Bursting with pride 

is a phrase frequently used.

Used, but never understood. 

Bursting: 

Shattering, rupturing, tearing, exploding.

What shatters?

A mirror shatters into a million shards.

What ruptures?

An organ ruptures with screams of pain.

What breaks?

A heart breaks against devastating news.

What tears?

A tendon tears, delaying growth and success.

What explodes?

A bomb explodes, destroying families and homes. 

So when I say my heart is 

"Bursting with Pride"

I mean it is shattering every time you leave,

rupturing with every beat,

breaking to be heard,

tearing with fear,

exploding with the need for everyone to know

how proud I am. 

How proud I am to live in this country.

How proud I am to know someone who is willing to fight for what they love,

to fight for this country,

to fight for me.

How proud I am to call you brother. 

Because even when my heart

SHATTERS

              RUPTURES

                           BREAKS

                                     TEARS

                                              EXPLODES

I am still so very proud.