American Flag

Symbols of Freedom,

engraved stories will

never be erased.

Stories of History.

The history of Revolution.

The history of War.

The history of soldiers' blood,

shed for Freedom.

The history of America.

One stands alone,

in the corner of

a classroom.

Still, the stories are there.

Still, the Freedom rings.

One stands tall in the sunlight,

on a flagpole by the school.

Still, the stories are there.

Still, the Freedom rings.

May 2009

Freely Ungrateful

Red and White stripes

boldy shine forth

against the weary, gray backdrop.

Though lightpoles fade

into the dark,

50 stars burst with light.

Unhindered by the dullness

that tries to surround it.

Its efforts in vain,

Red, White, and Blue

stand out,

proclaiming their message:

Freedom!

Riding the wind,

it conquers air currents

to heroically wave

as its ungrateful citizens breeze by,

too caught up with themselves and their busy lives

to even appreciate

Freedom!

Not even a glance is cast its way,

as people think about their work, their families,

their religion, their lives.

Unaware that all these are possible only because of

Freedom.

21 April 2011

No Chance

Look at an infant

so tiny and young.

Yet already full of the

building blocks of life: cells.

Millions, billions, probably trillions of cells

working, dividing, and creating.

A tiny heart pumping,

small lungs breathing,

a young life, living.

In years' time, this same

heart, lungs, life

will grow up: physically and mentally.

The human body is a miracle,

created in the likeness of God.

The same God who created a

giant Universe and a beautiful Earth.

The same God who created

cells, and makes them work.

From microscopic atoms to galaxies yet unseen,

No Way

did this happen by chance.

02 Feb. 2011 (Revised 21 April 2011)

Clear Night Moon

The moonlight

shines.

The clouds pass by,

but always above or underneath,

never obscuring this circular beauty.

Brightly

it breaks through darkness.

Uninvited

it intrudes through windows.

Surprising the intruded with delight.

No wolf howls

at this full moon,

but remain silent

In Awe

of its perfection.

I look up at the moon

on this clear night,

I smile,

and watch it smile back.

20 Jan 2011 (Revised 21 April 2011)

My Favorite Teacher: The Tradition Continued

Three years past,

I look back with haste.

Making sure my memories are still trailing behind.

For I do not want these memories

to fade away.

Memories cherished through times of happiness.

Memories cherished with laughter and joy.

Memories cherished throughout high school.

One and a half years left

to make more memories.

For her faith,

her coolness,

her smarts,

and just being her,

Frau Dirks continues to be

My Favorite Teacher.

16 Dec. 2011

1st Year Anniversary of My Grandpa's Death

Walk through the shadow, the shadow of death

For there is a light shining at the end.

When you get to the end, take a deep breath.

Relax, allow time for your heart to mend.

Death brings time for tears, death brings lots of pain.

Comfort your relatives now and always.

Through this very hard time, strength you will gain.

At his tombstone I stood, and I did gaze

upon his name. I could feel the tears,

waiting, just waiting, to come pouring out.

Healing will take time, maybe even years.

The bright light will drown out all of my doubt.

The end of the tunnel is drawing near.

One long year, but my Grandpa is right here.

17 Jan. 2009