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Susan K. Rowse

Rusted Gates and an Old Flag

There he was...opening the gate
It sqeaked with rust, as was our fate
Just now the war had come and gone
Scarred our flag and bleached old bones
The south is lying upon the rags
The tattered stripes of this old flag
The many dead and those abused
The crys in pains...worn old news
The Man he comes with bearded growth
He speaks of scars and never boasts
He cries for families of man
Those down south and northern lands
This war took tolls from all the folks
It crushed our hearts and freedom choked
Its honor crippled but never slain
Though with the fight and all the pains
We still are free but laden bare
From worn old souls when spirits dared
The South this man...all tattered and torn
Sleep deprived and faith all scorned
He comes to me with open arms
I take him in and with a warm
Heart to keep his tears at bay
Rock his terrors til the day
From Johnny Reb and banners high
To recall hearts who tried and died
To know that we fought to be free
The Southern courage in me and thee
Our hearts are red and on high the stars
The flag reminds me of our scars
Dignity worn with proud array
When gates were rusted in southern days
When hearts were etched in proud old bones
When flags meant honor for our home
When all the tears of loved ones gone
Fly with the colors from which we're born
The gate still rusted and fallen down
Is proudly part of this..our land
Though old and used and born to die
Its still the heritage that honor flies.