FLAG DAY

It was Flag Day

so we wrapped ourselves in our flags

and went to the pub.

What a jape! What a crack-up!

We were hilarious!

Everybody else had the same idea, but.

Those bastards.

All the flags were the same

because we are all Flaglanders.

It would have been nice to wrap myself

in the flag of difference

or – here’s a thought – indifference

but I was too scared.

I like my teeth in my mouth.

I like my eye brown, not black.

Everyone at the pub looked the same.

The fun idea had become

A Sad Party Thing.

It doesn’t matter.

The flag unites us.

Our fear of looking different unites us.

All eyes are wary on Flag Day.

Everyone smiles with their mouths

as they lift their beers,

but all those eyes are looking about.

And those eyes are quick.

My oath.

My fucken oath.

You don’t want to stand out.

Not on Flag Day.

Do the Right Thing.

Say the Right Thing.

Think the Right Thing – it makes the other two easier.

There are no excuses.

It is not “I pay my taxes” day.

It is not “I am a human being, I have rights” day.

It is fucking Flag Day.

Alright?

You sad party thing.

………………………………

January 26th.

Australia Day

Invasion Day

Happy.