The Patriot
Lining the street an anxious throng.
Dads moms and younger kids.
At last the parade!
Stars and stripes and marching bands.
Everyone's spirits high.
Happily cheering waving
at every grand display.
As in perfect step each passes by.
Almost without notice
an older gentleman stands.
Sparkling eyes behind spectacles.
Leaning on his cane he watches.
The stirring music coaxes forth
a shadow of a smile a soft sigh.
The sigh hinting of memories
long ago burried forgotten not.
As the color guard draws near
the elder one becomes
with obvious painfilled effort.
Ramrod straight.
The passing flag he and others
fought so gallantly for.
Brought without hesitation
a labored yet smart salute.
Imagination maybe but.
The moment Old Glory passed
as if in recognition fluttered.
Saluting one from times gone by.
Now parade and crowd have gone.
Alone the old warrior walks it seems.
Not alone for spirits of comrades
march silently forever at his side.
poem by Kurt Hearth
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Related quotes
In memory of a certain RSM
The band was already playing
a marching song
and officers, non-commissioned ranks
and troops spotless
in berets, browns and shining boots
marched and halted in perfect unison
on the parade ground.
With a flat hat like a chauffeur,
or maybe like the baggage man
at the hotel
with visor just above his eyes,
dressed in step outs
he drove the Mercedes Benz
through the gate
to the parking aria
next to the parade grounds
bringing it to a elegant halt,
jumped out and walked
right to the back door
bended double and opened it
to let a lady and younger woman out.
Then with pace stick
swinging to and fro
on he came like the leader
of the band
but in control
of the whole parade,
set over officers outranking him
waving the stick in his hand,
walking up and down
like a huge red faced clown.
[RSM = Regimental Sergeant-Major.]
poem by Gert Strydom
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Broken Soldier
Here stands a broken soldier
One that has fought for his life
One who has fought for your rights
One who has fought with no end
And has asked for nothing in return
Here stands a broken soldier
Much like any other
Just trying to make it through the day
Helping to keep a nation together
There is no wish for fame
No wish for glory
You may not even know his name
Still you know he is a hero
This broken soldier
Has seen his share
He has learned much more
Than what you will learn from books
He has face you each and every worst fear
He has met pain
And death was always a close friend
Knocking on his door
Waiting to be let in
But this soldier
Wasn't ready to give in
He may wonder a street
And pass you by
Yet he is still fighting by your side
And for your rights
He may seem unimportant
For he played such a small part in this huge parade
But in a war
When he is fighting
That small part becomes the parade
And helps a thousand times more than you'd think
This broken soldier knows the risks
He knows the possibility
And yet he fights
For your rights
For your Justice
And at your Liberty
poem by Alandra Nicole Moreira
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One More Parade
Hup, two, three, four, marching down the street
Rollin of the drums and the tramping of the feet
General salutes and the mothers wave and weep
Here comes the big parade
Dont be afraid, prices paid
One more parade
So young, so strong, so ready for the war
So willing to go and die upon a foreign shore
All march together, everybody looks the same
So there is no one you can blame
Dont be ashamed, light the flame
One more parade
Listen for the sound and listen for the noise
Listen for the thunder of the marching boys
A few years ago their guns were only toys
Here comes the big parade
Dont be afraid, prices paid
One more parade
So young, so strong, so ready for the war
So willing to go and die upon a foreign shore
All march together, everybody looks the same
So there is no one you can blame
Dont be ashamed, light the flame
One more parade
Medals on their coats and guns in their hands
Trained to kill as theyre trained to stand
Ten thousand ears need only one command
Here comes the big parade
Dont be afraid, prices paid
Dont be ashamed, wars a game
Worlds in flames, so start the parade
song performed by by They Might Be Giants
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tom Zart's = Freedom & Our Flag = 2012
FREEDOM
In their new uniforms
The young march off
Not knowing who shall return.
With a proud devotion
They brandish their flag
Leaving loved ones to wonder and yearn.
May we all be buried
By all of our children
Is an ancient tribal prayer.
They're so easy to lose
But so hard to forget
Such a burden for a parent to bear.
Oh, the taste of victory
Shall soon be forgotten
But, never that which was lost.
For those rows of white headstones
In peaceful green fields
Make it easy to tally the cost.
America has survived all attempts to destroy
Knowing the cruelty of war
And, we who remain
Must help keep her free
For those who can march no more!
