by Dennis Augustine
As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I find myself pondering the deeper significance of this day. Here’s a poem I wrote to capture the essence of this moment and the challenges we face:
Freedom Ain’t Easy—but it’s Worth Embracing with Love of Country
It didn’t come wrapped in peace—
freedom never does.
It came through storms and stand-offs,
through fire, flaws, and fuss.
It came with boots in mud,
hands stained with ink and blood,
with broken promises and bold dreams
too stubborn to die.
It was never clean or conflict-free—
this road to liberty. It was wrestled for,
fought for, by courageous and imperfect people.
And unless we’re in a battlefield today,
the hardest battle is within—
to live with honesty,
to carry peace,
to walk in freedom
without forgetting those who paid the price.
Freedom’s not just fireworks, cheers, and flags—it’s how we treat the ones we disagree with,
how we show up for each other,
how we keep the promise alive.
So, while fireworks light up the sky
let’s remember:
Freedom is messy.
But it’s ours to carry.
And it’s worth the weight.
Wishing you all a joyous and meaningful Independence Day, my friends and family.
