The Oath Of The Protector Poem by Maurice Harris

They-the loyal, proud, courageous and strong!
Too multitudinous to count, their pedigree of honor, long!
Vow, do they, to protect and ever to defend!
Alas, ne'er to cease, lo, though time doth end!

Many befallen as champions of freedom, not of men!
Into conflict they bravely go, perhaps not to return again!
Allegiance they swear, not to man, nor mandate-
Loyalty and commitment is proffered, so as to obviate:
The Oath of the Protector, to but only our Constitution,
This precept hath proven fundamental to our evolution!

Lives, they offer to country, with service and loyalty-
So shall they still, through all time, perpetually!
Service, excellence, fidelity and truth-do define further still;
All are humbled, and obliged to thee, with promises you do fulfill!

Maurice Harris,2 April 2009