OUR FLAG
Our flag is fabric wove of thread
Carried by heroes live and dead.
She stands for justice and courage too
With her colors; red, white and blue.
For all who serve her, there'll be cheers
For any who die, there'll be tears
For all who love her, honor will prevail
Any who harm her, shall suffer and fail.
How many moms have cried before
As they sent their children to war?
How many dads have not returned
Because our freedom must be earned?
Wars were waged where brave men died
As patriots fought side by side.
Our flag is still the pearl of Earth
Because of those who prove her worth.
Parade
Life is like a parade,
There are two kinds of people,
The ones participating in the parade,
and the ones looking at the parade.
The people in the parade are the successful people,
the hardworking people, the ones who are trying to make a difference in the world,
Even though doors keep slamming in their face they never give up,
And by the side of the parade are the lazy ones, the people who are afraid to take risk,
The backstabbers, the ones who just sit and criticized,
the ones who dream and hope and take no action
I am in the parade, I wonder where you at.
poem by Jean Cherubin
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Freak Parade
I never was bothered by bad dreams
They never made me afraid
But then I never did dream Id wake up
And find me in the freak parade.
I guess I had to find out the hard way
I shouldnt have been so proud
cause here Im the main attraction
Of every giggle in the crowd.
So I gotta
Take my place in the freak parade
See my face in the freak parade.
In a world full of freaks
You can creep, you can crawl
But the worlds biggest freak
Is the one with no balls.
You know you shouldnt poke fun at strangers
Or pity their case at all
cause there are lots of friends and lovers
That take it kind of personal.
You might appreciate our position
Dont laugh at our freaky ways
You might find yourself tomorrow
Marching in the freak parade.
You better
Take your place in the freak parade
See your face in the freak parade
Get of the sidewalk!
song performed by by Utopia
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Paradise Of Chaos
We march like fools in a parade of chaos.
We march like fools in a parade of chaos.
Led by our enemies.
While we sing their praises.
Led by our enemies.
While we kiss their hands.
The morning rained fire.
Let the heavens retire.
Over the eyes of the blind.
And the vioces of spoiled children.
True leadersare gone.
We turned our back too many times.
And bit the hand of the provider.
Chaos kills us.
Chaos.
song performed by by Zao from Parade Of Chaos
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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In The Other World
spirits
in the other world
we are
spirits
sublime in silence
rested forever
perfect bliss
there is no you
and no me anymore
it is the moment now
that must not be wasted
when love still prevails
when your touch
ripples the memories
in my skin
love me now
or miss forever
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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You Like To Talk About War Heroes
You like to talk about war heroes I'll take you to meet one today
On warm days he sits on a park chair from here in distance a short walk away
In him you may feel disappointed he is frail and aged and gray
He has blocked out most of his war memories of war he has little to say.
He is not your idea of a hero but heroes they too do grow old
Just one more forgotten old warrior the years on him in wrinkles have told
He fought under the flag of his Nation in his Country he had great pride
A survivor of the war trenches where thousands of brave young men died.
He lives alone in a one bedroom apartment in a cold and drafty place to live in
Yet in his early twenties he was a decorated soldier and medals for his bravery he did win
For him it has all come to nothing and on the reaper's call he wait
On war memorial day he does not walk in the parade he feels no cause to celebrate.
You like to talk about war heroes you come for a short walk with me
And sitting on a park chair in the sunshine a war hero in the flesh you will see
Long before your father was born he fought in a war from here far away
He is the last of his battalion his war comrades amongst the dead lay
poem by Francis Duggan
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The Dear Old Flag
Oh! we love that dear old flag,
That our forefathers gave
Over one hundred years ago, boys,
They once stood under that dear flag,
But now they are in their graves,
Sleeping their everlasting sleep, boys.
CHORUS:
The Union forever,
Hurrah, boys, hurrah;
Down with the traitors,
Up with the stars;
For we love that dear old flag
That our fathers fought to save
When they were fighting for our freedom.
We will rally around its standard
Every Fourth day of July,
For we dearly love our nation;
We love to see the stars and stripes
A waving up on high
Over our Union celebration.
Three cheers for the Union
And the red, white and blue,
And our forefathers that formed the constitution;
May the flag forever wave
O'er our native land so true,
May God protect our flag and nation.
poem by Julia A Moore
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Freedom & Our Flag = 2012
FREEDOM
In their new uniforms
The young march off
Not knowing who shall return.
