A Maple Leaf and Old Glory
This week the Canadian Maple Leaf and dear Old Glory wave
Above two noble nations of the loyal, strong and brave,
Two symbols of endurance…North America’s domain,
Where freedom and civility stand firm against the pain…
Of differences still unresolved – Peace never guaranteed:
Of problems screaming to be solved, solutions all can heed.
For soldiers rest beneath the sod, whose bloodshed paved the way..
Just so the likes of all of us have liberty today.
Our symbols wave as warning to violent oppression,
While guaranteeing Right of Way to hopeful free expression.
The world is wild and insecure, but carefully I say
With violence licking at our heels, destruction’s not that far away,
Arise, my friends, salute those flags: what’s won at awful cost,
Are not just scraps of pretty cloth, but freedoms to be lost.
It’s years of blood and selfless love…and clinging to frayed hope,
Hoping for a place of Peace and for the strength to cope.
In lands so full of bounty, yet need may still abound,
So generous hearts and willing hands help spread the wealth around.
A look around reminds us that in this time so wild,
Many a good soul spends his coin to feed the hungry child.
So, why do we salute our flags….the leaves, the stripes and stars?
Because the meaning of the flag…
Is you….is us….
And ours.