Page 111 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2018- Online Magazine

I Am the Flag

korean war
I am the Flag!
Thirteen stripes of Red and White,
Fifty stars on a field of blue.
Just strips of cloth sewn together,
Is that all I mean to you?
recite cowboy poetry. Inspired by several contemporary
cowboy poets, he began writing his own cowboy poetry Thirteen stripes,
and performed for the first time at the National Cowboy Seven of red and six of white,
Symposium and Celebration in 1990. Seven of red for the blood that was shed
Mike has performed at the National Cowboy
Symposium, one of the largest events of its kind, for To set our country free.
29 years, along with several other cowboy gatherings Six of white for the loss of life
across the nation. He now serves on the Advisory and That purchased freedom for you and me.
Corporate Boards for the NCSC, volunteers his time to I was carried at Lexington—
help organize performers and entertainment programs
and still performs at the events. He has written countless And Concord Bridge.
poems, including I Am the Flag! which is a popular I flew at Fort McHenry
patriotic choice of poetry at gatherings. And at Cemetery Ridge.
Today, Mike and his wife, Janis, live in Lubbock where
he works part-time at Cabela’s, combining several of his I was carried at Stone’s River
childhood hobbies. As was my kindred’s Stars and Bars.
There is no doubt that one of the greatest joys in I have stumbled but never fallen
Mike’s life is his family. He and Janis have two sons: In all our Nation’s wars.
Ed and Myles; seven grandchildren: Skylar, Spencer,
Samuel, Kailee, Kaleb, Katie and Kameron; and one I flew at Flanders Field,
great-grandchild: Shiloh. And the cliffs of Normandy.
I said to all the world,
“Follow me, I’ll set you free.”

I am ripped and torn and battle worn,
I carry Freedom’s scars.
Earned in every skirmish,
Numerous battles and wars.

I am the Banner of Truth and Light
For all the world to see.
Despised by every tyrant,
Loved by all who would be free.
I speak with a deafening roar,
With silent words untold,
Of the riches found in freedom
More valuable than gold.

I have draped the coffins
Of our Heroes who have passed.
I will stand guard at their final rests
As long as time shall last.

For somewhere in this world
Men will die for Freedom today.
For freedom is not free
And price is not yet paid.
I am the Flag!
Thirteen stripes of red and white,
Fifty stars on a field of blue,
Just strips of cloth sewn together,
Is that all I mean to you?

Lubbock Senior Link 111