With a proud devotion
They brandish their flag
Leaving loved ones to wonder and yearn.
May we all be buried
By all of our children
Is an ancient tribal prayer.
They're so easy to lose
But so hard to forget
Such a burden for a parent to bear.
The taste of victory
Shall soon be forgotten
But never that which was lost.
For those rows of white headstones
In peaceful green fields
Make it easy to tally the cost.
America has survived
All attempts to destroy
Knowing the cruelty of war
And we who remain
Must help keep her free
For those who can march no more!
OUR FLAG
Our flag is fabric wove of thread
Carried by heroes live and dead.
She stands for justice and courage too
With her colors; red, white and blue.
For all who serve her, there'll be cheers
For any who die, there'll be tears
For all who love her, honor will prevail
Any who harm her, shall suffer and fail.
How many moms have cried before
As they sent their children to war?
How many dads have not returned
Because our freedom must be earned?
Wars were waged where brave men died
As patriots fought side by side.
Our flag is still the pearl of Earth
Because of those who prove her worth.
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Why Talk About War To An Anti War One Like Me
Why talk about war to an anti war one like me
Since you know with what you say of it I won't agree
Since talking of military matters I'd rather decline
And your sort of heroes will never be mine
Your points about war to me you've already made
Though I won't march with you in the war parade
With you the like minded will stand at your side
Whilst you wave the flag with great fervour and pride
'Tis good in a way we see things differently
If we all thought in the same way how boring we'd be
Waving our National flags as we walk up and down
To the beat of the war drums through the streets of the town
You do love the National flag but so too do I
But for the flag I would not shoot to kill or die.
poem by Francis Duggan
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Popular Girl
When she walks in the room, every eye in the place
Turns to follow her every move
Shes arrived on the scene in her diamonds and jeans
World class -- shes got nothing to prove
It takes a long time to know her, whe gives it up a little at a time
*shes gettin what she wants
Shes a popular girl
Settin those hearts on fire
Everybody wants to be
Part of her world
Shes a popular girl
Such a popular girl*
She walks down the street, knocks em dead on their feet
With a casual nonchalance
When shes breaking your heart, shes the state of the art
With license to take what she wants
It takes a hard man to hold her, she likes to get a little out of line
( * repeat)
She waits by the window, the world is her stage
Each smile is her mirror in the passing parade, passing parade
And in the end, all shell be is your friend
Though passions your lone desire, shes the one you cant touch,
You want her so much, youre burnin, your hearts on fire
It takes a hard man to hold her, the challenge is forever on my mind
( * repeat)
song performed by by Survivor
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Let There Be Light/ Spirits Dancing In The Flesh
Chorus:
Let there be light
Let there be joy
Let there be love
And understanding
Let there be peace
Throughout the land.
Verse:
Lets work together
In harmony
Lets build a better world
No suffering
And in times of darkness
Just reach out
cause there is a promise
It wont be denied
Repeat chorus six times
Narration:
This is truly paradise
Being here in this celestial garden
With all the ones you love
Where nothing dies or ever grows old
And to be bathed in light
That cast no shadow
Yes
This is the kingdom within
Still you know
Sometimes I miss seeing and feeling
The spirits dancing in the flesh
Spirits dancing in the flesh
Intro:
Cant you see them all around
Theyre all around us
Spirits, spirits dancing all around us
Chorus - chant:
Spirits
Dancing in the flesh, the spirits
Spirits
Dancing in the flesh, the spirits
Spirits
Dancing in the flesh, the spirits
Spirits
Dancing in the flesh, the spirits
All over, all over, all over
song performed by by Santana
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Before Twilight Dawns
He lays in repose
With a Purple Heart
Fought gallantly
Without a purpose
Without a cause
Expires before twilight dawns
He did not witness the parade
The banners and confetti
Honor below grade
Without glory
poem by Buxton Shippy
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I aim my bow against the sky
I aim my bow against the sky
and set the mark
for the unknown
far beyond the blue.
Somewhere out of sight -
far beyond the stars
against the black of night,
there’s a place
my arrow aims.
Legend speaks about a place
beyond the sky and somewhere
among the stars,
where true and great warriors go.
At times I wonder if my fallen comrades
are waiting there for me
and if they are really free
from the chains
that still binds me -
are they more than mortal men?
