Patriotic Poems
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"Gary" Stapp FOR FUN: •NEW: Crossword Puzzle •Magnetic Poetry •Shakespearean Insults •What time is it where you are?  ABOUT US: From the Editor Favorite Links Copyright Info		Photo by Daniel Hulshizer, AP Editor's Pick: I STAND ON HISTORY'S CORNER I once was called a State House, now I'm Independence Hall I stand on history's corner on a Philadelphia mall I face the green where freedom rings in silence to the ear But the bell tolls daily in the minds of those who want to hear In the chambers of my meeting place, two hundred years ago Words of strong debate from out my chambers overflowed A government was founded and a portrait finely etched And the face of freedom's guarantee on parchment had been sketched I listened to the arguments, I heard the strong debate I shed a tear of joy when they discussed the people's fate They granted all a freedom that nobody could refute The right to speak what he believed was granted absolute It is a freedom that's denied to millions on this earth Yet many here still don't appreciate its' golden worth For every freedom guaranteed, there rests a certain trust In the right of conscience, right of thought, to say the things we must Every day the tourists come, to visit chamber halls To hear the words of independence echo off the walls They glance out rippled windows at the beauty of the green Some understand the magnitude of all that they have seen There is an unmarked boundary by which speech is well embraced That does not smile upon the words that scar and that deface That offend another's tenants, that degrade and that abuse From one without a conscience, where his freedom is misused But yet between the lines of freedom, tolerance is clear Sometimes we listen to the things we never want to hear Then anger and mistrust arise within the murky mist Of one who utters or displays what principles resist But yet he has the right to what his conscience will attest To those I say, just turn your back and silently protest Rejection is the deepest pain that one will ever feel And silence speaks the loudest as it echoes what is real There is another boundary that blows in freedom's air That does not allow the right to speech that cause s one's despair Inciting danger or upheaval, with a word or sign Intended to create despair and others to malign The law will call to justice, the one who oversteps The line of freedom's limits with the weight of ignorance Those who've passed the boundaries, marked on wooden floor Where freedom was first granted, never walked into my door For if he had, he would be overcome with the debate As ghosts of freedom argue in the favor of his fate He'd hear his name be mentioned as deserving to the wise For "every individual" was equal in their eyes He'd understand the privilege of living in a land Where censorship's forbidden to the eyes of every man Where every pen is free to write the thoughts within his soul And every soul is free in seeking knowledge as his goal I stand on history's corner, a building with a name Where people look at freedom's bell through rippled window pane And realize their eyes are gazing through the very glass Of eyes that once looked out as well in shadows of the past Come here to see where freedom's voice was duly given birth Come here to understand the measure of your voice's worth -- Submitted by Elizabeth Santos from Pottstown, PA e-mail: mesantos1@comcast.net FREEDOM NEVER DIES September eleventh two thousand one, The whole world got to see. The towering twins of New York State Fall so helplessly. They both were struck by suicide jets On a mission to destroy. The spirit of America And freedoms we enjoy. Then a third jet struck our Pentagon, While a fourth jet couldn't go, Beyond the Pennsylvania trees 'Cause of heroes, we now know. So with vengeance left to be the Lord's One thing still applies... Freedom just might cost your life, But freedom never dies! © 2001 William Heffner -- Submitted by William Heffner from Coldwater, Michigan e-mail: thankful49036@yahoo.com A M E R I C A A is for the Attitudes that conquer any quest M is for the Multitudes who know just why they're blessed E pluribus unum from sea to shining sea R for all the Riches found where everyone is free I for Individuals who sacrifice their all C because our Christian faith will answer every call, so one more A for Attitudes That live inside of us God has blessed America Cause God is who we trust  G O D   B L E S S   A M E R I C A !  © 2001 William Heffner  -- Submitted by William Heffner from Coldwater, Michigan e-mail: thankful49036@yahoo.com OUR AMERICA  America, America Can you see how she lives Life with freedom opportunity and pride Lives for her we proudly give  Tell me sure, what other place Would give such chance for life Life to be lived to its' true Even through its' great strife  But still there's tragedy, rebel, rebel Someone trying to change the pages By saying what's been said for years Now, suddenly is viewed outrageous  America, America Can you see how she gives Stand up and strong and proud for her And make sure Our America lives -- Submitted by John Thomas Lurry from Oklahoma City, OK e-mail: jlurry@jordanet.com OUR FLAG As we salute 'Old Glory' In her stars and stripes so bold She brings to us nostalgia In memories we hold  Uniting us in brotherhood A glimpse of beauty bright The emblem of our freedom Of a nation crowned in light  As the song "God Bless America" Resounds throughout the land Steadfast we pledge allegiance To our flag who flies most grand!  Flag Day - June 14 Copyright © 2002 MaLadysPoetry.com -- Submitted by MaLady from Augusta, GA e-mail: MaLady@MaLadysPoetry.com STARS AND STRIPES As the pole rings like a distant bell, I walk within the shadow of the flag And hear the sound of freedom-so still Like rolling thunder across the land.  -- Submitted by Danny Barbare from Greenville, SC e-mail: DpbJld@aol.com I AM MY BROTHER'S KEEPER While I'm laying down to rest, Courage calls young men to test. To test their faith on battle ground. O bloody sight! And dreadful sound!  Trudging through the blood and mud, What hath power to stir men's blood? Blood to rage, and power to fight; Faith to keep them through the night?  What has sparked the flame inside, Braving war with reverent pride; Bearing the burden for another, A life he believes to be his brother?  Lying in rest at home, like me; What was it that his eye did see; That he would thrust him from the bed, And consider himself already dead?  Damn the threat! Forbear the woe! Courage has budded, to war I go! I shall not shrink, nor fear the reaper! For I know I am my brother's keeper! -- Submitted by Bobby Thomasson from Alvarado, Texas e-mail: allwillpass@yahoo.com OUR FOREFATHERS' HOLY LAND Standing before the banner covered with stars, remembering the heroes died for country in the wars, whispering your beautiful name-America-crown of the nations, Calling your past-the glorious noble history, George Washington, Lincoln, Kennedy, Everlasting is burning the flame, through democratic tools and creations, First freedom, the most precious result of our struggles and daily efforts, Second-the constitution, fountain of justice and wisdom, Third-the safe future of our innocent, dear children, The proud and honor to carry and protect, Our forefathers' holy land...USA... God bless USA!  -- Submitted by Tatomir Ion Marius from Sighetu Marmatiei/MM/Romania e-mail: tatomir@usa.com DEAR GOD Dear God, I want to say, A special prayer in a special way. May you bless those far and near Brighten a smile and dry a tear. Who could forget that terrible day America was attacked in a horrific way? God, please show them that you're near. Touch a soul to show you care. Guide them every day and night Let them know they'll be all right. Help them to heal day by day And show them they're loved in every way. Bless people far and near Who helped out others and showed they cared. Bless those who passed away For their love will never stray. God, I know you'll hear my prayer And you'll bless everyone everywhere. Please take our pain away. God, please bless the U.S.A -- Submitted by Alice K. Monahan from Shelby, Michigan e-mail: Smiiles8888@aol.com SWEET HIGHLAND MUSIC I heard sweet highland music drift across the glen From a lonely highland piper who from the hills appeared, and then The mists did slowly rise up from the heather on the ground And the skies were brightly lit up by an old familiar sound of bagpipes and drummers marching homewards from the war Once more victorious, although pools of blood I saw, With faces that were grieving for brothers, sons and friends Who all had fought for freedom, until the bitter end. Eyes were fixed like bayonets, were stained and smeared with death, Bellies were full of hunger, but there was no time to rest As the enemy had gathered, regrouped with new laid plans To regain the advantage that was taken from their hands By men in kilts and tartans whose allegiance to the cause Could not be broken by the mighty English Rose, Or the longbows that were aimed and fired to foil these fearless men Who were led by the highland piper through the mist - enshrouded glens. New battle roared and English sword won favour for a while, There was no calculation in their plans that Scottish Guile Would foil and thrice outwit them, as they stood and faced defeat, They had no other option but to turn and then retreat Back to the lowlands: to the homelands that they knew, To rethink how those bagpipes and their tunes could be subdued, Why the fight for freedom was a fight that would not die But ran deep within each Scotsman's heart and kept their spirits high That lived and breathed, would never leave, from the cradle to the grave That bred a strength of character that is always on parade, As if a mighty peacock as it spread its coloured tail. The Scotsman's fight for freedom will never be derailed. Will always be a part of life in times of war or peace Written as an epilogue when life on earth has ceased, When bricks and stone are all that's left, when the oxygen has gone The eerie sound of bagpipes will forever linger on. © 2002 Alan Glendinning All rights reserved -- Submitted by Alan Glendinning from Aberdeen, Scotland e-mail: alan@glendinning.net United we stand, Steadfast and tall, Commited to peace, And freedom for all. For times like these, That try all our souls, Can renew our faith, In ourselves and our goals. Let's open our hearts, As our proud banners wave, O'er the land of the free, And the home of the brave! -- Submitted by Tara from Fairfax Station, VA e-mail: mwuennenberg@cox.rr.com SHE STILL STANDS From her island sanctuary She stood glorious in the sun, As clouds billowed softly by, I saw Liberty; her torch raised to the sky  From the sky flew the demons from the east, By blade, capturing the wings of the eagle's flight, Four riders stormed down delivering death, Laying siege on her fortress of democracy  The towers destroyed and the keep damaged, Countless souls delivered into God's hand, The devil's seed had been sowed An unholy bounty reaped  Fire, soot, and ash rained down to the street below, Onto The Knights of Saint Michael and Saint Florian, Burying those who try to save Life pushed to the limit never thought to be undone  From her island sanctuary she stood immobile, As clouds of smoke, ash, and soot billowed Devastation recognized and dealt I saw that Liberty still stood  Her sons shall raise their swords To vanquish the evil back into the night Her torch shall never grow dim It will always be raised to the sky  -- Submitted by Martin Connors from Philadelphia, PA e-mail: Harp3726@aol.com SALUTE THE BANNER THEY RAISED...  