PERSPECTIVES

The elderly man sat leaning against the lamp post.
A box on the curb held all his earthly belongings.
The buildings surrounding him were old and decrepit.
People and houses wore a hopeless look.
He noticed two small children using a rag to tease
A skinny puppy of unknown origin.
Tears filled his eyes, he caught a glimpse of the rag,
The American flag.
Memories flooded back of World War II.
Friends and comrades in his unit, some came home,
Others in their final resting place overseas.
His son Jimmy who gave the best he had in 'Nam, his life
Two different perspectives of the American flag--
Something old and worthless, or something old and worth
Giving your all.