Freedom via OSI
Christine June 2nd, 2008
We are as slowly
losing ground as the shore gives
way to the river
so our collective freedom
erodes with the passing years.
~~~~~
I suppose this post will dispel any hopes of uplifting, word candy from me for our poetry prompt this week. My mind became fixed on the theme when I discovered it to be Freedom. I haven’t as yet read anyone else’s take on the topic but go here to see them.
It seems we have less authentic freedom of movement in thought, word and deed now than say twenty or thirty years ago. Freedom appears to define less and say little about who we are as a people each year. I fail to understand some who would spout patriotic rhetoric, completely rendering the definition of freedom meaningless. We are spied upon by our own government which borrows billions from China to fund the war in Iraq, which continues to become a more corrupted campaign as the years plod on giving way to no bid contracts, extended tours for the troops and mounting casualties. We seem to be void of creative energy to birth new or positive ideas on how to deal with our country’s massive problems. Or just plain courage. I ask: where is that freedom and what have her parameters become. What is her definition or is it just a word; a sound byte invoked only by the media and politicians?
Related posts:
Both are wonderful!
Everything you say could be solved by getting a certain person out of office…
Amen. I think Maryt is right to a point, but I think we have let freedom become just a word and we take it way too much for granted. Maybe there is a gift in the Bush administration’s desecration of the election process and the Constitution if it wakes people up. I just hope it does. I don’t see a much sign of that as I’d like. You reflect my thoughts and my despair here. Well spoken. Your poem is beautiful too.
how true and how beautifully stated in your poem, great imagery. the word ‘freedom’ has been misused and vandalized by many a government unfortunately
You said it. It’s all so disturbing. Your post brings to mind an image of leadership frantically casting its eyes about looking for the next diversion. Will it be someone’s sordid sex life or a natural disaster? Hmm….We capable of so much more.
I looked your poem very much, and the tulip above is stunning.
Well said, as always! Along similar lines, I saw a new book
on the news last night, “The Uprising” by David Sirota. There’s a
review of it on Amazon. I haven’t read it, but looks like an
interesting read.
..these wonderfully meaningful lines
apply worldwide..the people feel
cheated everywhere..many thanks..
Well done! Ditto to all of the above.
Profound thoughts..
voice of reason
Freedom seems to be bringing out so many somber thoughts among this week’s poets. I, too, feel we surrender our freedom more and more every year. I, too, want this long war to end. Perhaps the poets of the world will change the hearts and minds of the people? We can only hope. My poem recalls the freedom I felt growing up, the freedom to be a child and experience the world. Come see, “And Mom Said we Could!” if you want to lift your spirits!