Sonnet 12: Tribute Qua Tribute

I am the honor of what is most prized.
I am the flower on the sepulture.
I am the namesake for children baptized.
I am the guarantor of all culture.
I am the preserver of tradition.
I am the memorial to lives lost.
I am the surety for protection.
I am the treasure paid to trim the cost.
I am the dedication much preferred.
I am the consecrated victory.
I am the commemoration in word.
I am the monument to history.
Caved shadows on parade show attribute
Of my form—c’est moi! Tribute qua Tribute!