Grand Ole Flag

Flying High?

Have you noticed, as I have, the US flag is flying half-staff more often than not?

For the past several years, I have noticed this occurrence a lot!

While an honorable method to remember those lost in a tragic way,

I can’t help but think of how many tragedies we have every day,

A real reminder of the lives lost due to random shootings and terrorism,

It symbolizes the pain of a world gone mad with hatred and barbarism,

Hatred and martyrdom, homemade bombs and high-powered weapons,

Are hard to prevent and the calamity occurs in just seconds,

A recipe for disaster among a “civilized” society,

Where safety and security have had to become a top priority,

Our schools, movie theaters, concerts, all public places- none are immune,  

Even a place of worship is not sacred from this violence, as one would assume,

I would never have imagined the need to put metal detectors at sporting events,

Or have purses inspected and pockets emptied to search the contents,

It is accepted now as the new normal, in airports and government buildings alike,

How sad that we must be forced to be so cautious, lest someone could strike,

A flag at half-staff, how tragic the site,

Oh, but to raise it to its glorious height!

May the flag fly high at the top of the pole,

That is our prayer and our national goal,

To be set free from the threat of random violence befalling the innocent,

Requires us all to be increasingly aware and diligent,

Notice, with me, where the flag is flying,

You will be alarmed because it is terrifying.

Tammy Harvey

Written:  2/23/2020