At what point?

sorenbarrett

 

When does a touch become a shove, a push a caress of love?

How close can grass be until it encroaches on the roots of a tree

A joke becomes a poke at one's integrity when meanly spoke

When does pruning a branch turn to cutting down a pine, does a hug liberty confine

 

When is it a crime to cage a bird, only when our needs for theirs are transferred

Does a kiss become a rape, only when there is no escape

Correction turns abuse when learning for anger becomes its excuse

Control is the key between love and liberty

 

When selfish control of another's soul is the goal

Release the dove it will return if there is love

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Comments +

Comments11

  • David Wakeling

    Now this is interesting. It raises some important philosophical questions. Sadly I don' thave the answers but I enjoyed the journey this poem takes you on. Well done mi amigo

    • sorenbarrett

      Thanks so much for the read David it is most appreciated. Yes I don't have the exact answers either.

    • Doggerel Dave

      Each of those lines could be extended, explored in their own right. You certainly pack 'em in, Soren.
      Room there somewhere for thought...
      Interest maintained throughout.

      • sorenbarrett

        Thanks Dave always appreciate your visits and comments.

      • Poetic Licence

        That raises alot of questions and I am sure there are any definite answers, a lot to ponder on this one, enjoyed the read

        • sorenbarrett

          Thank you Tobani for your read and comment it is always appreciated

          • Poetic Licence

            You are very welcome

          • Tristan Robert Lange

            Soren…this one lands with weight. 😔 The questions here aren’t rhetorical—they ache for reckoning. Your final line is gentle, but piercing. You found quite the tender edge between truth and restraint. Quietly powerful and a fave, my friend. 🌹👏

            • sorenbarrett

              Thank you so much my friend for your review and most generous words they are deeply valued and appreciated

              • Tristan Robert Lange

                You are most welcome, Soren!

              • Tony36

                Love it

                • sorenbarrett

                  Thank you so much Tony means a lot

                  • Tony36

                    You're welcome

                  • orchidee

                    Good write SB.
                    You go too far, says Fido to me, when I say 'Did KP fall over that cliff, or was she pushed - by me?!' heehee.

                    • sorenbarrett

                      And she survived? Bet that was quite a night at home. Thanks for the read Orchi

                      • orchidee

                        She fell to the bottom of the cliff and hit the rocks, but the botox made her bounce back up again. lol.

                      • Jeremy Leach

                        Deeply thoughtful, original and well written. Makes my mind race trying to form opinions on it all, and I like that. The last line about releasing the dove resonates too, because I've known of controlling people and relationships and the best advice is to not ever try to control. Yet many do.

                        • sorenbarrett

                          To me control comes out of deep insecurity and a need to compensate by feeling more powerful by controlling self or others. Thank you so much for the read and most kind comment it is deeply appreciated

                        • Teddy.15

                          The pushing and shoving and the going a bit to far, human nature and this is truly powerful. I see a lot of wisdom and philosophy of when to know when to let something go! Wonderful write as always
                          🌹

                          • sorenbarrett

                            Thanks Teddy for the read and support it is always appreciated

                          • Thomas W Case

                            Powerful and poignant.

                            • sorenbarrett

                              Thank you Thomas means a lot

                            • hzugman

                              Love it. Great write.

                              • sorenbarrett

                                Thank you so much it is appreciated

                              • arqios

                                Your poem walks bravely into the murky territory between tenderness and transgression, exposing how easily care can curdle into control. With spare, potent language and metaphor, you explore how boundary lines blur; how jokes, touches, and love itself can become coercive if misused. The final image, releasing the dove, becomes both a plea and a principle: real love liberates. Rather than offering easy answers, your poem compels us to stay vigilant, asking not just what we do, but why, and at what point we forget to notice the difference.

                                • sorenbarrett

                                  Right on point I would have to say Cryptic thank you so much for the read and interpretation. It is always nice to feel understood and this is one of those cases.

                                  • arqios

                                    Most welcome Soren 🕊️🙏🏻



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