Ode to My Native Land

Ode to My Native Land

Contributed by Doug Ferguson

I am an American native son, My forebearers came here for freedom and opportunity,

My seed was planted here.

My Childhood showed me how to stick up for myself,
It also taught me to how to fail, then succeed with others and learn life’s wonders..

In my teenage years, I learned how rules and work get results,
But yet how life still could be fun.  

As a younger man I learned important work skills,
And gloried in being needed and free.

As a peacetime soldier, I learned to respect,
And honor those who had been in combat and fought for me.

As a worker I found the satisfaction
Of leaving something better than it was before. 

As a young adult, I had the freedom to marry,
Regardless of my parent’s wisdom or my lack thereof.

As a Father, I learned to be a parent, a teacher, and mentor,
Not always the best, but still loved.

As a Man, my close friends were of different races and religions. 

As a grownup I had complete freedom to make mistakes,
And managed to make some big ones!

In midlife I learned that in my America, one could always
Start over, despite their mistakes, if one is honest and owns up to them. 

As a Senior, I have learned true love, peace, compassion and
To have gratitude for all these life lessons.

In America, my beloved native free land,
During my lifetime all these things were possible.

So long America! It’s been good t’know ya!