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