I long to be with them at times
and to walk with great Achilles
at my side,
with Alexander in the lead
and to gather all my comrades
to march to the throne
of the Prince Of Peace
and to kneel at the feet
of the Almighty warrior king.
poem by Gert Strydom
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The Rum Parade
Now ye gallant Sydney boys, who have left your household joys
To march across the sea in search of glory,
I am very much afraid that you do not love parade,
But the rum parade is quite another story.
For the influenza came and to spoil its little game,
They ordered us to drink a curious mixture;
Though at first it frightened some, when we found it mostly rum,
Parade became a very pleasant fixture.
Chorus
So it's forward the Brigade, if they'll hold a rum parade
At Pretoria there's nothing to alarm ye;
And it's easy to be seen if they leave the quinine,
Ye'll be there before the blessed British Army.
Then a corporal he come and he said I drank the rum,
But the quinine never reached its destination;
For begob he up and swored that I threw it overboard,
Sure my heart was filled with grief and indignation.
For I'm different to some, I prefer quinine to rum,
And I only take the rum just as a favour,
And it's easy to be seen I'm so fond of the quinine,
That I keep it lest the rum should spoil its flavour.
When we get to Africay we'll be landed straight away,
And quartered with the troops of Queen Victoria;
And we hope they'll understand that the moment that we land
We are ready for a march upon Pretoria.
And we'll pay off all the scores on old Kruger and his Boers,
And just to prove our manners aren't a failure,
And to show we are not mean, shure we'll give them the quinine,
And drink the rum in honour of Australia.
poem by Andrew Barton Paterson
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Today You're a Star
Four years have
lasted not too long,
seems like yesterday
you're too young
for preschool
but now,
graduation caps
and gowns
are shining bright.
excitement churns
within your chest
for that cool diploma
soon you'll get
your smile, your eyes
flares with sparkling delight!
you've made the grade,
your on your way,
soon you will decide
how high to fly.
burning of your
brows is over
educational rule
has been fulfilled
you have weathered
the climax of your dreams!
it is the cure needed all along
with veritable smile,
with deep sigh,
tears welling from your eyes
with your proud parents
spirits held high,
a tight hug, a smile
a quote of congrats
gratifies your soul somehow.
four years have carried
you this far,
at last the beacon
has been won!
triumphs held after periods of forlorn!
now wear the cap
today your'e the brightest star!
poem by Cyrus Diaz
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A Warrior Has Come Home
Waiting all this time for that one warrior,
Challenges through these hard times
Crying and being alone at night,
Her warrior has finally come home.
His life meaningless before,
Day after day
Same routine.
The warrior has finally come home.
The things he has seen
No one will ever know
The cries he has heard
No one will ever hear.
Children in the future
Will never know the pain and fear
Never encounter the enemy
They will be free.
Today,
A parade travels through the city
People showing respect and loyalty,
A warrior has come home.
The end of the parade has finally come,
They lower the casket
With tears in her eyes,
A friend says a few words.
This warrior was brave.
Served his country
No regards to his life
He found peace and meaning to his life.
Shots were heard all over the city,
Heads are bowed in respect for the warrior
Prayers are sent up above
For the warrior who has finally come home.
The Wine and Me
I asked the moon to drink with me tonight;
he just gave me a heavy sigh,
as though he heard that plea from me
a thousand times before.
Morning after morning, I don't see the sun;
that was after the day you were gone.
I filled my cup with wine,
the sounds of it seems music to my ears.
I wish to fade as you fade
with the passing years.
Every gulp of it brings the memory
when you were here by my side.
'You'll be back' - a sentimental lie.
My cup was empty and i filled it again.
Only now, the tears flowed like rain.
'You did want me' - another lie.
And i drink with my shadow
as the time passes by.
I was slowly consumed, like fire down a candle;
like drops of water flowing like a passing river.
The taste of wine on my lips
seems so sweet...I drank again.
'You miss me'- a sweeter lie.
I drank till the dawn is nigh.
I ask only to be drunk forever
and never wake...
to lie forgotten with the darkness;
to sleep forgotten in the depths of a lake.
'You did love me' - the sweetest lie.
I wish to fade as the years pass by.
But tonight, there's just this wine and me
forgotten with the wind.
With our endless torments,
with our bitter tears...
There's just this wine and me to let me forget you
and the sorrows of a thousand years.
poem by Jessel Jane Tevar
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