Home » Poems » Robert L. Hinshaw » What I Kneel For and What I Stand For

What I Kneel For and What I Stand For

It seems that politics today invades nearly every aspect of life,
And creates forlorn misery, pitiful stress and needless strife.
We can't enjoy sporting events 'cause its even permeated the sports domain,
All across this great nation from California to the rocky shores of Maine!
Over-paid athletes kneel when the Anthem is played, which is their right,
But doesn't this dishonor the nation whose heroes died to guarantee that right?
Seems to me folks could express their grievances with a shred of respect,
Sans demeaning the flag and leaving our cities torn asunder and wrecked!
If it were in my power I'd KNEEL at the sacred grave of each hero of this nation,
And I will KNEEL in obeisance to God Almighty in my daily supplication!
And if I had it to do over, I'd again KNEEL to ask my love to be my bride!
I'll STAND when The Pledge of Allegiance is recited with beaming pride!
I'll STAND when the National Anthem is played, heart covered with my hand!
And I'll STAND and salute Old Glory anywhere it is displayed in this land!
I was honored and privileged to serve this nation in uniform for thirty years.
As I see the scorn for civility in the country today, I'm almost brought to tears.

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Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 10/12/2020 3:52:00 PM

Nicely stated Robert. Our service men and women are revered, remembered, then forgotten. It is such a shame. Thank you for being a service-worn soldier and keeping our America and its people free. I stand with you. Linda

Angela Crabtree

Date: 10/1/2020 4:01:00 PM

Excellent rhyme, Bob! Very patriotic. Thanks for serving our country, so gallantly. Warm wishes. ~Angie

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 10/2/2020 7:42:00 AM

Thank you Angela. I cherish your comments. Stay safe - Bob

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 9/30/2020 1:29:00 PM

Great penning Robert really showing what things are important to kneel and stand for. Keep using that pen for good, Blessings, Gordon

Panagiota Romios

Date: 9/27/2020 10:32:00 AM

You know I am with you on these great verses. Pangie xx

Panagiota Romios
Date: 9/27/2020 10:33:00 AM

Oops..my second Cooment to this,

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 9/22/2020 4:46:00 PM

G’day Bob … unfortunately the ultimate sacrifices made by men and women to keep their nation free are lost in the political wilderness as generations turn over but history is doomed to repeat itself. A very thoughtful and proud statement from you Bob - well done - Lindsay

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 9/22/2020 5:13:00 PM

Thank you, Lindsay. We have some real nut cases in the political ranks and every day people. It is sickening to see what is happening in the USA today. I'm nearing the end of the trail but I cringe at the future facing my grandkids. I hope things are going better in your neck of the woods. Bob

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 9/18/2020 12:30:00 PM

A very powerful poem, Bob. We may not like the leadership in our country, but we have to respect the military who sacrificed so much for our freedom. I would be standing right next to you when the anthem is played, my friend. Excellent writing and a fave for me! Hugs, Carolyn

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 9/18/2020 2:00:00 PM

Thank you, Carolyn. I know you would be proudly standing to honor what most Americans stand for and I'm honored you consider it a fav - Bob

Gershon Wolf

Date: 9/17/2020 5:56:00 PM

With you all the way, buddy -- except for tears shed long ago.. as I saw this coming when 'my generation' welcomed the soldiers back from Vietnam with a big 'Get Lost!' I knew then that there was little hope once the Boomers and the Boomers' kids grabbed power... And I was right. Mine is the worst generation -- in the wake of the Greatest Generation (my Dad's). Such an utter shame. Great write, Bob! Write on, Gershon

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 9/17/2020 7:07:00 PM

Thank you so much for your comments, Gershon, my favorite athletic supporter! As I've said before, I cherish your comments, support and encouragement. Best wishes for a peaceful and blessed Rosh Hashanah Bob

Panagiota Romios

Date: 9/17/2020 1:44:00 PM

The socialists will loathe you for loving the flag. Being a patriot it out. Hatred and total insurrection are in?? It seems you are one in a million! These days. I won't watch football, you know why! This is one country, not two. I wrote a poem about that last week! New Executive Order today. Kids will learn the history we learned. Not the new Marxist version...oy! Pangie xx Grateful you expressed yourself.

Robert L. Hinshaw
Date: 9/17/2020 2:46:00 PM

Let 'em loathe! I tried to watch football last weekend - it turned me off and I turned them off. I rather listen to good music. Thanks for the comment - Bob