You look so young
smiling nervously for the camera
quite handsome in your new uniform

A farm boy called to fight in a war
a world away from the Oklahoma crossroads
where you grew up

You told us about the time
you got shot in the arm
You said the nurse was really nice and
the needle didn’t hurt too much

We laughed at your joke
but knew you escaped heavy combat
only by a twist of fate
and a revised timetable

You came home and raised a family and
taught us to appreciate life
No lectures; you taught by example

We learned civics and civility and
truthfulness and trustworthiness
We learned to honor the honorable
and to try… try… not to judge

I’m not the most stalwart patriot
but I cry at parades
when the flag bearers pass by
in their crisp uniforms

and I hold my hand over my heart
in respect for the flag, and I
remember that some fathers or mothers,
sisters or brothers, sons or daughters
didn’t come home

and I vow to raise my family, and
teach them civics and civility and
truthfulness and trustworthiness

… and honor