Red, White And Blue
Red, White and Blue-these hues shall ne'er fleet,
Nor shall they who fiercely defend it, e'er retreat;
They champion Freedom, at any and all cost,
But for this precept, all hope would be lost!
Our Supreme Law, they swear to support and defend,
Against all, whether here or afar-upon this, we all depend;
Serve do they, with Honor, exhibiting Loyalty and Respect-
A lesson for all, ideas are these, which all should expect!
In any one generation,1 of 100 is their humble divide,
Yet, it is they who are the source of our extraordinary pride!
Honor them, with your heartfelt gratitude, whence ever
Acquaintance is made, in return, your defense, ever!
Consider them not upon celebration but for only a day,
Keep them always in your thoughts, allow not its sway!
Maurice Harris,20 October 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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The Oath of the Protector
They-the loyal, proud, courageous and strong!
Too multitudinous to count, their pedigree of honor, long!
Vow, do they, to protect and ever to defend!
Alas, ne'er to cease, lo, though time doth end!
Many befallen as champions of freedom, not of men!
Into conflict they bravely go, perhaps not to return again!
Allegiance they swear, not to man, nor mandate-
Loyalty and commitment is proffered, so as to obviate:
The Oath of the Protector, to but only our Constitution,
This precept hath proven fundamental to our evolution!
Lives, they offer to country, with service and loyalty-
So shall they still, through all time, perpetually!
Service, excellence, fidelity and truth-do define further still;
All are humbled, and obliged to thee, with promises you do fulfill!
Maurice Harris,2 April 2009
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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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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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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Freedom Is Never Free
They tell me
'Freedom is never free.'
I know that-
More than most realize.
Freedom cost us more
Than we should have to give.
Freedom cost us blood.
It cost us the lives
Of our fathers,
Our sons,
Our brothers.
But while freedom is never free,
Remember-
It has been bought at great price,
And so is a thing of great value.
We must defend it,
From those who would take it away.
The defense of our freedoms
Will cost us-
More than we wish to pay.
But we must pay, to defend,
For if we try to make freedom free,
We forget-
True freedom is never free.
poem by James Grengs
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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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Moments In Time
Moments in time help to define you as a man,
Even if they are of times that no one could understand!
Crippled by fear, strengthened by truth,
Held accountable, without any sort of proof!
All that defines me as a man-integrity, honor, pride,
Has been, by some, ignored entirely, even set aside!
Always do I treat others with the utmost of respect-
Naturally, the same in return, is what I expect!
The love of my life, turned into a monster, in an instant,
Accepting of this role I am not, I am far too persistent!
Amongst all the destruction is left rubble and need to rebuild;
I am hopeful, that through my faith, belief in you is again instilled!
Life is too long a road to walk by one's self-
Too long indeed, to keep your heart away, upon a shelf!
Maurice Harris,3 March 2008
poem by Maurice Harris
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Called To Duty (A Father's Letter Home, To His Daughters)
Called to duty-for honor, for family, for country, for freedom's sake-
To stay behind, to leave injustice be, is but a choice I cannot make!
In my absence, my precious family, home and all alone-without me;
Daddy misses you dearly-in this, please do not ever doubt me!
Dwell do I now, in a place, with a people, where hope seems forsaken-
To restore their faith, freedom, all else that has from them, been taken!
This place, these iniquities, they hardly seem fit, even for a pauper-
Stay I must, until my post is relieved or their rights, restored, proper!
Worry not for me though, my beloved, whilst in danger I may be-
My brothers-in-arms and God Almighty shall both look after me!
Know this my Angel, as you anxiously await my return, each night-
Nothing, and no one other, shall cause your absence from my sight;
A calling of this import only may cause me, from you, to part-
Whensoever I may, I shall return to you, wherest I left my heart!
Maurice Harris,11 November 2009
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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Father's Day 2008
What is Father's Day, without the Guest of Honor?
Is it then a celebration of that which was, formerly?
Because, now Father is absent, he is gone, or
Is he? His presence looms with thee, there, nearly!
How have we come to be here, without one another?
The 'love of your life'-oh, really? Then why believe your own deceit?
You must ensureth your mind's heal, then only-befitting, a Mother!
Otherwise, your life's journey shall render your pain's repeat!
With Father, our family is surely completed-
Lo, lacking same: empty, my heart; my soul, depleted!
Why do you not see, as do all others
Your want for return, fastly, of your drothers?
Father loves Mother, indeed more than he ought-
Return, must we, our happiness, with nary another thought!
Maurice Harris,15 June 2008
poem by Maurice Harris
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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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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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The Harbor of 'Pearls
Deviously plotted by cowards, for nearly one full year,
Intended was it, to instill in us, crippling fear!
This certainly was not the effect that was brought,
In fact, this is seen as the ONLY reason we fought!
A wise, yet, adversarial Admiral said this, upon our involve:
'We have awakened a sleeping giant and have instilled in him a terrible resolve'
Now, and evermore, a Tomb AND a memorial, to those, perished-
These were men of honor, whose lives shall always be cherished!
Men like Dorie Miller, who fought bravely, as did the rest of the fleet;
Lo that 7 December 1941, a day truly, which shall 'live in infamy'!
