names scratched on the yellowed paper
from an old quill dipped in ink
birds alas all of one feather
sharing now the cup they'd drink
signing warrants for each other
for arrests they each might face
chiseled names in granite headstones
even time cannot erase
on a hot day in the summer
with our fireworks and our song
and we share the pride of country
in a land where we belong
and the bonds that once were broken
still on others here remain
white clouds dotting skies of blue
where shadows hide a blood-red stain
in each man are sins awaiting
like a gift and like a curse
like a cross that brings salvation
never knowing which is worse
and we fall like planted seeds
to die together in our sin
growing back to break the surface
as the circle spins again