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

Pictures of You

© T B Jackson

Ink on archival paper

Reveals a memory from the past

Like a dark and distant shadow

Across my mind it has been cast

It tells me of the fun we had

That will never be again

And despite the sadness that entails

Those memories remain

Physically I know that I will

Feel your touch no more

Emotionally you're always there

Knocking at the door

“Come in” I call, there's no reply

No matter how I pray

But still I ask for one more time

While staring at your face

All I have are pictures of you

To remind of those times

Images of memories

To last me all the while