Gregory Richard Barden | + Follow Poet |
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My Country 'Tis of Thee

You, my homeland
Are of a beauty unrivaled
From one coast to the other
Your plains and rolling hills and pointy peaks
Cry to the heavens of freedom
Your jagged coasts and sandy keys
Offer the arms of welcome and opportunity to the world
And teem with the gifts of the oceans
Lakes and rivers and streams
Born with purity in the snow-crusted mountains
Are the lifeblood of the people
Bubbling with earth's finest bounty
And carrying the breath of all creation on their backs
From cities bulging with people
To a wilderness, untouched and untamed
You are the envy of the earth
And the bosom of liberty
America.



I live here
     In the United States
          Yes, I'm proud
  Proud of where I live

Blessed to have been born in a place
     Where I can chase a dream
          Where I can speak my mind without fear of punishment or death
  Worship, (or not), in the way I choose

Get healthcare, schooling, and assistance in a number of ways
     Learn to drive and get a license when I reached 15
          Vote at age 18 in a democratic process
  And follow the interests I decide on, freely

These are extraordinary things
     When you think of the restrictions
          Of much of the rest of the world
  I was taught from an early age not to take these things for granted

And that many of my opportunities and rights
     Had been paid and fought for
          By the energies and lives of our people in military service
  I'm thankful for that

Whatever others may say, to me this is the greatest country 
     We are usually the first to be called upon
          When another country needs help
  And usually the first to respond, in any way we can

But we are also the largest target
     And take much of the blame for negative things that happen
          No matter where it is
  And yes, that bothers me.

There IS no perfect place, and certainly not this
     But it is a land of freedom and opportunity
          And people move here from all over the world for those reasons
  I was blessed to be born when I was -

When a kid could go for a walk and not end up on a milk carton
     But I was even MORE blessed to be born WHERE I was
          And I thank the heavens every day
  That I am an American.

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Sandra Haight Date: 8/26/2018 4:33:00 PM I love your beautifully-written tribute to our great country, Greg. I could feel my heart swell with pride as I read your endearing and thankful words about how fortunate we are. Fave! Best wishes for the contest! Sandra :) Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 8/27/2018 1:12:00 AM That's so nice of you, Sandra, and I'm pleased you like this one ... blessings and sincere thanks to you as always! YOU are a favorite, too! ;-) <3

Kim Rodrigues Date: 8/26/2018 3:22:00 PM Love your take on America! I am a patriot as well! Blessings, dear friend! A fave! Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 8/27/2018 1:10:00 AM Thank you very much, Kim, I so appreciate the kind words ... I had the feeling that you were of similar ilk when it came to this! Blessings, Dear friend! :-) <3

Susan Gentry Date: 8/26/2018 2:03:00 AM Well-written, informative, heartfelt expression of your country. Your gratitude is evident throughout as is your pride. A fav. Login to Reply Gregory Richard Barden Date: 8/26/2018 2:54:00 AM Thank you so much, Susan - it's almost a crime to be patriotic these days, so whenever I write anything similar, I brace for negative response, (or none). I am not political or religious anymore, (long story), but I love my country, whatever that means. I care about ending hatred and all its disguises, (and there are many ... and we all have some), starting in my own heart ... that's my religion, my politics, and my social stance. Period. Blessings, friend! :-) <3