SPIRIT OF A NATION

I proudly wave across the land,
 a stately emblem in the breeze.
A patriotic declaration
 of a nation's liberty.

White purity and innocence
 Red hardiness and valor.
Blue vigilance and justice
 are preserved within my colors.

Over hallowed halls of knowledge,
 of government, of law.
I stand watch over principles
 to earn my nation's awe.

And like the stars so proudly worn
 upon my breast of blue.
I transcend the bonds of earth
 to stand majestic on the moon.

Dauntless onto battlefields
 I lead my country's brave.
And with solemn dignity
 escort the fallen to their graves.

I serve as dressing for the wounds
 of injured men and towers.
Bestowing hope and solace
 in my nation's darkest hours.

When my loyal, revered servants'
 last heartbeats come to pass.
I join my mourning nation,
 flying somberly half mast.

Flames of hatred and dissension
 may reduce my cloth to ash.
Yet with the smoke my liberty
 still rises unabashed.

My strength lies not in stars or stripes,
 in fabric nor in thread.
But in the hearts of citizens
 who hold my values sacred.

For those who would destroy
 America's noble decoration.
Will come to find they shan't destroy
 the spirit of a nation.

~©Deborah Whipp~October 25, 2001
dmwhipp@aol.com

Index Of Poetry