I once stood with pride to pledge allegiance
The words rang beautifully to young ears
Honored by the fight for freedom and promise of peace
With age came more complicated truths
That freedom was not for all and neither was peace
With these glimpses, my words wavered with doubt
Then came the red, white, and blue disguised in patriotism
Chanting "USA, USA, USA"
Voices with pride and entitlement
I used to chant
I used to place my hand to my heart
I'd sing along to our anthem
Until hate tainted the melody
The false prophets wore my flag
Fading the honor from the colors
To sing along blind to the crimes
To honor the blood spilled for our rights
One does not just carry a banner
One honors the truth, ugly as it may be
One takes a knee if the country fails to stand
One takes back ownership of our colors
To be a true patriot is to resist
Until we honor the foundation with justice
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