You won’t know them
From their flying flags
From stickers
Placed on monster trucks
Or shouted loyalty slogans
No
No
You will find them
Instead
Comforting the distressed
Soothing the sick
Feeding the famished
Aiding the poor
Protecting the vulnerable
And educating the innocent
It lives in their heart
It refines their mind
It edifies their soul
They don’t seek the spotlight
They don’t chase fame
They don’t lust for praise
They simply love
And they love simply
Patriotism isn’t a performance
Patriotism is affinity and affection for all
