Hung out to dry

Something about this photo 

Just makes my heart ache: 

I’m not sure I have the words to express it. 

Is it that the values our flag once represented 

Now seem so out of reach? 

Or that those values only apply 

To the high and mighty? 

Or is it just the sadness 

Of seeing everything it stood for 

Hung out to dry;

Turned on its side and hanging 

Limp and inaccessible, 

As if we’ve no hope 

Of ever achieving those lofty goals 

Of Liberty and justice for all?