If you asked me to wave
my nation’s flag
I would rifle through my drawers
and bring out 4!
One that swaddled me as I cried
“hello world!”
Another, I wore as a fashion accessory
with leg-warmers – in those school days
Yet another- my parents tied around my head
to never forget who I really was
And another that serves as my cloak
reminding me daily that my
heart is always home
©Vivian Zems
Poets United- midweek motif-Flags
Smell The Coffee 
August 15, 2018 at 7:49 pm
Wonderful! I like the four, the chronology and contrasts among them (even if they were simultaneous). I also enjoy the illustration. I suppose you could insert pointed descriptions into this poem if you wanted to attempt a revision, but the idea of a multitudinous identity comes through without that.
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August 16, 2018 at 1:57 am
Thanks Susan! I wanted to expatiate on the individual countries… but was worried it would turn into a geography lesson. 😊
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August 16, 2018 at 1:53 pm
Yes! I totally agree.
Save that for another time.
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August 16, 2018 at 7:09 pm
👍🏽
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August 15, 2018 at 7:49 pm
Oh I LOVE this poem. And you are fortunate to have four flags, and a strong sense of home. Loved this, Vivian.
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August 15, 2018 at 11:14 pm
Thanks Sherry ❤️
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August 15, 2018 at 8:20 pm
For myself, it’s the flags of Canada and the Nederland that mark this first generation Canadian, on my paternal side. With a long history between the two countries
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August 15, 2018 at 11:14 pm
Amazing! It’s wealth to be able to claim more than one nation.
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August 16, 2018 at 3:14 am
Many flags for you, and each one is fraught with meaning.
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August 16, 2018 at 4:12 am
I can only claim two the UK and Australia, but perhaps I could sneak England’s flag in there as well. I really loved this Vivian.
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August 16, 2018 at 8:16 pm
Thank you 🙏🏾
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August 16, 2018 at 4:49 am
Love all those flags & that final line is stellar.
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August 16, 2018 at 7:14 pm
Thanks Sumana!
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August 16, 2018 at 8:49 am
I love this, Viv! It says so much about you! I agree with Susan about the chronology and contrasts, and the illustration.
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August 16, 2018 at 7:14 pm
Thanks Kim!
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August 16, 2018 at 9:29 am
I’m glad your heart is always home, even in the adopted country! I’d have liked to learn a bit more about the first three flags. (My own poem is a bit of a history lesson!)
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August 16, 2018 at 7:13 pm
Born in Ghana 🇬🇭, raised in Ethiopia 🇪🇹, Originally from Nigeria 🇳🇬- and home for over 20 years- the Uk 🇬🇧! Thanks Rosemary 😊
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August 16, 2018 at 9:41 am
The last lines really bring it all together. Glad you have four countries to claim as home. It sounds so amazing 🙂
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August 16, 2018 at 7:11 pm
Thanks Neha! It’s a blessing indeed.
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August 16, 2018 at 7:11 pm
I am sure it is! My pleasure to have read it ❤
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August 16, 2018 at 8:15 pm
😍👍🏽
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August 16, 2018 at 8:15 pm
❤
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August 16, 2018 at 10:49 am
This is good — one’s personal identification perhaps matters more than anything. So intriguing that you find familiarity and belongingness with different symbols, owing to personal experiences.
-HA
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August 16, 2018 at 7:10 pm
Thank you! You don’t realise until it’s down on paper 😊
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August 16, 2018 at 3:09 pm
I love how your words breathe happiness in how you identify with four flags (that are important to you) Vivian. Love!
Anna :o]
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August 16, 2018 at 7:08 pm
Thanks Anna! 😊
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August 17, 2018 at 1:40 am
Love your flags and story, Vivian!
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August 17, 2018 at 12:20 pm
Thanks Sara! 🙂
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August 17, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Heart is home. Lovely Vivian
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August 17, 2018 at 8:17 pm
Thank you 🙏🏾
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August 18, 2018 at 3:32 am
You are welcome Vivian
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