Free to Choose

There was a time - eons ago - when

Choices were much simpler.

A left, a right,

A yes or no,

On or off, up or down,

A smile, a frown, a blank response,

A pill to ease a restless night.

 

We were young with foolish hearts,

No thought of how the world ensues.

Little to win,

           Less to lose,

But we were free,

           Free to choose.

 

Now the weight of worlds roll by and

Here stand I dazed and confused.

The when and what,

The where and why,

My whole life passing in review.

 

But duty calls and I must go.

No petty purpose can excuse.

I will fight and

I will serve

So others may be free to choose.