There’s Blood that Flows
Within the Stripes
There’s blood that flows within the stripes;
_The stripes upon the flag,
Those streaks of red on purest white,
Were watched by Key throughout the night,
_And none would let it sag.
There’s blood that flows within the stripes,
_The blood of soldiers gone,
Those patriots of now and past;
Who marched through storm and rifle blast,
_Until they saw the dawn.
There’s spirit surging in the blue,
_The stars of gentle might;
The wives and mothers of the land,
Who gave their country heart and hand,
_When souls took final flight.
There’s hope that runs within the stripes;
_The veins of strength and light,
That rally countless hearts of men,
And gives us courage once again,
_To rise above our plight.
The blood that flows within the stripes,
_The stars that pierce the blue,
The streaks of light on flag so bold,
Will never fade nor spirit fold,
_While freedom still rings true.
Lauren V. Leon is a pianist, amateur poet, writer, and artist. She resides in Riverside, California, and works as a Catholic parish musician, choir director, and private piano instructor.
This is a pleasant and thoughtful patriotic poem, using the theme of blood in the stripes (and what an apt illustration you’ve got to go with it). Your lines are smooth and simple, not straining but reminding us of sacrifice and faith and that special quality of “spirit.” Good work.
I very much enjoyed your comment Bhikkhu. I was not fully confident in this poem when I sent it in so I am very happy with your compliments regarding the simplicity of my lines.
I very much enjoy the meter of this poem and the patriotic message. The painting is an excellent complement to the poem.
This is a stirring and inspiring poem that begs to be set to music.
Thank you Adam. I wasn’t thinking about music when I wrote it, but I have been listening to a lot of patriotic music recently which evidently has come through.
This is such a beautiful poem, deep and true and inspiring, Lauren. Thanks so much for sharing it here. As Adam mentioned and I agree, have you considered setting it to music?
Thanks Jan. I hadn’t considered setting this poem to music before, but after reading everyone’s kind comments on the subject, I might try my hand at it.
A beautiful vision celebrating American life in a beautifully resonant song, Lauren.
Thank you for the praise Margaret. I am glad that “resonant” is the word of choice because that is what I was aiming for.