American Flag

I put on my uniform,
said a prayer,
wiped away a tear
and hoisted my American flag.

Watching the colored
banner, freedom's symbol
snap in the breeze,
I saluted with tears
streaming down my face.

Young and brave,
and dirty, scarred and scared
firemen hoist
their American flag
amid melted and twisted
steel and death
and tears.

Day and night,
no matter the weather
I will fly
our American flag.

I know it's right
to feel this way
tears upon my face,
as I salute,
all the dead and injured
and innocence lost
who should never
have borne this cost.

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