“Freedom isn’t free,”
Said a ribbon on my van,
Painted in those bold, proud colors
I have known my entire life:

The scarlet hue of blood,
Spilled by our bravest citizens
Past, present, and future,
For the defense of our country.

Vivid ivory as a reminder
Of the purity of a sovereign God
From whom every blessing of liberty comes.

The azure tinges of sky,
Shining its brightest when breathed
By a land of free, equal people.

The ribbon was stolen a few days ago
By someone whose moral values
Obviously differ from mine,
But no one can ever steal or snatch
The ribbon’s meaning from my heart.

© 2004 by Robert E. Blackwell