When I look back now
to my childhood years
when I had parents
poor as church mice
war was raging
the world was ablaze
army trucks in the streets
planes flew overhead
and bombs rained down
I could walk in the fields
wade in the cold stream
climb the old oak tree
observing the squirrels
play with my schoolmates
tease the girl up the road
get stung by the nettles
race our dog back home
then read the comics
feeling so free
all seemed good to me
I couldn't see ahead
to changing schools
girls laughing at me
of breaking my heart
stressing over exams
trying to find a job
of losing a girlfriend
paying my taxes
getting a mortgage
a second hand car
being responsible
serving my country
married with babies
sickness and funerals
kids now adults
getting those grey hairs
a bit of a paunch
being left alone
deaf and aching
hearing the clock tick
who wants to be free?
Image found at www.handmadelibrarian.com
It's a redefinition of freedom, isn't it? Freedom to choose what ties us. I love the stark difference you remind us of. A child--if fed--can find his freedom in little things and time with no responsibilities. And an adult? I think it's good not to be prescient, good to have dreams and passion, good to have choice, commitment and a chance to let go again. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a powerful poem.. the freedom to choose things with which we are bound.. if given the chance what would we all like to opt for?
ReplyDeleteBeautifully captured!
What a thump in the chest...freedom can be innocence of the unknown..maybe it can also be about creating the world we need - words and imaginary friends are good for that so I've heard...in all seriousness a very poignant and powerful poem
ReplyDeleteWhen compared to the childhood you described, adult life can look like a procession of compromise.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is all a matter of perspectives and how they change us.
ReplyDeleteThis is your best poem... ringing with honesty and truth about the trials of being an adult with responsibilities. Will read this a few times and am showing it to a friend of mine who will relate and very much appreciate it.You are full of surprises Oldegg!
ReplyDeletei like how freedom changes its meaning slowly...the contrast is evocative, beautiful and both the stanzas radiate the aura of truth....
ReplyDeleteWhile one had achieved one's desires through the designated freedom and having gone through testing times, it was no more a big deal. Freedom would then be extended on a silver platter with less shine. Well penned oldegg!
ReplyDeleteHank
Oh this is a cool perspective - great contrast between the rather weighed-down yet busy and fulfilling years of raising a family to the "freedom" from responsibilities we now enjoy....yes, freedom can be over-rated. LOL. I enjoyed this response to the prompt. Much happier than mine!
ReplyDeleteOh, such is life, Robin!! To break free is paradoxical - to expand our lives we have to go back to the confined spaces we avoided and dreaded. As they say, from everyone to whom much has been given, much will be expected. ... Life as an adult isn't as great as we all wanted... The "real world" is brutal and we have to adjust to it.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your poem. Poignant thoughts...and verses!
Your poem captures the reality of life in such a poignant and perfect way.
ReplyDeleteWell that turned freedom's its head, didn't it? Great stuff!
ReplyDeleteinteresting poem that reflects life and its journey within the bounds of freedom in changing seasons.
ReplyDeleteI may be wrong in my interpretation here; but what I get from your poem is that freedom does not always bring happiness!
ReplyDeleteFreedom does change as we change.
ReplyDeletetimes have changed and so has the concept of freedom
ReplyDeletethe clock stops for no one and freedom is costly LOL! Lovely work.
ReplyDeleteThat childhood freedom most of us think we remember came with a lot of restrictions. As adults, it's not our parents and teachers setting limits, but the consequences of our choices. Perhaps the Buddhists have it right and the only real freedom comes from not being attached to outcomes.
ReplyDeleteRobin I love the contrast you paint - oh to be young and "clueless"
ReplyDeleteThe innocent, wonder-filled, careless years of childhood go hand-in-hand with freedom. Adulthood brings responsibilities that bind most of us with unbreakable chains to a well-trodden treadmill... Enjoyed reading this well-written poem with its two contrasting sections.
ReplyDelete