Photo by Tasha Halpert

There are holes and rents in the tattered old flag

that hangs by the veteran’s door;

and the man within is tattered and torn

by time and tide and war.

The flag still waves, the man still walks

through increasingly difficult days

the man and his flag reflect each other

in myriad wondrous ways.

Alive to life, yet awaiting their turn

the man and his flag soldier on

both shabby, both proud, they march to a beat

that will cease to be when they’ve gone.

The flag and the man have served us well,

they are weary, yet serving still

in service of life, they make their way

as long as they can and will.

Tasha Halpert