The sodden flag won’t fly in the rain
no matter which way the wind blows
They’ve hung it upside down
without thought or care
except to state some kind of patriotism
their piece of earth
which they can still call home

I could tell them I suppose
let them get to know
their pedantic neighbour
who only speaks to complain
like all the other tethered goats
staring blankly out at swelling puddles
which spoil the well tended lawns

copyright Francis Barker 2019