HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Ah Freedom
(a poem/prayer for Independence Day)

The land of the free-
words from a song
and even as they echo
in the air
one wonders who is
free

Blood stained beaches
are haunting reminders
that freedom is more than
words in creeds
or mottoes on
walls

Our land of the free has
a complex past
still sometimes chained
to a dark memory
where slaves sang
sad songs

But every family has to
learn from its past
O God of all, help us
turn toward the
light that you love
to offer

Ah freedom…it should be
for all who breathe
Tis a gift not to be
of slight but cherished
and held
with reverence

My freedom is linked to
yours indeed
for above our waving flag
there waits a Creator
who longs for all
to be able to whisper,
“Ah, freedom…”