by Allan CF Goh
(A poem)

Love is an innate emotion
That thrives on benign conditions.
It grows and grows with mutual needs,
Based on right honourable deeds.
If denied this mutuality,
Love fades into obscurity.
The love of one’s country, nation,
Is the same, without exception.
It cannot be legislated,
Nor by orders, regulated.

Patriotism needs nourishments,
And caring love, not punishments.
It must feel strongly and belong,
With due appreciation lifelong.
The feeling of equality,
Must be sustained with reality,
Buttressed with laws of pure fairness,
And a culture of just greatness.
There should be no masters and slaves,
Nor self-crowned dictators and knaves.

State’s supports must be based on needs,
That should be the government’s creed.
Opportunities are not linked to race,
But dispensed with deserving grace.
When the Nation learns equal love,
Patriotism will willingly hove
Into the hearts and souls of all,
Ready to heed the country’s call.
Patriotism, love are the same,
Cherish them to burnish their flame.