Freedom's Voyage

Land ho! cried the sailor
     from his perch on the mast
          and a cheer went up from below
Many months had they sailed
     finding land at long last
          and now they had some place to go

Their homeland behind them
     their future unsure
          Each had his reasons for sailing
To some it was clear
     to others obscure
         still all met the challenge unfailing

Land ho! cried the sailor
     as nearer they drew
         I can see trees and a river!
The excitement was mounting
     for all of the crew
          down every man's back ran a shiver

The longboats were loaded
     with men and provisions
          and rowed thru the surf to the shore
Though their journey was ended
     after long days at sea
          they now had to start over once more!

To build a new life
     new homes and a city
          were dreams of what soon could be
As days turned to weeks
     those weeks became years
          they labored and loved, and were free

And this was the dream
     that filled each man's heart
          and saw him set sail from the past
The freedom of choice
     of speech and expression
          the right way to live that would last

Thus this new land was settled
     and freedom's home found
          as men built a new way of life
They grew and they prospered
     as their land was transformed
          but all was not without strife

For with freedom comes choice
     but all must take care
          to guard against that which is wrong
The pitfalls of power
     and wealth for a few
          who would lead the masses along

Be vigilant and cautious
     of the freedoms we share
          for these were not freely given
All were earned at a price
     and for many quite high
          for those are no longer living