The Price of Freedom

The celebration of July 4th

Flags wave to the jingle of bells 

in the hands of people lining the streets. 

Bands step in time to the music they play 

and color guards answer the call to a forward march. 

Stars and stripes of red, white and blue; 

three together representing more than decorations 

that come out for the celebration. 

Ending in the flash of fireworks that break the night sky 

while disturbing the bat that flies in its shadowy cloak. 

The explosions sound with no warning 

but fade to silence like the light in the night sky. 

This holiday is more than a celebration of independence, 

but also a reminder. Taps is not a random cluster of notes, 

but to some, 

a reminder of feeling helpless

as comrades are laid to rest. 

For every flag that proudly waves 

is another that has adorned a coffin. 

We must celebrate our freedom and honor the sacrifices it has cost. There is always, we must remember, the price of freedom.

Author's Note

Ignore grammar

Reviews

[Wicahpi]

Thank you for sharing and entering!
Freedom has come to us with great cost and continues to do so.
There are some really good lines in this piece. Amen to the sound of "Taps".
Indeed not random! Good Luck