Pat Fleming

I felt so sick and weary
And I feared the end may come.
I grieved for those I'd leave behind
And for a life that wasn't done.

I drifted in and out of sleep
Until the sun lit up the skies.
Its golden rays seeped through the blinds
And tip toed on my eyes.

It entreated me to waken
From the loveliest of dreams,
Filled with those I'd loved and lost
Reaching out to welcome me.

All those faces that I missed so much
Appeared before me once again
And my heart filled with the deepest joy
That I wished would never end.

I hugged my Mom and Dad so tightly.
I laughed and cried with dear old friends.
I reunited with lost family
And held my precious pets again.

I had no clue just where I was,
The light around me was so bright.
My worries seemed to melt away
And my troubled soul took flight.

Time seemed to pass so slowly
Or perhaps time had simply stopped.
Each moment seemed like so much more
Than just a tick of some old clock.

I felt like I was floating,
Such peacefulness enveloped me
All their voices rising warmed my heart
Just like old, familiar melodies.

I felt enraptured by the moment.
I felt uplifted, thrilled and strong.
Yet I had this gnawing feeling
This was not where I belonged.

Then from somewhere in the distance
A familiar voice cried out to me.
His voice was shaking as he sobbed
And begged me not to leave.

Although I longed to stay forever
My heart began to ache
And I knew the love I had for him
I never could forsake.

The faces all around me
Filled with genuine concern.
Somehow we knew it wasn't my time yet
And for now, I must return.

But as I left that golden light
That joyful feeling still remained,
For I knew that this was not good-bye
And I would pass this way again.

And for the first time in a long time
I felt like I was truly loved
By those right here who fought for me
And those who wait for me above.

We awakened to the whitest light
Seeping through the blinds.
We leapt from bed and to the windows
To take a probing peek outside.

Mounds of frigid, fluffy cotton
Stretched out as far as we could see.
The snow had fallen all night long
While we lay fast asleep.

With shrieks of pure excitement
We bundled in our warmest clothes.
We couldn't waste a minute more
For our adventures in the snow.

Bounding to the basement
Behind the boxes and the stairs,
Stood our Flying Arrow Sled
Long waiting for us there.

Out the door in just a flash,
We knew just where to go.
The place where all the kids would meet
To go sledding in the snow.

Down the street and to the pond
Where all the skaters skated.
Beside the river filled with ice
The steepest hill of all awaited.

Huffing, puffing to the top
With our sleds in tow.
Sitting with our feet to steer.
One, two three and off we'd go!

Swiftly tilting left and right,
Our faces sprayed with ice.
Flying over every bump
With delighted shouts and cries.

To the bottom with such rapid force
We'd fall laughing in the snow.
Then without the slightest hesitation
Back up the hill we all would go.

Up and down for hours long
Making memories with our friends.
Moments fading with the winter sun
A day we wished would never end.

Then tired, sore and hungry
Soaked right down to the bone.
We'd gather up our trusty sleds
And in the twilight, drag them home.

And even as the darkness fell
The snow lit up the streets.
And we'd lie within that cozy glow
Until we drifted off to sleep.

Then memories of our perfect day
With friends and snow and sleds
Would replay over in our dreams
And cuddle with us in our beds. 

I'll stand firm for love of country
And I'll speak of her with pride.
I will be grateful for those freedoms
Under which I've lived my life.

I will respect her Constitution
And every right bestowed therein,
And recognize those rights belong to me
And to all my fellowmen.

I will try to know her intimately
And her lavish history.
I'll learn the truth of her transgressions
And all her noble victories.

I will observe my solemn duty
To protect this venerable land
And choose wise and honest leaders
Who hold her fate within their hands.

I'll keep abreast of all those issues
That plague my country every day
And accept responsibility
To be a conduit for change.

I'll speak out against injustice
And admit when she is wrong
And I'll stand with her, not against her
To keep her values strong.

I will never take for granted
Those brave who stand before us all
Who serve with grit and fortitude
When their beloved country calls.

I will treat this land with reverence
And help her be all she can be!
I will perpetuate her beauty
From her grand mountains to her seas.

I will not ignore the warnings
And I'll accept my share of blame
That all nature and humanity
Must be honored and sustained.

I'll look to God for help and guidance
When she seems to lose her way.
But I will never turn my back on her
Or her dignity betray!

And when I see her Regal Stars and Stripes
Fanning boldly in the breeze.
I will Admire and Acclaim her
For all she's graciously given me.