An American eagle passed away,
Finally felled by time,
Who kept America's foes at bay
So freedom's bell could chime.

He spread his wings across the land,
Standing guard with eagle's eye,
And made our enemies understand
That liberty would never die.

He led us through the stormy years
And broke the tyrant's wall.
So I'll ring my bell and shed my tears –
"American eagle, I hear your call."

Comment on this poem at Patriotic Thoughts ... including its title and author's name