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.

A Simple Word Too Easily Said

For Kristen Brownell

Lord, how can so small a word cause such pain?
Indeed, the gift becomes too abstract when
Words, easily said, fall like drops of rain
On the ocean, and fool even wise men;
Oh, how the promises the heart believes,
When it dares to hope, break upon the rocks
Of high speech – but feelings only conceived –
Then sink down into the depths of self-mock;
Verses and oaths so quickly lose their worth
When once solemn pledges become dilute
Through casual repetition and dearth
Of the emotion real and absolute.
Even sweet words, spoke too oft’, turn sour,
And kill the root of this precious flower.