My Country (Má Vlast)

Millions of people at work, crime and play,
Our interests conflict, sometimes hard.
One man's need for hedges can get in the way
Of observing the next fellow's yard.

We whine and protest and sneer at each other,
Our leaders, our parties, our parents.
We turn to our sisters to turn on our brother

And give glory to outrage and nonsense.

Some say in complaining that loyalty's measured;
Some say in supporting our vermin.
Some would make war before taking pleasure.
Some take pleasure and then give the sermon.

But I's born to this nation, made one under God,
And let my heart always be loyal.
For bigotry's heavy when carried abroad
And home's where the common are royal.

Patriotism has one definition
And has held this one meaning forever:
Whatever the folly, crime or sedition,
To be fools, thieves and scoundrels together.


GROUSE, v.t. To magnify miniscule ills for the greater good, the essential duty of the patriot and the believer.
PETTY, adj. Noble.

Happy Independence Day to all Americans, foreign and domestic.