What is free?
I know that generation upon generation,
my own ancestors,
maybe,
even myself in a life before the one I now breathe,
have stood, fought, bled, died,
just to be free;
but, what is free?

I know I was born in, reside in, and am a citizen of
the United States of America:
the self-proclaimed “Land of the Free.”
Shouldn’t I know what it means to free?

I was taught
that here in America,
we are allowed to be free,
as so many people of this world are not,
because of the First Amendment
allowing me freedom to practice my religious faith,
freedom of speech, and freedom to assemble.

Is not freedom more than that?

Maybe, you will call me a daydreaming young girl,
but I think freedom is being able to
throw your arms as far back as they can go
and run aimlessly, catching wind
in the palm of your hand.
And when you feel ready, satisfied,
clenching your fist tight,
and gently bringing your air-filled palm
to your lips.
And blowing the air,
in the opposite direction of the wind.