Anonymous Letter Left At The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier, Memorial Day 2010
Upon this day of poignant reflection, we are humbled by your sacrifice;
No measure of recompense doth any possess which may serve to satisfice-
Our very liberty hath been your precious gift-your dutiful life, its price-
Our humble gratitude is all we have, no manner of quittance would suffice!
Our Forefathers advented Liberty, yet your loss saw to its abiding;
Countless men and women still, much like you, cease its subsiding;
Your life of honor and duty, for country-this shall ne'er perish-
In our hearts and minds, upon this day and all others, we cherish
Every solitary liberate moment, which you have given and ensured;
The most selfless sacrifice-your safeguard guaranteed Liberty endured!
'I can not say and I will not say that he is dead - He is just away! ' **
You live still; Your dutiful life inspires men and women to this very day;
The obligation owed to you is immeasurable-words may ne'er convey
Our gratitude for your service and sacrifice-though we endeavor all we may!
**(James Whitcomb Riley, 'He is Only Away')
Maurice Harris,27 May 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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Honor Them
They are California 'kids' and New Englanders, through and through;
They hail from Iowa cornfields and Texas plains-
They are men and women ready to sacrifice
Their lives in the name of liberty-most would, twice!
With a selfless sense of purpose, they serve
So that all who crave freedom, get what they deserve;
This is why they suffer mnay and great pains,
This is why they shall always do what they do!
Honor them-either through remembrance or gratitude-
As they guard us, with a vigilant, selfless attitude;
Freedom is not free, they pay its price-
'Liberty and Justice for all'-anything else does not suffice;
So long as there are men and women willing to protect this,
There need be many others, who recognize and respect this!
-Maurice Harris,4 November 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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Obligation Of Remembrance
Champions of freedom, each and every one;
We solemnly remember thee, for all the battles you have won,
With valor, honor, and wholly selfless dedication;
You served served God, and a country in need of your protection,
From those who sought our liberty's end;
Without regard for your own life, you stood to defend
The very precepts that make our country great!
When the call to arms came, you did not hesitate
To stand, and be counted, amongst a very select few;
Freedom is not free-its price was paid by men and women, like you!
On behalf of a grateful nation, with an obligation of remembrance,
Thank you for your sacrifice-I know this fails, as recompense,
Yet, it is all that I now possess, to bestow,
Upon so many brave souls, I had not, the honor, to know!
poem by Maurice Harris
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The Obligation Owed (Veterans' Day 2010)
I beg your thanks, for all that you have done-
For the service you have rendered and all the freedom you have won;
Your selfless dedication to such lofty ideals,
Honors all who reap its benefit, as time itself reveals;
Causal to your sacrifice, nations thrive under guard of liberty;
You are the very proof that a super hero really may be;
You pledge allegiance to the flag, yet its the Constitution you protect and defend-
Until your very last breath, upon your integrity we may depend;
The only proper recompense we may ever offer
Is to never take for granted the obligation owed, your proffer;
You serve, so that others may live under the precepts you protect;
We live each day, empowered by the strength you project:
'Thank you' seems so insufficient-though, it is all I may give-
It is you that would give your life to ensure we may freely live!
-Maurice Harris,10 November 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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This Glory, Now Returned
Obligation owed the fates: once again and, I pray-forever more,
I consort with this sublime beauty I do so very much adore!
I know not proper quittance for this glory, now returned;
My life now so affirmatively altered, more than I could have discerned!
Naught is there, in the form of sacrifice, too much
Which should see me nearer to her loving touch;
I am a humbled appreciant of her amazing grace,
I now live a blessed life as such, which naught could replace!
Though, one day, even this beatitude shall find supplant-
To this resplendency and all it engenders, I remain allegiant!
The life-long, all-consuming search hath reached its destination;
I invite the world, entire, to join with me in my heart's celebration-
See as I do, the beauty to whose felicity, I shall devote my life;
Once assured that we are prime for such, I shall ask she be my wife!
Maurice Harris,21 May 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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The Sacrifice They Made
While you are in the midst of revelry,
Take pause, to pay tribute to the bravery
And honor possessed, by those, for whom this day is set aside;
Do this not out of coerced obligation, but out of pride,
In the knowledge that it is the sacrifice they made
That allows you to lay the plans you have laid-
For cookouts, pool parties, and gatherings with friends;
It is people like them today, whose courage defends
The liberties we have, which most take for granted.
Men and women of honor, who ensure we still reap the freedom He planted-
His gift for His children, where allegiance is assumed,
Where defense of same ensures its presence is never presumed.
