Flying high, flying proud,
Beaten, battered, worn,

Scars and faded color,
Making struggles known,

In the rain, heavy, wet,
Storm force gales are greater force,

Threads of tears pull loose and trail,
Strain, reach outward from its post,

The winds ripples the fabric,
Lift it up and pull its sway,

Unnoticed by many walking below,
Represents, honors, there for show, ignored,

A clanking chain rings at a soft breezes kiss,
Times of peace render it weak,

Collapsing under its weight, hanging, watching,
Waiting for its time to be strong again.