Freedom's Price

Freedom’s Price
The Story of Amy Harding

Her family came for freedom and to farm
Along the Susquehanna River Valley
Not knowing her children would come to harm
By Indians bribed by the Tory.

Amy joyed in freedom’s declaration
For she did not want the rule of a king
But only trust in God’s provision
For food, shelter and each simple blessing.

For close by was the Baptist meeting house
Where grace, truth and simple-child-like faith
Were taught and shared with all who met there
Including her children, for whom she cared.

But freedom had a price that was greater
Than she would suspect that July morning
As Benjamin, Stukley and Junior
Left the fort for farming and hunting.

When Junior returned there was fear in his eyes
Enemies shot and killed his brothers
Pain, sorrow and grief were voiced in her cries:
The deep despair of a loving mother.

Their bodies were guarded by two Indians.
Who knew if they wanted more victims?
The Indians were killed just in case.
So the boy’s bodies would be buried in a decent place.

As Amy prepared the bodies for burial
She may have wondered what freedom was worth
Till she let Heaven give peace to her soul
And the strength she needed to go forth.