The rockets glare, and Old Glory sleeps
against the shadowed sky.

*

Though mobs might spit upon my shadow
or shower me with stones,
I will carry this flag
with a star for every sin and prayer.

*

Like an infidel from the New World
I come bearing blood,
hope, and tears.

*

If I should die among the date palms,
burn my body with the Stars and Stripes;
let there be glory in a folded flag.