A TOAST TO FREEDOM

Freedom we celebrate July Fourth each year
Full of Fireworks with friends we hold dear;
But Freedom's price tag is high as can be
-----No--Freedom really isn't Free.

Freedom is paid for by blood,sweat and tears
Soldiers who put on hold lives and careers;
It's July Fourth and now I can see---
-----That Our Freedom isn't really Free.

Young soldiers die daily for us each year
Torn from their family, eyes filled with tears;
They've paid the ultimate price,now we can see
---No---Our Freedom isn't really Free.

God Bless the Veterans young and old
God Bless the soldiers both brave and bold;
Join in a Prayer for them now and see--
---Our American Freedom isn't really free.
2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

A FATHER'S DAY BILL OF RIGHTS

l)The Right to take a shower without a laundry line of set panty hose
2)The Right to tell our side of the story without fear of consequences
3)The Right to trade cars every so often without the third degree
4)The Right to watch a game on television without being harassed
5)The Right to have at least equal time with the TV remote
6)The Right to know the ingredients of the wife's newest casserole
7)The Right to putter in the garage without have a honey do list
8)The Right to be seen in public wearing the clothes we prefer
9)The Right to try to find our destination without asking at the local Quick Trip
l0)The Right to know what Man Things are without having to explain them
2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Happy Father's Day and Good Luck with this list!
Member Academy of American Poets

ODE TO A BRAVE SOLDIER

"Only one Soldier killed Today"
The news headlines proudly scream;
As if that's a military victory.
But the Soldier who died,
For him I still cry---
That Soldier belonged to me.

A dear son, a husband, a father;
We grieve for our loved-one true;
Only one Soldier lies dead today,But
What if that Soldier belonged to you?

2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

A TRIBUTE TO MOTHER

Mothers are the heart of the family
Beautiful, faithful, and bold--
Although she may not build cathedrals
Mothers are builders of immortal souls.
Mother lives closer to God than anyone
Makers of great sacrifices galore---
What is more precious than Motherhood
Lord, grant us dear millions more.

2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

A ROYAL WEDDING TOAST

Here's a Royal Wedding Toast---
To you Prince William and lovely Kate;
A charming due who are destined to be
Royalty who are graciously great.

Today we honor your Royal Highnesses
And dear Lady Diana's Legacy true;
As today history is being made---
Under bright British skies of blue.

May God Bless your royal endeavors
From Westminister Abbey all the way--
May this world-wide wedding of the century
Be crowned by Wedding Bliss each day.

2011 by Reverend Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets
Grand Prairie, TX

ROOM AT THE CROSS

Beneath the Cross of Jesus
I join Mary, His mother there;
Hearing Him sincerely say "I Thirst"
His sufferings i will share.

Beneath the classic Cross of Jesus
I feign would take my stand--
"Were You There" at Calvary still rings
---In my heart and in my head.

Yes, I have been to Calvary
I have joined the ransomed throng;
I've given my sinful heart to Jesus
---He has cleansed me from all wrong.

Won't you join me here at Calvary?
Let your soul find forgiveness too;
Though multitudes have come to the Savior
---There's still Room at the Cross for you.
2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets

FOREVER EASTER

Witness the cavalcade of clouds
Dispersing Easter Morning's sky;
Awesome Easter is Forever---
The redeemed soul shall never die.

Celebrate Christ's Resurrection
His Redemption draweth nigh--
Awesome Easter is Forever---
We redeemed will live with Him on high.
2011 by Douglas Raymond Rose
Member Academy of American Poets