(Inspired by a Sen. John S. McCain speech about POW Mike Christian in Vietnam)
At the “Hanoi Hilton” in Hao Lo, North Vietnam,
a captive’s life was hard;
treatment of Allied POWs was brutal
and conditions there inhumane.
All suffered years of abuse in a world defined
by the walls of the prison yard.
One day, young aviator Mike Christian found,
in the prison compound’s sewer drain,
a handkerchief scrap.
Secretly, the foul shred was taken inside, new life to obtain.
Precious soap was used to clean the tatter,
while other bits and pieces were collected.
Over many nights, the hoarded scraps would be assembled
to likeness of flag attain.
That American flag, though only rag - the POWs united!
National colors emerged from droplets of ink and pulp
from crushed blue tile chard;
the frail cloth now featured stripes of red
and a faded blue field, with rice glue retained.
Thread from torn blankets served to affix stars
applied with needle from bamboo discard.
Then one afternoon, from his bunk Mike hissed loudly, "Hey gang, look here!” His hand contained
the tattered fabric of begrimed white, starred,
and with gloried vermilion stained:
a smudgy American flag, draping limply,
with symbolic stars lopsided.
As one, the captives rose - saluted those faded colors,
pride tearfully unchained.
That American flag, though only rag - the POWs united!
When a surprise search revealed Mike’s flag,
punishing hateful blows did on him bombard.
That night they came again to drag the hero
to vindictive torture and further pain.
Hours of screams ended with that noble body
thrown into the cell, fractured and scarred.
Body crushed - spirit not, Mike strove anew
under torture’s threat in fired pride to remain.
Weeks later, he scavenged another rag
and constructed his country’s flag again.
Mike maintained that banner made from lowly rags,
while he as prisoner resided.
Miles from home in dismal cell, Mike showed freedom’s fire
in zeal of Nathan Hale’s refrain.
That American flag, though only rag - the POWs united!
Hail, O gallant paladin of heroes -
child of a nation yet in Liberty’s domain!
In unrequited charity, we cannot beget love
from humanity misguided,
so, thus resolve to earn respect through generosity
while we all envied-hate disdain.
The American flag proves us free and indeed shows
that we are all united!