Allegiance

I first saw you as a child
when I could barely stand.
Then I swore my first allegiance
with my heart beneath my hand.

My father whispered in my ear
how proud that I should be.
Because you are the symbol
of a land that’s free.

As I grew I learned
of all the things that you had done.
You’ve led the way to battle,
brought home every fallen son.

We looked to you for hope,
when there was none in sight.
We think back to Fort McHenry,
when you made it through the night.

Now that I’m a man,
I’ve sworn a sacred oath to you.
I’ll fight for your protection,
and beliefs that I hold true.

You never asked for my respect
although you have it all.
I vow that I’ll fight to the death
to never let you fall.

The other day my son and I
were walking down the street.
We stopped to pay you our respect
when we heard retreat.

He asked me why we did it,
my boy just didn’t see.
So I bent and whispered in his ear,
like my father once did for me