I implore you, each and all, remember always the sacrifice they made,
So that we may live a life of freedom, ever-obliged, yet unafraid!
poem by Maurice Harris
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She Is My Heavenly Proffer
Perhaps once in thine own life, if truly fortuitous,
Ye shall gain privity to a beauty, as I, whose glorious
Resplendence shines-as a beacon, through all my hours-
A beauty so rarified it doth astound and overpowers
The senses at times! Though she doth dwell many a mile
From whence I am, still, I am greeted at all times-by her smile!
Should my life's flame be doused, right here and now,
I shan't have cause to aspire further-as this I avow:
I have glimpsed Heaven-in her eyes, it doth reside-
Not to speak slight of the Empyrean Kingdom, nor deride;
I have seen her truth, and simply must, to it, attest;
She is cause for me to know, I am most and truly blessed!
No matter of love or affection shall serve to suffice-no, not nearly;
Nothing shall ever be proper grace for the one I love most dearly!
My life until now hath been wanton of a love worthy of what I have to offer-
No longer need I search for same, obligation owed to God's greatest proffer!
Our consort was a divine providence, of this, you may be assured;
My soul hath now its compeer; My heart's everlasting guard, secured!
I must see this glory e'er closer still-to this end, I shall do what I must;
All my hopes and dreams-all the faith I have in my heart-to her, I do entrust!
'Lord, as Thou hast given unto me, this magnificent, glorious covenant,
I shall endeavor dutifully to pay it proper honor, as I remain allegiant! '
My amorous wonderment knows not bound, whence she is concerned-
For she doth embody all that for which my life, entire, I have yearned!
As this singularly magnificent night gives way to the dawn of a new day,
There is but one truth I know and shall endeavor evermore, to convey:
She is my Heavenly proffer, given unto me as proof of His divine inspiration-
She-the solitary source of my mind, heart and soul's panoply of elation!
Maurice Harris,24 May 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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My Country 'Tis Of Thee
I love my country, why does it not love me?
I ponder my country's import, why does it not, of me?
I sacrificed for Her, why does She not sacrifice for me?
Only the best for Her, yet, why no satisfice, for me?
I have bled for Her but She does not bleed for me;
I love and need Her so, yet She has no need for me!
When I needed Her so-the very most,
She has been naught, but an illusive ghost!
Where is this ever-present aegis She promised?
That for which my whole life has been premised;
Though She surely failed me, I shall not fail Her;
I seek only whole agnize of same, I shall not assail Her!
I now blanket myself in Her most beauteous work-
From this right, er, this solemn duty, I shall not shirk! !
Maurice Harris,15 February 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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No Measure Of Recompense
No measure of recompense shall e'er requite
All you have given, yet, you seek in return, naught;
Ponderance of the gallantry with which you fought,
Truly awe-inspiring, your united, righteous might!
You honor us, we are humbled in your presence-
Our world, more secure, thanking your vigilance,
Defending us from all forms or manner of pestilence;
Daunting, mere thought of your seeming omnipresence!
With a polite, yet firm command of any endeavor,
You have formed a unity that none could sever!
A hero you are, to the world-in its vast entirety;
Loyal protector for all those in need, near or far;
To darkness you give light-as a bright, shining star-
Guardian of Freedom, Champion of Liberty!
Maurice Harris,22 October 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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Truly America's Best
I humbly thank you, for your service and sacrifice,
Yet am keenly aware that this alone, serves not, to satisfice-
I need be grateful, both in spirit and appearance
If I am but to be worthy of your accomplishments;
You are freedom's very guardian, a most solemn duty:
You 'protect and defend' the Constitution, in its most profound beauty-
You answer to no man, monad, nor mandate;
Your's is a position I not only eny, but appreciate:
A member of the world's most elite fighting force,
An ambassador of liberty-our strength, with you, its source;
Whether you are a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine,
You demonstrate what the words 'service before self' really mean;
The free world, from North and South, to East and West,
Is forever endebted to you, you are truly America's best!
poem by Maurice Harris
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The Few, The Brave
As proof of our remembrance, we lay a flag by each and every grave;
With perpetual solemnity, we ensure that it shall always wave
Under the free skies of the land that they and our forebears created:
For God, Duty and Country-they never hesitated
To serve with Honor and Valor for a higher purpose;
All gave some, and some gave all-all, in service
To a most grateful nation, which must always remember,
Whether on a Summer morn in May, or a blustery one in September:
If not for their bravery, indeed, their sacrifice, we'd not be free!
