flags wave high and free
in breezes at end of May
in Memoriam
© Freeda Baker Nichols
flags wave high and free
in breezes at end of May
in Memoriam
© Freeda Baker Nichols
I love my country land because I’m free.
America, a land of which I’m proud.
I sing her praises in a voice that’s loud.
It is a land that fills my heart with praise.
My country is the only place for me.
My land is beautiful from sea to sea.
Among world maps she stands above the crowd.
She is the greatest in so many ways.
I pledge allegiance and respect her flag
and fly it high on dark or sunny days–
it must not touch the ground or even sag.
America, a land of which I’m proud.
To honor those who for my country died,
I stand, salute the stars and stripes with pride.
© Freeda Baker Nichols
I learned how to remember when Columbus discovered America by memorizing a poem, shared with us by our teacher.
fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue
This new kitty rescued from a maple tree one night has discovered how our flag swirls in the breeze.
Columbus Day–a holiday for many. A good day to recall how I learned to remember when and by whom America was discovered.
It is also a good day to write poetry. Yet, I have no new poetry to share. But such as I have, I’ll share with you:
fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue
Did anyone else memorize this verse to help you remember this date and this discovery?
–Freeda Baker Nichols
I received a call today from a dear friend who lives far away. She’s a widow and I had not talked to her in a long time. She and her husband were our close friends many years ago when we were young and our husbands were serving in the U.S. Air Force.
During our conversation, she asked me if I still planned to vote for the candidate we’d discussed in an earlier telephone call. I told her I was. She said she had been encouraged by two of her family members to vote for the same one. She admitted that she liked the other candidate. But she said she would probably vote her family’s choice and my choice–because of certain issues.
There’s no doubt that my friend is a registered voter and has been for a long time.
If you are a U.S. Citizen of voting age but for some reason, you’ve never registered to vote, now is a good time to register. Become interested in the process that keeps our country strong. Register. Go to your polling place. Vote!
— Freeda Baker Nichols
https://freedanichols.wordpress.com
Our flag at half mast in Clinton, Arkansas to honor the homegoing of a dedicated Former First Lady, Nancy Reagan.
Today she was buried beside her husband, Former President Ronald Reagan behind the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, California.
Old Glory whipping
at top of a tall flagpole
beside flea market
© Freeda Baker Nichols
How patriotic am I?
With respect and honor,
I recite the pledge
and sing the National Anthem.
But would I pick up a rifle,
sight and aim it
in defense of my liberty?
Would I die?
How patriotic am I?
This country I claim;
I delight in its wealth and its beauty;
its freedom I strongly proclaim,
But to keep it,
would I be willing to die?
Would I?
How patriotic am I?
c Copyright, 2012, Freeda Baker Nichols
From Poets’ roundtable of Arkansas Anthology