Rows of Green - Rows of Red

This past week, feeling Inspired by the sacrifices that led to our joyful July 4th, I wrote this poem after I worked in the yard that hot summer day.

Rows of Green - Rows of Red

Hot and muggy summers dayYard work ahead, can’t ever waitWalking out to start my workI pass old Glory hanging freeProudly there for all to see

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Mowing grass and clipping shrubsThough hot, my burden’s lightBack and forth lay rows of greenLike glory's flag laid out so straightNow rows upon my yard I make,there for all to seeI think of lives shed just for meTo keep this day from infamy

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But the toil and and blood so shedThat made my freedom freeSeem distant now in modern daySo now must share the stories ofThose glorious days gone byTo no forget the price twas paidfor precious liberty

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To give us such a place as thisTo now pursue pure happinessThough shadowed struggles still remainWe take our stand to make a placeMuch better than today

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Inspired by days gone long agoWhere sacrifice was made for meHow to serve those still unfree?My fellow man who stumble stillLive tethered lives to rusty chainsIn ways I can’t conceive

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Thank you Lord for setting forthDivinely ordered landIdeals strung high, yet graves so lowHelp us now to make this placeA better place to livePlease walk beside and heal our woundsAnd let us see the promise ofNew days aheadAnd bleed for those where justice calls.