Independence Day 2023

By Andrew R. Duckworth

Somewhere in the midst of the fire
Of freedom burning on the pyre
I clung to that which I desire
As the flames grew ever higher.

Should it cost an arm or leg,
Feel free to fit me with a peg,
But you will not hear me beg
For that which I desire.

Come holy war or land of dead
With no reason dwelling within heads,
I’ll walk the lonely road instead
For that which I desire.

And my desire, can’t you see?
To dwell in a land that is free.