The Flag by Richard Eberhart

The Winter Olympic Games have begun and as we brace ourselves for all the flag waving and patriotic/nationalist fervor that will accompany each celebration, I think it is appropriate to look at an interesting poem by the poet Richard Eberhart.
                                            
                                             The Flag

                             The flag was a fabric to wave in victory,

                             Hold up in defeat.

                             It was the symbol of the tribe,

                             Tribe nationalism.

                             When World War II was raging

                             Each side held up its particular flag. 

                             As millions were dying

                             Which side was God on?

                             We held ours at Iwo Jima, 

                             A picture of belief.

                             Lee held his up at Bull Run.

                             All wars are man's defeat.