Each year, upon that dreadful day's poignant remembrance,
Flags, at half-staff may be seen, throughout our vast expanse!
Always be mindful, this was the genesis for 'The Greatest Generation'-
One that saved from destruction, far more than just OUR nation!
Maurice Harris,7 December 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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I Bleed Red, White and Blue
I’m the soldier who defends,
I bleed red, white and blue.
Not for our local politicians,
rather I selflessly bleed for you.
I bleed red for your freedom,
the one I protect at any cost.
Crimson colors ensuring that
your civil rights are never lost.
I bleed white for a noble cause,
not a political agenda you see.
Ivory hues this soldier spews,
to protect and shelter you and me.
I bleed blue for all your children,
and their children just the same.
Blue shades this soldier emanates,
all I ask is you remember my name.
I bleed all the Patriotic colors of,
our flag, I’ll never be able to deny.
Tints of freedom and dedication.
this soldier will honor until I die.
poem by Stacy Stiles
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My Love's Avail
I have no words which befit my heart's sentiment,
Nothing could ever properly form it's embodiment-
Alas, I assure thee, my beloved, all that I may, with lyric-
My love's reality doth belie it's very essence, esoteric!
Causative is it: my heart's sweet, exalted jubilation;
Each day next, reason more, for my soul's celebration!
Mundane is made extraordinary; austere, made most fair;
I was meant for but to love thee-this, to all, I do swear!
Not of mine own volition, I hath not a choice
But to provide my amorous heart, a voice-
It doth vocalize a narrative I simply must tell;
All need know what love for thee doth compel!
As surely as words shall always, in this, fail-
So too shall you be assured of my love's avail!
Maurice Harris,20 November 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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Never Again (The Last Day)
I left it with you, and hope that you have looked after
The portion of my heart responsible for laughter
And smiles-as here, there is none to be had,
No reason for jollity, no cause to be glad!
Tommorow is the first day of the rest of my life-
I will leave 'today' with the rest of my strife-
In the past, where it belongs, and where it shall stay!
I look forward only to 'tomorrow', as my first 'today'!
I do not know what to expect; expectations are lost upon me-
Never again will I be subject to this pain, nor its cost, upon me,
Which has tolled deeply and left me scarred!
Never again shall I let down my guard,
Nor allow the past to haunt me, ever again;
I will never be left vulnerable-no, never again!
-Maurice Harris,23 October 2011
poem by Maurice Harris
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Always And Ever
Your heart, aflutter- you are bereft of words,
Not prime for what this exaltation affords;
You fancy its source in all you do and see,
You ideate all you and your paramour shall be!
Thoughts of your consort come before all reality,
Not to matter, at times, this sobering causality!
Your mind causes wander, to places most mirific,
Obligation owed to the one most beauteously terrific!
Away you are taken to thoughts, most glorious,
Always anticipatory, an awe-inspiring anxious;
Though no amount of time serves to e'er suffice,
You discount your heart's previously held advice-
Naught to keep you from what your heart is seeking,
Always and ever to listen, when to you, it is speaking!
Maurice Harris,23 October 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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Happy Birthday America
Happy Birthday America, tried and true;
235-years-old, but with precepts that keep you new-
Not enough say this, but 'I am so proud of You! ',
The colors that do not run-The Red, White And Blue!
The bastion of Freedom, sweet Lady Liberty,
Thank you for the Honor, that you give to me:
To be counted amongst those who may say,
'I was fortunate enough to be born in the U.S.A.! '
Sta young still, my dear, beloved friend-
You began a 'revolution', now do not let it end;
To Thine Own Self remain true,
Yet, also stay true to me, as I shall, to You!
Happy Birthday America, I wish you many more indeed-
Continue to shine as a beacon, for many more, in need!
-Maurice Harris,3 July 2011
poem by Maurice Harris
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The Profundity Of Paternal Pain
My purpose in life absconded, is the reason why
The more I live, the more I die-
At times, I no longer have tears, to even cry;
I have not given in to despair though, nor would I try
To push back the pain that I feel inside;
It has become a battle between sorrow and stubborn pride,
Where all that is left for me to decide
Is how often I will be on either side
Of this great, profound, emotional divide-
Betwixt the death of my soul and where I am allied!
With time, the pain does not dull or lessen,
Nor does it serve to teach me a lesson;
The pain is my penance for what others have done,
And the struggle will not cease until I have won!
-Maurice Harris,17 August 2011
poem by Maurice Harris
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Trinity
All most mighty exist in a trinity,
Some simple or ethereal, others may
Bespeak a most puissant divinity;
Everyone affected by them everyday!
The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost
Hope, faith and love, they, to us, give host!
Ideals perhaps- learning, virtue and piety
In humble service to your omniscient diety!
Sun, Moon and stars encompass all supernal,
Awe-inspiring, daunting-night and day, a coronal!
Earth, wind and fire encompass all elemental,
Love and respect for each, vital and fundamental!
Mother, Father and child-triad of most import:
Ne'er shall any emperil or lessen their assort!
Maurice Harris,5 October 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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