Star-Spangled Banner

© T B Jackson

I've heard national anthems sung so strong

With passion sourced from deep within

Performed before an opening bounce

Spurring on athletic grit

I've seen tears for patriotic hearts

As teams align before the flag

Exciting crowds to rise as one

And cheer their champions to victory

But while it seems the norm to some

To me it bleeds hypocrisy

Recited by overzealous fans

At times far less emotional

And only once have tears rolled down

My trembling cheeks and without shame

But not for patriotic want

For it wasn't even mine to give

It was when I heard her sing goodbye

The Star-Spangled Banner so proud and true

As you lay still we mourned as one

And bid farewell for ever more

The Time

© T B Jackson

If time was of your own

Where would you have it stall

How would you play it out

When would you make the call

If one moment could be frozen

For time and eternity

Like a billboard in the Cross

For all the world to see

What memory would you choose

To display above all else

One that has defined your life

Created love or wealth

I know that very moment

I know with whom it would be

For I know what shaped my life

It was when you first came to me