respect comes hard

respect comes hard

when money is valued

when those who gave time and health

to serve others are deemed ‘suckers’

respect comes hard

for those who do not honor the sacrifice

by those whose lives are then given

in love to care for the damaged

wind-animated stars and stripes

  awing, what a piece of cloth can say

curling, whipping upwards like a flame twisting

unfurling to full banner in the wind

silently relating history and sacrifice

pride, hope, people striving for better

extending white and red

as though to reach for freedom for all

showcasing stars, that, like celestial bodies above, shine on all below

long may it wave

            mjNordgren  7/4/2022  Blue house, Lincoln City