The sunshine sneaks into my room
Replacing night time’s eerie gloom
The photos hung upon the wall
Do happy days and times recall.
Familiar faces one by one
Remind me of past summer’s fun
Those thoughts so full of magic sights
And warm and sunny days and nights !
I wish somehow we could return
To memories for which we yearn
But it’s too late for turning back
That train left on another track !
July the first in history
The year was eighteen-sixty-three
A troubled time, a day of rage
Some farmer’s field that was the stage.
Those men that died that sad sad day
Had such an awful price to pay
While those who lived to fight again
Could have no thought when it would end !
How ideals change we cannot know
For what’s inside we dare not show
But God alone will make that choice
He is our judge, our heart, our voice !
I do recall when I was young
How proud we were and prayers we sung
To thank the Lord up in the sky
While watching that bright banner fly !
We pledged our trust to God and man
Assuring all with voice and hand
We will not fail or fall behind
Our actions would be just and kind !
And so it was these many years
We have survived through trials and tears
Seems now that we have reached an end
Our flag reviled and without friend !
Forgotten there upon the floor
Hair ribbons littered by the door
The smell of aftershave so sweet
It taints the taste of breakfast treat.
With crumpled socks all in a heap
Next to the sheets from last night’s sleep
A sorry mess that waits for care
Beside the dresser on the chair.
Because we have a mission here
That visits us just once a year
Our nation’s birth we’ll celebrate
No matter what we shan’t be late !
Claire V. Bogdanos 