A Pledge to Stand by Nathaniel Tower

Brandt didn’t stand for the Pledge.

“Stand up,” a group around him hissed.

The teacher remained silent.

“Don’t you love your country?” a nearby girl asked.

The teacher moved closer to the situation, his hand on his heart.

“With liberty and justice for ALL!” the class shouted, most eyes darting on Brandt at the end.

After class three boys wearing boots and Confederate belt buckles shoved Brandt on the ground. One kicked him with the hard toe of the boot. Another stomped on his chest with the heel.

“Fuckin’ faggot,” the boys said. “Move to Canada you little bitch.”

The boys walked away, high-fiving each other, proud they had defended their beloved country.

Brandt slowly stood up and brushed the dirt off his shirt. His chest ached, but he was used to it. He brought his hand up to his heart and held it for awhile before marching to his U.S. History class. They were discussing the Bill of Rights today.

Nathaniel Tower writes fiction, teaches English, and manages the online lit magazine Bartleby Snopes. His short fiction has appeared in over 100 print and online journals. His first novel, A Reason to Kill, was released in July 2011. He lives in the Midwest with his wife and daughter.