Poem of the Week

As it is Memorial Day weekend it is a good time to introduce Patriotic Pete, created in Dad's imagination in 2009.

PATRIOTIC PETE

“Today’s the day!” was Peter’s shout

As he jumped from bed at dawn.

He could see the sun was out:

There were shadows on the lawn.

To his closet then he raced

For the shirt he liked the best

Where stars and stripes so clearly traced

A flag across the chest.

Beams of sun were shining bright,

Lighting up the morn.

Peter smiled with great delight

And grabbed his shiny horn.

The horn was brass, a special gift

From his brother Brett,

A pilot in a plane so swift,

A U.S. Air Force jet.

Pete went quickly down the stairs

For his breakfast treat.

He saw corn flakes topped with pears

And plenty more to eat.

Tomato juice was vivid red.

Milk was creamy white.

A dark blue plate held toasted bread,

A patriotic sight.

When cereal and toast were done

And juice and milk all gone,

It was time for special fun

Outside on the lawn.

A flagpole there was standing tall

And pointing to the sky.

Excitement ruled for one and all

On this fourth day of July.

Dad raised the flag into the air,

So very bright and clear.

Pete blew his horn with extra care

So everyone could hear.

Mom said, “Now, it’s time to go.

“We’ll take our walk downtown.

“It’s after nine o’clock, you know.

“Don’t anyone dare frown!”

They passed the park with swings and slide

Where Peter often played.

Pete exclaimed with eyes so wide,

“We’ll see a great parade!”

They saw an empty grassy mound

And laid their blanket there.

Mom passed cookies all around.

There were even three to spare.

Before too long they heard a band

Coming down the street.

Peter thought, “It’s time to stand.”

And jumped up on his feet.

A flag came first, held very high,

In front and set apart.

Pete stood tall as it went by,

His hand upon his heart.

Soldiers marched and horses came

And motorcycles, too.

“Wow! That’s great!” did Pete exclaim

When fire trucks came in view.

Lots of floats and lots of clowns:

It was a great parade.

Trumpeters from nearby towns

Blew their horns and played.

Pete saw a monkey, a snow-white dove,

And kids on bikes galore.

Suddenly from up above,

He heard a thunderous roar.

Up there in that sky so blue,

He saw a silver jet.

It was great for Peter knew

It was his brother Brett.

On the ground he saw a cart

With an eagle and a lamb.

There was an owl that looked so smart.

Then, last came Uncle Sam.

Mom, Dad, and Pete all left the crowd

And started down the street.

The youngest one was feeling proud.

That’s Patriotic Pete!

                                               W. R. Mossner

                                               12/24/09