The Price of Freedom

I feel the need to share with you the beauty that I see In this land we call America - the gift my fathers left to me. I see the plains and rolling hills that sing of raging wars Hiding so many bloodstained graves that our enemies abhorred. I see the glistening canyons and creeks meandering through our land That once were the sight of battles which raged under a General’s command. I see majestic oceans that transported many a soldier home With broken minds and bodies to a homecoming with so little aplomb. I see mountains stretching longingly toward Heaven’s saintly light While shielding a weary soldier who seeks sweet respite for the night. I see crystal lakes and streams once tainted a scarlet red From the sacrifice that freedom cost in a warrior’s cautious tread. I see the faces of families grief-stricken in sorrowful pain From the loss of a loved one far away who was patriotically slain. I see a price paid for liberty that was precious a decade ago, But is since taken, too, much for granted by the generations bestowed. So, I pray for understanding and peace with foreign shores, For an understanding of patriotism by our unenlightened scores. For there is no country greater where millions yearn to be free And pass through the gates of freedom so blamelessly blissfully.