Cost of Freedom

She's lying face down
On the battle's ground
Seeing her friends and foes
Dying all around

In a different place
Not knowing face from face
This was the path she chose
The war's desolate grace

Shouting, bombs, and gun shots
Deaths, lost limbs, and blood clots
This is the horrible life she knows
But this is what freedom costs

She feels all alone
Prays to God with desperate hope
As her eyes comes to a close
Wishing she was back at home

Two years she was supposed to serve
But unfortunate death came that she did not deserve
This is everyday, the loss of our beloved heroes
Whose families keep their memories preserved

The last prayer she uttered
Was not for herself, but for others
"Dear God, I realize I will die tonight,
But please protect my husband and daughter,
Every night as they shall slumber."

Two week later, her body was recovered,
Flown back home, the worst not yet discovered
The memorial came, the funeral gone,
For this mother and wife
She longingly went back home.

The headstone above her grave for this hero read:
Here lies the body of
Diana West
September 11, 1980- September, 2001
We will always love you
Our daughter, wife, and mother.