Foundation Layers

I think of those who before me came
In search of a life better than before,
Who worked the soil without shame
And left their legacy in deeds and lore.

Those who made this country great
Never thinking of anything in return,
They gave of themselves almost innate
While inside their dream did burn.

Thinking only of a future grand
For their families and those they love,
They staked their claim and took a stand
And put their fate in the One above.

Building an empire sod brick by brick
Believing in each other for life,
They gave this country roots so thick
We don't really know the word strife.

Pretend as we may that our world is rough
We'll never know how hard it was,
Today is different and still quite tough
But we are our own effect and not a cause.

9-26-2017