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A Patriotic Wish

I'd like to be the sort of man
the flag could boast about;
I'd like to be the sort of man
it cannot live without;
I'd like to be the type of man
That really is American:
The head-erect and shoulders-square,
Clean-minded fellow, just and fair,
That all men picture when they see
The glorious banner of the free.

I'd like to be the sort of man
the flag now typifies,
The kind of man we really want
the flag to symbolize;
The loyal brother to a trust,
The big, unselfish soul and just,
The friend of every man oppressed,
The strong support of all that's best,
The sturdy chap the banner's meant,
Where'er it flies, to represent.

I'd like to be the sort of man
the flag's supposed to mean,
The man that all in fancy see
wherever it is seen,
The chap that's ready for a fight
Whenever there's a wrong to right,
The friend in every time of need,
The doer of the daring deed,
The clean and generous handed man
That is a real American.

In a published book

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Comments

  • Goodomen
    October 13, 2008
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    Patriotism

    It seems that this poem doesn't typify those of the upcoming generations. It is sad, as a teacher, to stand and proudly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag while the entire class stands around in a disrespectful slump, looking around the room, and not uttering a word of the pledge. What has happened to the America Edgar Albert Guest knew?