Fragrant as the flowers on your porch,
Or any other, so ready to unpeel,
So ready for anything unreal...
Like an April, or May song strung
From the canary’s throat, a syrinx lullaby.
Ladened like buckets, supported by vines.
These petals are my wilderness,
They’re as free as any human with two legs,
Or a horse, unfenced, and unshakeable.
Ladened like buckets, supported by vines.
Nothing is mine, but everything is my mother,
My father is every other thing.
These roots run deeper than anyone can imagine,
Like a fossil or a canyon or your heritage.
Or God.
But I,
I,
I,
Chase you like a glutton in a feast,
Or a stutter on a tongue,
Yu- Yu- You.
The elusive butterfly
That’s always within arm’s reach –
But never in my hands.
The fertile in the futile,
The blossom in the sand.
Something unreal. Freedom.
-
Author:
Rocky Lagou (
Offline) - Published: May 11th, 2022 09:54
- Comment from author about the poem: This poem's central theme is about freedom. But, it's subtheme is about being the "odd one out" in a family, or the only one who thinks the way you do. I was raised in a family that can't see beyond stereotypes and accepted "norms." I believe I'm the only one in my entire lineage that is "woke," or aware of the messed up reality I'm living in. In a time like this, where people are being persecuted and KILLED just because of their race, color, gender, sexuality, identity, etc... it's so extremely disheartening to see it all unfold without proper measures taken against these prejudice acts. The "fertile" in the "futile" is a metaphor for being the only member of a family able to see beyond the distorted preconceptions. I hope I'll be able to resonate with some of you. 🤍🤍
- Category: Sociopolitical
- Views: 41
Offline)
Comments9
Utnfortunately (VERY unfortunately!!) We still live in a time when acceptance is not the norm. I am the black sheep of my family for marrying into mixed race. it's not as drastic as having to deal with other peoples issues on the issues of same sex marriage but i'm still not accepted. it's 2022 people! I love people and my children regardless of choices about who they love, what race their partner is, etc. Beautiful poem!!! I'd write more but my computer is being glitchy. Sorry. And i can only hope things start being better for you!
I know right. Just to think that there'll be people, even from your own family, that'll look down on you simply for marrying someone that's not your same race is crazy. I swear it's like people just choose to be ignorant to change and only accept what they want to and "brush off" the rest they don't agree with. Freedom will never be reached until everyone, despite race or gender or sexuality, etc... is able to live in a world with no hate or prejudice. Hope your pc will improve, don't worry you said more than enough. Thanks so much Christina for your consistent support, hope you're doing well. Always look on the bright side!
LOL Rocky, love this for the quick change half way through which made me smile.
Freedom to be whatever we will be, accepting and accepted by all the beauty of life around us and within us.
There are many ways one can be a hero in life. A certain book calls one who stands up for their beliefs "martyr". We live in days where people are martyred for their beliefs which are only in fact demands to share freedom. Freedom with respect for the freedom of others.
Exactly, "freedom with respect for the freedom of others." I'm not too sure where the "quick change" occurs in the poem, but nonetheless I'm glad I was able to make you smile. I do think it's kind of a "sassy" poem, you know with the whole tone and the fifth stanza. Anyways, thanks a bunch for considering the read and comment, highly appreciated. We are freedom fighters. Have a wonderful day!
Good write Rocky.
Hiya Orchi! Thanks a bunch for dropping by. Hope I piqued your attention, we must fight for change.
You know we are distorted and as we age we define ourselves and bring out a purpose for self for which we run.... it's okay to be disorganised and it's a boon to see one's own reality and accept it, that brings change. Great self-expression.
Exactly Bellflower. As long as we perceive the reality and don't allow our vision to be overshadowed by ignorant mindsets, then we can truly seek change in our society. A place where there's less hate, and more kindness. Thanks abundantly for the kind remarks, have a lovely day!
This is good. Wow. I love the butterfly that's just in arm's reach but never really there.
Hi, thanks so much! It's nice to see you enjoyed the butterfly metaphor, it really does feel like freedom and world peace is like a butterfly though; it can be achieved if only we agree to see each other as equals, but sadly that isn't the reality. Hope to live in bliss one day, a place where the butterfly won't always be flying away from us. Have a great day!
Very good words Rocky, that freedom is there for us all as long as we look outside of the box that others want to trap our lives in.
Andy
True, indeed, Andy. Thanks so much for caring to read and leave a reply. The world could be such a better place if we learned to see beyond the prejudice and embraced others more. It really is the simple actions like smiling to someone or giving a wave that can change the world. Have a lovely day!
Interesting how we readily accept a life saving blood transfusion or a much needed organ transplant without asking the donor's race, colour, religion, sexual orientation etc. And when we donate we don't ask who the recipient will be. You have brought up a very relevant topic, still a massive problem from before till now, all round the world.
Hi, thanks so much for the thoughtful remarks. Your reply reminded me of your poem "BLOOD," and it's so true. When emergencies occur the last thing that passes someone's mind is the other person's traits, be it physical or not. It's just downright cruel how people can't see past their comfort zones of discrimination and learn to love others, despite their natural characteristics. Nonetheless, glad you enjoyed, have a wonderful day!
now what's a metaphor if it aint gonna be used in the correct context and exploited .. and when used within a poem, well then it can become like the sword of Damocles .. to be handled with care, for in the wrong hands, it may become dangerous .. there are far too many bigots around for my liking .... a superbly crafted bit of poetry Rocky .. write on .... Neville
Hello dear poet! Thanks abundantly for your generous and kindhearted remarks. Bigots are truly the core of the social unease. If we don't learn to accept someone and see beyond their superficial aspects then we'll never achieve peace, or anything close to it. I do have hope though that with enough awareness we can spread positivity. Thanks again, and have a fine day!
Freedom is often taken for granted, but we need to maintain our quest to uphold existing freedoms, and gain new ones where possible. Even so-called free societies have existing freedoms eroded by government every year. It is certainly happening in Britain! Yes, your poem struck a chord with me, Rocky!
You have truly spoken the reality we're currently living in. It really is disheartening to see freedom being impeded by those who fail to see beyond their ignorance and even by "superiors" like you mention with the governmental neglect. I only hope for better days where people can embrace one another despite their superficial qualities. Thanks a bunch for leaving such a keen comment, have a marvelous day!
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