Surely, if I did not take time to pause, I'd not be me-
Because I stand under free skies, and make my very own choices
All because, even from hallowed graves, they provide us voices
In all we do, see, hear, touch, and feel.
No one may blind or mute us, and steal
This freedom away-we will fight as fiercely as they
Should any try-and would rather die than give it away.
This is how we need honor them, each and every day:
To live as they would have, in each and every way.
They did not die in vain, they perished as noble defenders
Of Liberty at all costs, in a world of raucous pretenders.
Their Valor was as uncommon as they were brave;
Due this Gallantry, Freedom and Democracy were saved
From the depths of tyranny, and totalitarian subjugation-
Not the cornerstones upon which to build a nation!
We, the 'many', need always appreciate 'the few, the brave':
Their sacrifice ensures that the flag shall always wave!
-Maurice Harris,29 May 2012
poem by Maurice Harris
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For those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, we are grateful that such men and women were among us. For those who continue to serve, we honor their commitment. For those who return to civilian life, we honor their service.
quote by Steve Buyer
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Heaven Welcomes Another Angel
My heart joins with thee, in your sorrow;
I shan't say it will ease in the morrow,
Nor any day soon, if it shall, ever-
Truth be told, it may cease never!
Whence thee lament, surely I lament too;
I feel your pain, as though as one, with you!
I shall provide solace, when solace is wanted;
When all others cower or flee, I remain, undaunted!
Heaven welcomes another Angel into its realm,
Our loss of same, surely now doth overwhelm!
Obligation is owed for what was so precious-
Grieve, yet, celebrate what was left with us;
Yes, a glory hath passed from our sights-
Yet, its memory shall endure, for all our nights!
Maurice Harris,10 March 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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But A Matter Of Time
My beloved, upon this day of myriad amorous thought,
I shall attempt to convey what your love hath brought!
Bestowed unto me hath been days, beauteous and bright-
Whence even the Sun hath not been within my sight!
Days are rife with jollity, whence upon thee I ponder,
Many more, yet to come, in our life, of unending wonder!
Count me now, most fortuitous, my heart's elation abiding-
To thee, and all the world, this soul's capture, I am confiding!
As though I had wished upon a 1,000 stars, falling-
God hath answered this loving heart's calling;
He hath not just seen to my love's fitting requite,
He hath ensured I may love, with all my might!
Ne'er before, in time's hallowed history
Hath this greatest of emotion's enlightenment
Been anything but an unattainable mystery-
My loyalty to love, He did sight and sent
His most beloved beauty, His Angel, most highly regarded
To see fitting continuance of a love, many years ago, started!
God smiles upon me, each and every day-
Taken away so much pain, supplanted with this beauteous ray
Of resplendent beautificence, mine eyes have never seen-
As sikerly, in the world's annals, there hath ne'er been!
My life, entire, I could most certainly spend
To endeavor recompense, yet it would never end-
To honor you, proper, I shall surely strive, still,
With time's infinity, its only lasting rival!
Ne'er did I believe true love, as this, attainable-
As it was my own belief, I must be amenable
To love of another more than of self, heightened and true-
At a time most disbelieving of same, I found this, with you!
Time and distance mean naught, as now I know of your existence-
Shown to be hopelessly futile, is any form of resistance;
I was meant to become, for your consort, prime-
I now know my true love's avail is but a matter of time!
Maurice Harris,10 February 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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Liberty
Theres a gentleness within
Theres a kindness that shell bring
Through her eyes of sadness lies
All her love for him
Imprisoned every day
A handsome price to pay
Even when shes done her time
Shell insist that lifes just fine
Someday soon shell make her move
Seize her chance to shine
Its all that she can do
To free herself from you
Its her liberty ( that she wants you to see )
Its her liberty ( that she wants you to see )
Where has all her life blood gone
Will you ever see
Even if she understood
Is it written that she should
Come and see him when shes gone
Hes surprised but knows hes wrong
A simple case of do or die
And now shes cut and run
Your vision let you down
You almost let her drown
Its her liberty ( that she wants you to see )
Its her liberty ( that she wants you to see )
Where has all her life blood gone
Will you ever see
Even if she understood
Is it written that she should
Where has all her life blood gone
Wil you ever see
Even if she understood
Is it written that she should
Its her liberty ( that she wants you to see )
Its her liberty ( that she wants you to see )
Where has all her life blood gone
Will you ever see
Even if she understood
Is it written that she should
Its her liberty ( that she wants you to see )
Its her liberty ( that she wants you to see )
Where has all her life blood gone
Will you ever see
Even if she understood
Is it written that she should
song performed by by Olive
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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My Life's Most Sacred Duty
Dreams do take me back to the beauty,
To love you I shall, for all of my days;
For it is my life's most sacred duty-
Nothing, nor any one may alter my course, or me, phase!
