marching in a thong

there was an era

when people used to be proud

of finishing

school,

or a race,

or serving in the military

or police,

proud of the cake

they made,

the grades,

a good deed they had done.

people were proud

of their

accomplishments,

being a good daughter

or son.

proud of their

children,

of their well kept house

and lawn.

pride was a different thing

back then.

it was never about sexuality,

or marching

down the street

in a cherry red thong.