Flags flying, freedom found

Posture straight, with my right hand on my heart
staring at an American flag attached to a wall
always emphasizing the last two words of the Pledge of Allegiance:
            “… liberty and justice for all”
reciting along with my students
though not all

Random rebels appeared through the years
choosing to express their freedom by sitting
If they were respectful, not mocking or jeering
a nod of understanding is what they got from me

I walked away from that morning routine
though my former students, I hold in my heart
too many of them had a disadvantaged start
I pray those last two words always include them

My work now virtual, no longer contained by classroom walls
my morning recitation is now quiet meditation
my right hand has learned how to show a passport and zoom a lens

At home and on foreign lands, I walk free
Yes, I know how blessed and fortunate I am
If only that were true for all
what a peaceful and wondrous world this would be

Thanks for stopping by. I hope this Wednesday finds everyone doing well. Just over a week back from Scotland and I am relieved to share that the effects of jet lag have lessened, allowing me to sleep past 2 am, and that I didn’t return with a nasty bug, like the last two years. I will write more about what I changed up this time (health wise), that may have helped, when I share my “Scotland ~ travel notes (backpack)” post. I forgot to include a most important item in my “packing” post: my crossbody purse (in photo) which easily fits on top of my ziplocked clothes. Carrying a backpack around is not always ideal or allowed, so a secure purse is a must.

My photos were taken in various locations around Scotland (Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Battle of Culloden, & Cawdor Castle). The last photo was taken at my hometown cemetery, taken when I visited my grandfather’s gravesite on Memorial Day (his grave is not featured, though it does have two flags – the one placed and the one I brought). The one of me was taken by a fellow traveler. Most of whom were retired teachers. A fun bunch (esp. in the back of the bus).

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