It’s an exercise in patriotism and gratitude

Take a walk in a park.
It’s a good exercise.
It can get your heart beating quite fast
if the park is a graveyard
and you choose to walk slow
so to ponder the heroes who’ve passed.

Midst the flags and the flowers
a name can be seen
that identifies who’s six feet down.
Why not stop and remember
the price that was paid
that allows you to wear freedom’s crown?

A long walk this weekend
will do your heart good.
I am guessing it might skip a beat
as you add up your blessings
and subtract your gripes
giving thanks for the names at your feet.