And Speaking Of The Flag...

Before We Leave The Field

As part of the closing ceremonies

To this realm - this vale

Of tears, and such

Clouded emotions -

Before we move on, into

The higher reaches 

Of our potential;

Our work done here

       for many;

       for the moment

       for some

I would consider it an honor

To take, for the nation,

           the salute

Of the ’trooping of the colors’

Of those who have given service

To this exceptional nation

     in a parade

Down Pennsylvania Avenue

Past The People’s House

And let each unit

As it passes in review
Be announced

To those assembled

For the occasion

And in their homes

Across this broad land

              from sea

To shining sea, in the 

Almost forgotten words

                         of the 

Almost forgotten song…

And that includes, of course,

The women’s auxiliaries;

And the Donut Dollies;

And the USO en toto;

            and a flyover

Of the vintage planes,

Lovingly maintained

To this day…...

              All in all,

A glorious salute

             especially

To those who gave

Their last, full measure

Of devotion

                    to

This hallowed Flag.

      Alas, there is

    a usurper
(and unbeliever to boot)

   in the way.

Oh well.  Perhaps

Another day.