Cheryl Alexander

I've heard the lonely pipes of Scotland,
Many times in my dreams,
I've seen the land of my ancestors,
Clearly, it seems.
The bright colors of the tartan,
The lively swing of the kilt,
Sent my mind's eye back,
To the place my ancestors knelt.
Rather in a castle, built for a king,
Or in a garden, which grew everything.
I have been given a gift to peep,
When I close my eyes and fall asleep.
It is as if I were standing there,
I've witnessed great battle and love,
The courage and strength of my granddads,
And granddads before them,
All tower from above.
And surrounding them all, with a tune of its own,
were the lonely pipes of Scotland,
Calling me home.

My whites were dark and dingy,
My colors failing fast.
Giving up was coming close
My mom said, "Tide will pass."
I've tried so many other soaps
I've grown so tired and weary,
Frustration caused an overload.
My eyes were puffed and teary.
I knew mom used Tide growing up.
My dad, he would insist,
Us kids really didn't know
Not just the smell we'd miss.
Now that I'm married now myself
And clothes are piling fast,
Mom's words of wisdom fill my thoughts
Cheryl, "Tide will pass."
I've used the cheap brands: All of them,
In class my kids would hide.
Most kids there had brighter whites.
My son said, "Mom use Tide."
Stubborn me, I gave in.
Now my choice is clear.
The only soap in my home was
Tide with bleach this year.

America has so many heroes.
Many, we know not their names,
They are policemen and firemen,
Soldiers and boxers.
Most, with no Hollywood fame.
Heroes come from all walks of life,
From every race, religion, and creed.
Helping citizens in trouble,
Assisting those in desperate need.
I have had many heroes
Throughout my entire life,
My parents, my siblings, my kids, even strangers
And a hero who's made me his wife.
How fortunate we are who love our country,
Giving unconditionally,
How fortunate I am to be an American
Whom someone's hero is me.