is dwarfed on Vets, Memorial, and The Fourth by a fabric cousin.

My wondering wife thinks it strange practice
The time spent adjusting to correct back light
For when sun fails in the neighborhood
It is in darkness it shines in glory – scarlet and white.

Perhaps those passing by will notice;
Perhaps not even paper boys now they are no more;
Perhaps – perchance – because it is the bunting,
Of our valiant dead in blue –
Regardless, to me it is a sacred thing
This flag that shines at night
This flag of comfort to half century plus of sight.