Freedom Doesn't Come Free

This poem is about the price we Americans pay for freedom.. which is loved ones becoming soldiers and risking their lives.

Everything has a price.

Cars, food, clothing, happiness

and freedom.

Believe me, I'm glad to be an American.

I thank Him everyday for the freedom

being an American citizen brings.

But like every other soldier's daughter,

I know the price we pay for freedom

comes at a huge cost.

My dad has missed years of my life,

my brother's life too.

He completely missed the first few years

of my sister.

I've been to so many going-away parades

and homecoming ceremonies.

I've seen tears shed.

Tears of both happiness and pain.

I've experienced the anxiety

of watching the news

and praying my dad's name won't be shown.

Every knock on the door stopped me in my tracks,

every email sent could have been the last,

and every phone call could have been

the bearer of bad news.

My dad is home now,

which I am so thankful for.

But I know that every day,

somewhere a family just like mine

is wishing that their soldier will come home soon.

Freedom comes at a great price,

but I know I wouldn't have it any other way.

Author's Note

Please try not to be hurtful, this poem means a lot to me because it is personal.