Not Today

Not Today



We honor those who've served this land
and given with no qualms.
We fly the flag o'er hero's tombs
and praise them with our psalms.

Yet most will never understand
that in the thickest fray,
a soldier's most courageous act
is found in "Not today."

In Valley Forge, in winter's cold,
hearts filled with deep dismay.
The thought of giving up ran rife
yet each said "Not today."

When brother challenged brother
over colors, blue and gray ...
Should the union be asunder?
Lincoln's vow was "Not today!"

From forests deep to desert lea
we've stood before the fray
and overcome those who would harm
with a simple "Not today."

Throughout our nation's history
courage is on display
seen in ordinary citizens
with words of "Not today."

There are those who see our nation
in decline and gone astray;
There are those who only see us
as an out-of-date cliché.

For those who've served and those who are,
for each I daily pray.
Don't doubt our strength and unity –
our answer's "Not today!"

Notes:

An entry for "HONORING OUR VETERANS " 

Prompt(s): Honoring our veterans

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise - are all equally welcome.