We Used to Have Heroes
They rode horses, wore white hats
Fought for what they believed was right
And ran the bad guys out of town
They looked out for their neighbors
Those who couldn’t defend themselves
When I was six, I was the Lone Ranger
And at the same time Superman
Ever ready to stand against anyone or anything
That dared to come against
Truth, justice, and the American way
When I was eight, I was Paladin
A black hat this time, and more rugged
But a hero still, who righted wrongs
And would go anywhere
To correct injustice and defend the defenseless
When I was ten, I was John Wayne
I learned to walk like him
Tried to make my voice deep like his
And hoped I’d grow to be tall, broad shouldered and brave
But mostly, I wanted to be a good man
But mostly, I wanted to be a good man
A superb man, a combination of all of them
Those heroes who cared little for themselves
But lived for what they could do for others
Yes, it was just television
And all my heroes were make-believe
But they made me believe and they taught me
About right and wrong, and so many things
Where have all the heroes gone?
Who do we turn to now?
What is truth, or justice?
And, what is the American way?
My heroes stood proud and tall
Hands on their hips, ready to fight
For a way of life and a country they loved
Even though it was flawed in so many ways
I love my country
But it is a love like one has for a dying loved one
And I watch her now, slumbering in drugged apathy
Gurgling immorality, indecency, and corruption
Like a death rattle in cancer-ridden lungs
Atop her aged trembling hand, I place my own
And I ache within, realizing even should she survive
A mere shadowy skeleton of what she once was
Is all that will remain
I think back on those days of yesteryear
Days when this country stood strong and proud
And I see her slowly succumbing to darkness
With no heroes to swoop to her rescue
I stare at the floor… and silently, I weep
Copyright © 2012 C. Mashburn
A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a
hearty ... 'Hi-yo Silver Away!' The Lone Ranger! |
Paladin, Paladin, where do you roam? Paladin, Paladin, far, far from home… Have Gun, Will Travel reads the card of a man: a knight without armour in a savage land. |
Thank you, Charles, for an endearing tribute to some of America's true heroes of ages past. But, all is not lost, my dear friend, for America is filled with its heroes and heroic accounts that overcome dark hours of despair. Let us pay tribute to all that defend, protect and honor America for without them all would indeed be lost.
Charles Mashburn, the Author
All readers are encuraged to visit Marbles in My Pocket where Charles shares poems, short stories, and random thoughts. He is the author of Be Still: ...and know that I am God which is a book of daily devotionals.
Which of these iconic heroes do you remember?
Who are your heroes of today?
Who are your heroes of today?
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