I have dreamt many times since I saw thee last;
Always are you far more beautiful
Now than thou were in the past;
My devotion to thee: unwavering, dutiful!
My first breath, and my last, I owe to thee;
My every gift I possess, I bestow to thee;
A piece of my heart, missing for far too long
Resides with you and is needed, to remain strong!
All ever I have wanted, since able to choose,
Ever taken, in an instant, ever too much to lose!
Maurice Harris,6 March 2008
poem by Maurice Harris
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Thanksgiving
I found myself woefully walking down a sad and lonely road-
I asked: 'Why must I be forlorn and have I been foresaken? '
An answer would reveal itself, though I questioned the time it had taken,
God said then: 'I brought you great angst to allow for that which I have now bestowed! '
'You ne'er have, nor shall you walk alone, for I always shall guide your way! '
'I proffer to you now my most trusted Angel, She shall walk always beside you-
She shall, as my entrusted: protect, love and guide you! '
From that time, and for myriad still to come, beside me she has stayed!
Though no measure of recompense shall surely ever suffice,
Still, I offer her that which I have never, all I have to give-
My heart and soul, all my love- as long as I may live:
Blessed have I been to have this, not once, but twice!
Thankful am I beyond all measure of words for this and all it brings:
Obligation owed, to You, the benevolent and gracious, King of Kings!
Maurice Harris,24 November 2008
poem by Maurice Harris
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My Beloved's Ardor
One day, not so long since passed, I heard those words, three-
I knew then and there, I had gained my beloved's ardor, truly!
It is I that she doth adore, she did share with me, the same;
As my heart surely hath been thieved-so too her's-I, amorously to blame!
Sikerly I know what the proffer of her heart doth truly mean-
To covet and honor this calling shall I; No finer glory hath my mind's eye e'er seen!
Two worlds of wonder, each universally unique,
Hath once again come together and do seek
What assuredly is the solitary mate for each other's soul,
Looking to reunite with their hearts, which the other stole!
I have seen and do attest to its Empyrean truth;
To agnize like, you need not seek attestation nor even sleuth!
As water seeks its own level, so too doth love, indeed;
Once a love's true compeer hath been met, it must accede!
Maurice Harris,23 May 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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Without Ration (A Mother's Love)
Somedays you will know me-some you won't;
Some days you seem 'yourself', some you don't;
Be not afeared though Mother, I know who you are:
No matter of time or space, no matter how much or how far,
Could ever cause me to draw from you, distance;
Life is far too precious, so I shan't miss this chance
To let you know how very special you are to me,
Whether you should be very near, or very far, from me!
Your love for me has always been without ration-
I may only attempt recompense in the very same fashion;
You have taught me well: love, respect, honor, and compassion;
My only hope is that, contrariwise, it was also to your satisfaction.
Words are hollow, I speak so much louder, with action-
Since your's is the measure, I hope to have returned you, a fraction!
-Maurice Harris,14 September 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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Sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice! That's the condition of the female. Women have been conditioned to sacrifice for centuries.
quote by Betty Dodson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Rican Soldier & Unyielding Honor = 2012
AMERICAN SOLDIER
It's not a priest that gives us our freedom of religion
And it's not a reporter that gives us our freedom of voice.
It's not any judge, lawyer, politician, or teacher
But the blood of a soldier that has sacrificed by choice.
Our soldiers line up to be remembered
As the best of the best at their job.
They wish to be needed and depended on
To save all we love from the mob.
They risk their life and limb for liberty
Standing firm against evil unwilling to break.
To be part of something greater than themselves
They are willing to sacrifice whatever it will take.
UNYIELDING HONOR
Weakness invites moral plight, war and aggression
Encouraged by mistrust, misjudgment and delay.
All we love can be destroyed and transformed
By the powers of darkness maneuvering our way.
When something wicked stares us in the face
To corrupt our morals, faith and resolve.
God gives us courage to defend what's right
No matter the sacrifice or danger involved.
Evil seeks to destroy the good in man
And silence the memory of God's law.
It's up to the faithful to stay unyielding
Defending the liberty and justice of all.
Our men and woman who serve in harm's way
Are the armor of what the free world depends on.
Without their sacrifice of body and soul
All that we stand for is gone.
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