by Allan CF Goh
(A poem)

Patriotism is the lifelong love,
For one’s country and nation.
It expects the very best of us,
For its greatest progression.
It values a country’s achievements,
With a sincere devotion.

Patriotism will support the best
Efforts to build the nation.
It culls good values from all cultures,
Nurtures wisdom to fruition.
Policies that need the adjustments,
Are done with best attentions.

In times of war, the patriot will fight
To quell foreign aggression;
Even does the supreme sacrifice,
To defeat that invasion.
During peace time, he fights to defend
The sanctity of the constitution.

He will strongly defend righteousness,
Safe-guard the population,
Ensure folks’ inalienable rights,
Realise folks’ aspiration.
He will always follow ‘right is might’,
In scorn of wild aspersion.

A true patriot willingly sweats blood,
To build up the best nation.
He will sacrifice comfort and self,
To stop all degradations,
Be they environmental concerns,
Politics, education,
Economics, societal issues,
Or freedom of expression.

The patriot loves a harmonious peace,
With honour a foundation.
Mutual respect is a way of life;
That’s people’s hope, expectation.
Truth and fairness must rule the country,
For each without exception.

Blind loyalty is not patriotism:
It condones exploitation,
Ignores people’s legitimate rights,
And panders to corruption.
When wrongs are allowed to perpetuate,
They start a nation’s corrosion,
With ‘might is right’, there’s no real value,
That’s the death of a nation.

Being always ‘obedient’ mindlessly,
Is no patriotic action.
When citizens accept wrongs quietly,
Truth loses its firm traction,
Starting a sad downward slide unchecked…..
Doing things without question,
Being bad to cause dastardly mischiefs,
Is a traitor’s vile option.

Patriotism needs reciprocity
Of honourable intentions.
When a country loves, honours its folks,
People will love the nation.
Love can only truly developed,
Without disinformation.
Mutual trusts and respects must be forged,
To create the greatest nation.