Freedom is Not Free

I’ve read the history of our revolution
Which led the way to our constitution.
The battles with great loss of life,
Were our young nation’s terrible strife.
Where men of God through toil and prayer
Preserved for us our freedom there.

I’ve learned the lessons of civil war
Where thousands died, and what for?
The freedom of slaves from master’s snares,
That all men can live free from cares.
Brother against brother, father and son,
Until the right to freedom was won.

I’ve listened to stories told by men,
Who watched their comrades’ ranks grow thin.
Countless Americans gave up their lives,
For freedom for brothers, children and wives.
Row upon row of graves we see
Of the men who fought to keep us free.

I’ve watched the films of the 2nd Great War,
And saw mothers mourn for their children who’re no more.
And felt to shed a tear or two
For brave men and women who to country were true.
True to the freedom for which before had been fought,
A price without measure had truly been bought.

I’ve felt the stain of America’s so-called shame,
In Vietnam where brave men served without fame.
Returned to their country to be forgot,
Can now rest assured that it wasn’t for naught.
As freedoms light continues to glow
They’ll all be revered, for the way they did show.

I wore my uniform proud and true,
As our nation rallied behind old blue.
To stop Saddam in his dastardly deed,
We helped the Saudi’s in their time of need.
Our nation’s flag we proudly displayed,
While people of the nation bowed and prayed.

I watched the terror of a world gone mad
As buildings crumbled I felt so sad.
The loss of life of the innocent at work
Made me reflect on the duties I shirk,
At what price am I to be free to be?
No my brother my sister, freedom is not free!

Today the nation has returned to the Lord,
But why has it taken an act of war,
To turn the nation from the path
That surely leads to the Lord’s wrath,
Where judges have done their great shame,
It’s suddenly O.K. to speak his name.

Americans unite and remember the pain,
That all the lives given won’t be in vain.
Teach our children of the wars of the past,
Show them why we must make freedom last.
Fly your flag in remembrance this day,
Give the dead utterance and teach them the way.

Is freedom free without pain and grief?
No, sometimes freedom can seem a thief.
Does freedom mean we give up our rights,
To be searched thoroughly before boarding flights?
A Nation that will not sacrifice to be free,
Is not deserving nor entitled to that liberty.

9-16-2001

©David S. Maughan
In memory of those who’ve died.