Whenever I hear, “This country is free.

I can do what I want. I have liberty,”

I cringe, for someone wasn’t taught

to value what others’ sacrifice bought.

We’re free to cheat, lie, smear and cower.

License isn’t freedom; it’s abuse of power.

When profit’s the motive for all that we do

we’re given the license to step on a few.

Freedom was always meant to be

definitely wed to responsibility.

When all have an equal chance to try

opportunity won’t be something to buy.

Only a “mountain man” is truly free.

He depends not on country,

you or me.

We value community, family and home.

One pair of hands never built Rome.

Eva Aldrich, 89, of Mystic just came out with a book of poems titled “Soap Box Poems,” which she called a “family reunion project altered by COVID” because the get-together was canceled. “I’m glad you are printing poetry in the paper,” Eva told the Times in a beautiful handwritten note because she doesn’t own a computer.

The Times is offering local readers a chance to share their poetry amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. To contribute, email times@theday.com.