Patriotism, 2008

I backed the war in Nam okay,

Though I used pull to stay away.

A patriot? But can't you tell?

I wear a flag in my lapel.

My company's now based offshore;

We don't pay taxes any more.

A patriot? But can't you tell?

I wear a flag in my lapel.

That clean air stuff's not meant for me.

I drive a German SUV.

A patriot? But can't you tell?

I wear a flag in my lapel.

We needn't build a grand memorial

To patriots. It's all sartorial.

-Calvin Trillin in The Nation.