UPHOLD THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM

Shades of passion, dimly cast,

Crimson shades in purple glass,

Seen through bubbled windowpanes,

Hazy shades of what remains.

Shadows of what used to be,

Softly cast in memory.

Misty thoughts of days gone by,

Reflected in a glistening eye.

Days when valor flowed with ease,

From long forgotten gallantries,

When unrestrained, we sought the truth,

Reinforced by faith and youth.

When patriotic hearts prevailed,

While selfish cravings dimmed and paled,

When reverence soared for those who serve,

And we raised our flag with steely nerve.

Shirk not responsibility.

Rest not till all who thirst are free.

Dare not give credence to the lies,

And insurrection’s alibis.

Raise up as one and join our cause.

Lift up God’s truth; uphold God’s laws.

Heed not the despot’s wretched cries,

His insurgency, and wicked lies.

Denounce the mobs who sew mistrust.

Oppose their slander with disgust.

And do not let their falsehoods be

The death knell of democracy.

Lift our banner to the sky.

Bow your backs and raise it high.

Honor those who risked it all.

Boldly answer duty’s call.

Give no credence to the lies.

Don’t dignify, don’t heed them.

Salute with pride our flag-filled skies.

Uphold the cause of freedom.

Shannon Thomas Casebeer

September 25, 2021