Ricky Ham

MY FREEDOM

I think about how easy it is

to take our freedom for granted.

I think about death. I think about

all the people who lost a father,

a mother, a brother, a sister,

an aunt, an uncle, a grandfather, a grandmother,

a husband, a wife, a friend. I think about

how bad it must have been.

I treat every day with my family

as it is my last. Family and friends are

the most important things to me.

Worry is something I think about.

I feel the power of the word.

I always hear about people getting taken

from their homes or someone

getting grabbed at the park.

It happened to these people.

Why couldn’t it happen to my family?

I am always worried of someone

coming and grabbing my mom while

she is shopping. I am always worried

of someone grabbing my brother while

he is out with his friends. I am always worried

of someone grabbing my dad while

he is away. I am always wondering if

someone is going to grab my two little cousins

at school or while they’re out playing in their yard.

I worry about someone taking

my cousin’s little sister while

she is at church or while she is in school.

I am always worried about not being there.

Always worried about not being able

to do something to help them.

Worrying is a part of my freedom.