American Flag

Zoom! The bullet slid past his arm, 

Boom!  His men collapsed to the ground.

He trudged on through the sand like a starving scavenger snake.
The American Flag shown over his weary arm.

You are not here because your parents forced you.
You are not here because your teachers want you.

Bang! The missile shook the earth, greater than an earthquake.
Rang! His ears echoed throughout the site.
His body shook and his bag grew heavy,
The American Flag shown over his weary arm.

You are not here because it is mandatory.
You are not here because you are trapped in the building.

Whiz! Prickly pain picked his abdomen to pieces,
Fizz! A bullet struck his shoulder.
He gritted his teeth bearing the load on his shoulders and carried on.
The American Flag shown over his weary arm.

You are not here due to force.
You are not here due to who you are.

Slap! The butt of a knife wacked his head.
Gasp! He carried on toward the town to delivery his bag.
Medicines, medical supplies, and hope he carried through his wounds.
The American Flag shown over his weary arm.

You are not here to good off on education.
You are not here to skip class.

Bash! The sounds of the town entered his ringing ears.
Crash! He fell to the ground, his bag still intact.

You are here because of him.
You are here because they gave their lives.
You are here because of the daily battles they face.
You are here because of their service, strength, and courage.

You are here because they are worth it.
Because you are worth it.
Because we are worth it.

He neared the town and he was found.
But not before his American Flag had hit the ground.

 

This poem is about: 
My community
My country
Our world
Poetry Terms Demonstrated: 

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