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Open Poetry #40
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Unfurl The Flag, Son
| Open Poetry #40 |
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Unfurl The Flag, Son |
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Ringo 
since 2003-02-20
Posts 3684Saluting with misty eyes 
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"Unfurl the flag, son." "But, Dad, the 4th was a couple of days ago. We don't need to put it out anymore until Veteran's Day." "Unfurl the flag, son, then come sit down here with me, and I'll tell you a story." Take a good look at her, boy She might look to you like a rag Just another chore for you to do Four times each year Just to forget until it's time again Take a look at her, son She is much more than that Alive, she is, even as you and me See how she moves Look how she breathes in the morning air\ Waving to tell the world Liberty aboutnd, still All is right in the land "But, Dad. All is not right. We are at war. My tacher says people, Americans, are overseas being killed for no reason. My friend's mom says that we are being brutal and heartless because we won't let people break our laws and enter this country illegally. Our neighbor calls you rude names because you voted for the President. Tell me, Dad, how can it be all right if the country is coming apart?" Take a look at the flag, boy The answer is right there Notice the stars in the corner Looking all the same, lined in a row They are as different as can be Some rows have six stars Some rows five, no more They are aligned askew Each row placed to a different thought Take a good look right there, son The country isn't coming apart We're all like those stars Placed by our own thoughts Alike as we are Americans Strong as the stitching holding it together "You see, son, there's nothing wrong with voicing a different opinion than the next guy. You just need to be respectful is all. Do you understand?" Yeah... but one thing... if our being at war, if us having guys beiing killed serves no purpose... why have them there at all?" Take another look at the flag, son Thirteen stripes for thirteen states Yet, it almost didn't come to be We were fighting those who oppressed us The truth is, we were going to lose Then the French, yes, the French Came to a place they had no right to be Those men died for people they didn't know To make them free Take a look at her, boy Do others deserve any less Than to have someone help in their need Hen they, themselves, can't defend They will become the land of the Free Because of the Home of the Brave "Gee, Dad, I didn't think of it that way. I guess it kind of makes sense, then. You know, I never knew there was that much history all in one small piece of cloth. "You see, son, that is why we unfurl the flag every morning, and not just on holidays. Because as long as we stand to our principals, and protect ourselves from criminals and terrorists, then she shall continue to be a symbol of our strength and might." inspired by, and with apologies to, John Wayne What would you attempt to do...if you knew you could not fail?. |
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| © Copyright 2007 Bradly Stott - All Rights Reserved | |||
bslicker
since 2000-12-04
Posts 2321state of mind |
Gosh this was very good. enjoyed and  bernie  A smile a day keeps the world in smile's. |
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Dominique-Simone Senior Member
since 2005-11-12
Posts 643 |
Very Nice... |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Enjoyed...and that is how beliefs and ideals are passed on...from father to son...from mother to daughter...James |
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dgvarner Member Elite
since 2000-05-13
Posts 3552High Springs, Florida |
enjoyed that... thanks for sharing it with us! hugs, g "...Never regret anything that made you smile..." |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Nicely done, and "The Duke" was and is an inspiration to us all. He was the symbol of who we are. Just like that flag is. |
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Rick Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903Victoria, Australia |
Ringo, thanks for giving this Aussie some insight to your history and flag, a wonderful piece of writing my friend, enjoyed it all. Rick |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
I enjoyed the perspective you used here, Ringo. The conversational aspect, the gentle corrections and tone between father and son ... and the message this portrayed. Yup, very much enjoyed this. Well done. Best wishes, /Kit |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
wonderful Ringo and pesonally, I think the Duke woulda been proud.  Nicely penned, sir.
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I know the exact text you are referring to, so no apologies to Wayne. He is smiling...and applauding. At this, Take a good look right there, son The country isn't coming apart We're all like those stars Placed by our own thoughts Alike as we are Americans Strong as the stitching holding it together ~*~ Well, that's where the tears just sort of popped out... this is a  my friend... |
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Ringo
since 2003-02-20
Posts 3684Saluting with misty eyes |
Thank you all very much for the kind words at my first attempt in quite the while. I actually started writing this on July 4th, and finally was willing to unleash it yesterday. Thanks again. What would you attempt to do...if you knew you could not fail?. |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
I will never be looking at our nation's flag (Canada) the same way ever again. A marvelous piece of patriotic poetry!  Love, Harmony & Peace, Linda  |
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