The Confederate Battle Flag Speaks Out, by Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda

Confederate flag surrounded by battle scenes, Engraved by J. C. McRae (USA) 1867

The Confederate Battle Flag Speaks Out
​
During the Civil War I flew
over battlefields, stood for
secession and Southern pride.
 
After the war General Lee
took me down, but those who
aligned me with slavery
 
carved an X through my heart,
let thirteen white stars shine
as a symbol of racial divide.
 
Today, some long to belong
to a superior race.  They link
me to video games that flood
 
their minds with gunfire
so fierce it soils their reasoning.  
Do not hoist me in midair
 
to flap like a cruel spirit.
Let me rest among archives.
Close these wounds of war. 
 
Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda

Carolyn Kreiter-Foronda served as Poet Laureate of Virginia from 2006-2008. She holds a Ph.D. degree from George Mason University, where she received the university’s first doctorate, an Outstanding Academic Achievement and Service Award, and a Letter of Recognition for Quality Research from the Virginia Educational Research Association for her dissertation.  She has co-edited three anthologies and published eight books of poetry, including The Embrace:  Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, winner of the Art in Literature: The Mary Lynn Kotz Award.  Carolyn also works as an abstract colorist artist.  [www.carolynforonda.com]