I wondered at its strength.
It seemed afraid of nothing mortal,
fearless, breadth and length.
It spoke to me of hearth and home,
revered above all else.
And the courage to defend it,
without regard for self.
It spoke to me of war and pain,
the toll of Freedom's gate.
It spoke to me of sacrifice,
and noble warrior's fate.
It spoke to me of fallen dreams,
and a hero's later struggle.
It spoke to me in language red,
for this great heart was purple.
P. Davis
