The Ultimate Sacrifice
I was nine
When I found out my father
Was deploying to Iraq
Anger
Confusion
Fear
Clouded my mind
At that moment
I realized that the world
Wasn't made of pixie dust
And roses
I realized soon enough that freedom
Really isn't free
Someone has to pay the piper
And that someone
Was my father
And many other brave soldiers
That took an oath to protect
This nation
Even if that meant dying
It was the end of life as I knew it to be
I was no longer able to unsee
the cruel realities of the destruction of war
It was no longer about talking things out
We fight over what is signed
On the dotted line
I didn't understand then
But I understand now
Which is why I chose to take up that same
Oath
To protect the privilege of freedom
What an honor