BACKBONES

It was backbones unwavering
That stood against a tyrant king
And made this land of which we sing,
From coast to coast with freedom ring.
In spite of doubts, hardships, and fears
Of dangers rife in hostile spheres,
Backbones in form of pioneers
Extended west our land’s frontiers.
And backbones joined in one accord
Stood firm against the Axis horde
Until victory we had scored
And peace unto our land restored.

Down through the years we’ve had unrest,
Divisions, strifes, and times depressed
But through them all our land was blessed
With backbones equal to each test.
But now I wonder in dismay,
When this land of ours I survey,
Where are the backbones of today?
Why are they fading fast away?
One answer comes, and one alone,
For why our land is spineless prone:
True backbones are all homegrown,
And love of home has all but flown;
And in most families of today,
With moms and dads too much away
In quest of wealth for mere display,
Backbones to lesser traits give way.
Home, in truest sense of the word,
Is where noble ways are stirred,
Where steadfastness is seen and heard,
Where right, not riches, is preferred,
And where is taught: though all else fail,
When foes or misfortunes assail,
All who of Heaven’s strength avail
Shall ever in the end prevail.