I stand before you with empty arms.
My loved one’s life is done.
I see the pain in your caring eyes
for the woman who lost her son.

I feel the breeze as it lifts my hair
and the flag stirs on its stand.
They have taken much from my heart,
but I still love this land.

As a tear forms and slides slowly down
for our soldiers in battle fields
For every chance they take for us,
I pray they will not yield.

I will pray that God is with them now
as they fight for truth and right.
I will pray for each of their souls
to be safe this very night.

Know they fight for all I feel right now,
that my trust was not in vain.
For my arms are empty but my heart is full
for this country will stand again.

As I pledge allegiance to our flag
I will lift my voice in pride.
I will bless the day justice will prevail
for freedom, my love survives.

About the author: Brenda Penepent, LPN, Executive Director of Healing Heart For Bereaved Parents, Russellville, Arkansas Chapter.

Copyright © 2001 by Brenda Penepent. All rights reserved.