WHO AM I

Dedicated to all who serve our country...

I am one who shall stand beside you as you stand up for me when your country calls.

I am beside you in spirit though I am not there!

I am there under your fledgling wings to lift you up and reach the skies,

   for I soar amongst the heavens when you say to me, "I need your hand."

I am one whose heart cries out to tell you, "Thank you for your sacrifices."

I die each time I cannot be there to ease your burden on those cold dark nights.

I would summon the gift of understanding when all of hell is swirling about and within you.

I wish for you the eyes of the sages that you may guide, into the future,

   those needing that glimmer of hope.

I lay awake praying that you are sleeping peacefully.

I count the days, and the hours til’ you are presented as a gift back home safe

   and whole in my arms.

I wish for you days of challenge, that you may succeed and glorify freedom’s gift to you.

I would give my life for you as you would for me.

I wish life’s feast upon you, that your soul would swell and age with wisdom.

I would guard your every step taken into the darkest corridors of your unknown.

I would dream that sunshine is all that guides your way.

   And at your journey’s end I would wish you glory and peace!

   And I would shed the tears of the world for the lack of you by my side!

Who am I to demand that, for you, life is, and will forever be, gentle and full of dreams?

I am a citizen of our world, another grain of sand upon the beach.

I am every mother and father of our country’s daughters and sons. I am a patriot unheralded and unsung.

I am your flag so riddled with holes, torn, thread barren, and embattled with scars.

I am an American!

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