'To Support And Defend' Poem by Maurice Harris

Unwillingly wading, as I am, in a sea of discontent,
As though I have not a home, awaiting the latest torment;
All hath been absconded-to include 'rights', guaranteed-
Where is my aegis whence I am in need?

To think, I placed myself into 'harm's way'
To help ensure we all remain free every day;
Yet, all the ideals for which I have fought
Seem to stand 'mute'-are they all for naught?

I hold now before you, that upon which you've tread-
Lest you believe otherwise, nothing may stand in its stead:
I have sworn 'to support and defend'-
To my charge, I am steadfast, to my bitter end!

Your day of reckoning shall come surely, fast;
Lessons shall be taught-hopefully, to last
Long after I am gone, for posterity's sake-
I shall do whatever it may take!

To say I am heart-broken is not nearly to understand;
I simply do as my lofty beliefs unwaveringly command:
I shan't allow your ignorance and malice to reign,
You have been causal to a great deal of pain!
Not just whence I am the one concerned-
For far too many, a resplendence has withered!

Take this as heed, that a gauntlet hath been dropped-
I revel not in this role- yet, your depravity hath ne'er stopped!
Ne'er shall I accept this injustice, this cancer-
All those responsible for such, shall be called to answer!
Ne'er shall I bow down and simply take what you have doled,
It is you, for whom the bell has tolled!

Maurice Harris,19 June 2010