Freedom's Prayer

A sonnet written on a theme for a contest

Each night beneath the ancient star filled skies,
A generation new with pride and fear,
Lies waiting for the morning’s battle cries,
Each fights to keep the life he holds most dear.

The lessons learned by fathers long since gone,
Lay quietly in pages long since read,
The quiet strength of minds, replaced by brawn,
In thunderous clashes of war instead

But in each heart and soul does live a dream,
That from this place and from their blood and pain,
Prevailing freedom, faith, respect, esteem,
Will come of sacrifice not made in vain.

As dawn does break a silent prayer is cast,
For peace on this day if it be their last.