National Pride

“Proud to be an American” is not a phrase I’ve enjoyed.
In fact, in the past, whenever I read or heard it, I got annoyed.
I perceived an implication that the speaker would be ashamed
To belong to another nation. But is that what’s being claimed?
It might be slightly misworded, with the speaker taking pride
In the USA itself and glad to stand by a winning side.
In a way, it’s like being proud to be a daughter or a son
Of a highly accomplished person: You yourself may not be one,
But you get to bask in the glow and reap the benefits thereof.
As far as that goes, I too am filled with patriotic love.