AMERICAN SOLDIER I AM

I sleep in fox holes With too little to eat; I stand at my post In cold, heat or sleet; My Dad stood watch in the jungles of Nam A faithful American Soldier---I Am. I'm here by my own choice I'm here day and night--- My Gramps died at Pearl Harbor On that now fateful night. I'm taking my turn for one and all Making sure that Old Glory shall never fall. I'm away from my dear family My own kids and my home, My wife sends me pictures Often I'm afraid and alone. All I ask is that you pray for this son of Uncle Sam A dedicated and faithful American Soldier---I Am. 2012 by Douglas Raymond Rose Member Academy of American Poets

FROM GUIDEPOSTS' ANGELS ON EARTH 7-12

ANGELSAURUS REX Eight was an important Birthday, I took my grandson Brennan to the Dollar General to pick something out. "Okay, Pawpy" he said, and ran off to check out the merchandise. A few minutes later, he returned with a toy in tow. Not just any toy---a four-foot-tall stuffed Tyannosaurus Rex. It was bigger than he was. Another customer laughed to see him carry it. "This is what I want, Pawpy!" he said. He loved dinosaurs. "Let me check the price tag" I said. Just as I feared, it was way too much for my fixed income. Brennan picked something less expensive. As we walked out to the car, I heard hurried footsteps behind us. "Stop!" It was the customer from the store. She was carrying the T-Rex. "Happy birthday" she said and handed to a grinning almost eight year old. Brennan hugged his new T-Rex all the way home and I was thankful that Angels aren't extinct. Douglas Raymond Rose Grand Prairie, Texas

A BAND OF BROTHERS (Father's Day, 2012)

We're a Band of Rose Brothers With strong bonds of steel-- We've roamed earth together With close bonds that are real. We've served God together We answered His great call; ---A true bond of Brothers We've given to Him our all. We came to it most honestly From devoted parental stock Ray and Paul Rose's marriage --- Founded as solid as a Rock. They taught us to be tenacious And with each other to be true; We're a strong Band of Brothers There's nothing together we can't do. We're a dedicated Band of Brothers ---In service to our King of Kings May God bountifully bless His Harvest As more fruit to Him we prayerfully bring. 2012 by Douglas Raymond Rose Member Academy of American Poets