See all the shining rooftops glistening
While to these raindrops we are listening
For pitter – patter as they splash their way
Across our window panes so grim and gray.
Tis one more wet and windy springtime rain
That’s come today to visit all again
Oh dancing sprinkles will you help us grow
A harvest crop we can be proud to show ?
I hear the sound of running feet
It fills my heart with pride replete
Midst noise of children in the street
And all their antics with each feat
They’ve not yet learned to be discreet
Reminding all how time is fleet !
I see the flag, it flies on high
Its standards reaching for the sky
The wind whips round its colors bright
Tis true it is an awesome sight.
There is a chill runs down my spine
Convincing me that we’ll be fine
Quite sure each time I fall asleep
I have these promises to keep.
And if I die before I wake
There is a vow you must not break
Command my ashes to be spread
Along the shore aft I am dead !
See our blest flag at half staff flown
Whence seeds of valor there were grown
To honor heroes who have died
For God and man and nation’s pride !
AMEN.
There is a place where I can see
This nation’s flag wave over me
The flag it flies with colors bright
It is an oh so wondrous sight
And promises this great surprise
To open every stranger’s eyes
Instilling confidence and pride
With love that wells up deep inside
Old Glory may she ever wave
And all our dreams, help us to save !
It seems to me this world is strange
From ocean’s edge to mountain range
With valleys lower than the sea
And plains as far as eyes can see.
A land of forests, hills with ruins
Lakes, rivers, streams and desert dunes
A coastline full of coves and bays
With swamps and marshes in a maze,
Mass spectacles of God’s delights
This place of dreams and hope incites
Such passion in her people here
They shall not dare to live in fear !
We have been friends so many years
We’ve shared the range of joy and fears
We laughed a lot, we also cried
As family and pals have died.
We toughened up and made a choice
We chose to heed the calmer voice
For this scant time we each have left
Perchance to guard against its theft
As all that we’ve been wishing for
May help us reach God’s exit door !
EXCUSE ME but that’s my song they’re playing ! This morning at 5:58 AM, I was astounded by a tasteful display of the Star Spangled Banner, a beautiful panorama of Martin Luther King Jr., a montage of war memorials in D.C. and a moment of silence. All of this on Fox Cable Network News TV as they commenced morning broadcasting. I almost jolted out of bed however people my age never jolt anywhere at anytime ! I sat, I rose, I appreciated ! Well now here am I sharing this experience with my world at large, no basket over this light ! It’s like a reveille call. I do not know if it qualifies, but I’m going to enjoy this show and thank the new incoming administration for reviving our waning patriotism ! Perhaps there is the hope that it is catching. That would be heartening, thank you ! I already feel 10 pounds lighter, how about you ? Sincerely, Claire B.
Here’s to the Statue of Liberty
And to this place called land of the free
Despite the crack in Liberty’s bell,
Honor the tale historians tell
Of Revere and his steed’s late night ride
Through this great land of the Pilgrim’s pride,
To patriots who fought in the wars
And gave their lives for this country’s cause
To the young, the feeble and the old
The quick and dead, the brave and the bold
And to our Lord who resides above
For His constant care, enduring love !
A lifetime promise I shall keep
To speak with God before I sleep
This vow I took when I was small
The reason now I don’t recall !
It had to do with truth and lies
Seeming foolish and being wise
I can’t be false while pledging true
I’m partial to red, white and blue !
About me here I spy the face
Of many that have earned disgrace
They have small faith in who we are
And won’t enhance our rising star !
When I was a child in a polka dot dress
I’d sashay around all my aunts to impress
When I was a girl in a blue gingham gown
I’d swoop and turn and spin to feel upside-down
When I was a lass in my first going out
I wore that costume with not one single doubt
When I fell in love and was dressed as a bride
I wore that garment with a heart full of pride
Now I’m quite old and my figure’s past showing
I’ve learned this one lesson as I’ve been growing
That God loves me best whatever I’m wearing
It’s all about giving, helping and caring !
There are some days that I simply cannot recall without a sprinkling of tears, however of late the occasions are multiplying faster than my tissue supply ! Can you relate at all ? And these words run through my head in confirmation, “The world is too much with us: late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers: Little we see in Nature that is ours;” this compliments of the master, William Wordsworth. Does anyone find the name suspicious or apropos ? “Words worth” remembering and we have for ages ! I fault this poet with my adoration of the “misty isles” as it was his “Lines Composed A Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey”. that brought me as a young woman to his country for the first time and has kept me enchanted for far more than half of my life. Frankly, Wales sings to me with its moods and passion while England appeals to my sense of being ! Scotland is all strength and courage and the Channel Isles are contentment. Ireland is a world apart, fantasy and dreams completing the cycle of life. It is two years now I’m unable to return and memories must do, like the ancient Hebrew wish, “Next year in Jerusalem”, as I reach for the kleenex. What do you think ?
Sincerely,
Claire B.
Do you know the story of Mary Hays McCauley nee Ludwig? Born 1754, Trenton, NJ, more commonly known as “Molly Pitcher” the heroine of the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse June 28, 1778. Last time I was there, more than 60 years ago, she was memorialized with a monument, a plaque and the famous cannon she manned when her husband fell ! In the “good old days”, children revered the brave deeds of those who”purchased” our freedom and rights as the youth of today idolize sports figures. That June day was unusually hot, 100°F, it could be called the “World Series of Battles” as it included all the major players, all the stars of both TEAMS ! Washington, von Steuben, Marquis de Lafayette and Gen. Charles Lee ( who really struck OUT ) for the home team. With Clinton and Cornwallis battling for the visitors !! Americans, 12,000 men, British 11,000. The cannon required water to cool down the barrel after each shot and a ramrod swab out ! Water girls were kept busy carrying water throughout each battle , most were wives. Almost half of the casualties were due to heat stroke. In 1822, Molly ( nickname for Mary ) was awarded a lifetime pension for her valor by the Pennsylvania assembly. The victory at Monmouth coming after the crossing at Trenton, ended the larger effort to win in the north and resulted in British retreat to the south, after their escape from Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Molly Pitcher’s Well can still be visited ! How’s that for another homerun for our side ? P.S. General Lee was court martialed as a coward, his “contract” was not renewed, but you guessed that !
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Claire V. Bogdanos 