Sentinels in Blue

By Bud Koenemund

People dismiss us as inconvenient –

Obstacles to work, school, or vacation.

Sentinels in blue; control they resent –

Even while enjoying our protection.

Often, we are targets of ridicule;

Enduring contempt and indifference.

Cursed by the self-entitled for our rules;

Silent as others vent their annoyance.

Still, a few accept this challenge: standing

Firm ‘gainst those who’d see America bowed.

Our mission is the price freedom demands:

A sacrifice many will never know.

   Each day, we rise, making liberty sure;

   Pledging to keep this, our Homeland, secure.

By Your Inspiration

By Bud Koenemund

For Lindsay

I am, too often, deficient in speech;

Struck silent by the war ‘twixt intellect

And passion; seeking language that would reach

Your heart; confessions I pray might connect

Our souls; striving to express desire,

While pledging the respect of innocence.

Though my rhymes are feeble, I must admire

Thy beauty, and compliment elegance.

Muse, thou art more deserving of esteem

Than any who treads upon the base Earth

We inhabit. From that grace, like sunbeams,

Words radiate to celebrate love’s worth.

   Be sure such light enkindles creation,

   For this took life by your inspiration.