“Freedom is not free”

By Jessie Olson, 14

The stars shined brightly,

The colors showed proudly,

They won for what’s right,

The people rejoiced loudly.

The victory is won,

Our freedom is here,

The fighting is done,

There’s nothing to fear.

The eagle’s swooped down,

Saved us from battle’s horrors.

Brought cheers to every town.

The joy that always pours.

Our country is at peace.

Love fills it to the brim.

That love shall never cease.

The peace will never dim.

But still people’s cries are heard,

The cries of loss and sorrow,

Some may be lessened by the noble bird,

Others look toward the morrow.

The dead will never come again,

But they will live in people’s mind,

The heart is locked up in a pen,

Each has keys of different kinds.

The heart takes time to live with loss,

The joy will soon come out,

The sadness the sorrow the pain you can toss,

Don’t be overcome with doubt.

Lives are stolen for our country’s sake,

It gives us rights and free will,

Joy they will share and peace they will make,

We will remember them still.

Thank the people for us they fought,

Remember them for their deeds,

Honor the veterans for them we ought,

They cared about all our needs.

Keep alight the flickering flame,

The fire that burns in our heart,

Without it we would not be the same,

Keep the joy that consumes every part.

Honor the ones in war who survive,

Both honor and remember the cost,

Keep joy in our hearts and keep love alive,

Mourn for the lives that were lost.

Freedom is a costly thing,

That is what all people know,

Keep yourself joyful and let your heart sing,

Never let that happiness go.

From the sadness it’s hard to pull through,

Hopefully you can see,

The people know these words are true,

Freedom is not free.

Jessie Olson

Clarks Grove