Salute the Banner they raised on that hallowed ground Shed no more tears of grief Let every child know of the bravery Remember always the heroes  Like gallant knights unbound Pledged to protect those who can not Meeting Death's challenge Cherish always their sacrifice  Tell your children of the innocent blood shed Of the unknown thousands saved by common men As they fought for life near Heaven's Gate Returning to Hell, the Evil that held them by blade  Salute the Banner they raised on that hallowed ground Remember always that September morn, As heroes stride through Heavenly Skies Candles lit and held in children's hands like earthly stars  Towers may be rebuilt Castles will be repaired and restored Epics written scrolled and forgotten Smiles will return; Tears will dry  Salute the Banner they raised on that hallowed ground Rejoice in the victory of the soldier Who fought in a distant land to end a tyrant's reign Bringing to justice the traitor who fought against his Flag  Salute the Banner they raised on that hallowed ground Cheer always the freedom endured Preserve the Unity that prospers still Protect the liberty that is the beacon to the world  -- Submitted by Martin Connors from Philadelphia, PA e-mail: Harp3726@aol.com I HOLD IN MY HAND... I hold in my hand a world of anger and fear. Never knowing what to expect. Never knowing what is near. I hold in my mind the images of war. Something so near, that we expect to be far. I hold in my heart anger and pain. Innocent lives lost, with evil to blame. I hold in my soul prayers for all the people, We will all come together to conquer the evil. We hold in our hands a promise for tomorrow, to create a world without any sorrow. We hold in our minds the future of our lives with all it's twists and turns. From all that has happened, we can only learn. We hold in our hearts the need to stand together. The hope that this togetherness will last forever. We hold in our souls the need to feel safe. If we do what is right and follow our hearts, the world will be a better place to live! -- Submitted by Sierrah from Irving, Texas e-mail: sierrahb@yahoo.com We all turned on our TV sets. We all held our breath. We all saw four airplanes crash, as many met their death.  We all were scared and shocked and sad. We all hoped it was a dream. We all cried the tears of grief, at something so extreme.  My friends were all strong and brave. My friends helped me through. My friends were there when I cried, when no one else would do.  My friends hugged me and held my hand. My friends were always near. My friends helped me though that day, and wiped my every tear.  Our nation was attacked that day. Our nation could not rest. Our nation tried to keep its cool, and we all did our best.  Our nation has recovered some. Our nation will still run. Our nation is even stronger now, as "America" is sung.  I will stand strong and proud. I will help my land. I will care and listen and hope and lend a helping hand.  I will support my country dear. I will remember that day. I will be brave and strong and proud. I live in the U.S.A.  -- Submitted by Dallas from Townsville, AZ THE SUNSET How lovely is the sunset at the break of day, How soft are its colors as it fades away. A promise of peace, rest and cease to the unending fray, To every man it pledges at the end of the weary day. With majestic colors and light it bids goodbye, While mixing with the sea and the prismatic sky. Touching the tired and hopeless hearts of humanity. To give them hope that in the morning they are free, From the golden chains of false liberty. -- Submitted by Jansen Azarias from Marikina City, Philippines e-mail: jansena@edsamail.com.ph PATRIOTISM  By the dawn's early light our flag was still there my emotions stir as those words hit the air I reflect on the freedom we enjoy today And pray that it will never be taken away  Brave soldiers died through the years In wars and battles that brought many tears dough boys fought in those lowly trenches drenched in blood as they crawled through the mud  The bombers flew so very high as the flack from below pierced the sky soldiers stormed on foreign beaches and jungles devoured our soldiers with leaches  The oceans of the world entomb our men in watery graves where they fought to the end from Pearl they sailed to the sea of Japan may God have mercy upon this land  Brave men and women laid down their hearts and gave their best as they did their part our freedom is recorded with the blood of man from coast to coast you should love this land  Patriotism should be a part of our life but some choose to demonstrate and show their strife so many have forgotten the reason why so many don't care and it makes me cry  Our freedom was challenged on nine-one-one some thought it couldn't happen, but it was done so when you see that flag flying high never forget the reason why  ©January 31, 2002  -- Submitted by Scott R. Jones from Benton, MS e-mail: declores@starband.net America is good, America is great We are not full of anger or hate We love all nations , we love every face But we will fight for freedom, with God's amazing grace We do not like to fight, we do not like to kill But we will fight for freedom, if war is what you will America is good, America is great, We are not full of anger or hate -- Submitted by Erin W. from Vancouver, WA e-mail: agustafs@egreen.wednet.edu THE DAY THE BROTHERS FELL The day the brothers fell Was an awful day, we say. We still cannot begin to wonder All the lives that were lost that day.  But I'm sure that it brought us Americans together, closer, Taking care of one another.  So 9-11 was not a day that the devil won, September 11, 2001, was a day that God Used to bring us together despite all the violence that was done.  -- Submitted by Anna King from Kansas e-mail: LakerGirl002@hotmail.com
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