July 4th

I wrote this several years ago...but it still holds true. We live in an awesome country. We must pray continually that those that would destroy it from within are defeated on every front.

PATRIOTISM

Tears in the eye

To see the flag waving high

Prayers for the soldiers

Even those old codgers

That served along time ago

Defending our flag

Even when our spirits sag

Helping hands

To neighbors on foreign lands

Lifting spirits low

Parades and apple pie

Watching the Stars and Stripes go by

Clowns and bands

Lots of people in the stands

Adults with children n tow

Red, white and blue

Giving honor when due

“The Star Spangled Banner”

Liberty’s shining manner

Beckoning us on

Voting and voicing

Rioting and rejoicing

Freedom of press

And freedom from false arrest

Laws written long ago

America the Beautiful

America the bountiful

The land of the free

Our great destiny

How I love her so

Amanda Rankin 07/03

"Thinking of You"

THINKING OF YOU

As autumn shrouds the parks and grounds of play

As leaves fall silently covering all

As the winds of winter begin to blow

I think, my friend, of you

The winds in blustery force assail

As you walk head bent across the span of lawn

As the chill of damp is in the air

I think, my friend, of you

School children calling out in shrill voices

As they kick through the fallen leaves

As teachers call them to return to class

I think, my friend, of you

I think, my friend, of you

As you gather your children in your embrace

As you kiss your spouse in joy

I think, my friend, of you

I joy in knowing you are loved

As autumn ends with winter’s shove

As a new year comes with abounding love

I think, my friend, of you.

11/20/07 Amanda Rankin