"What is freedom,
away from the jargons?"
Asked the boy,
seated in the back bench.
---
The teacher looked,
irritation contorting
his face.
If he could
throttle his scrawny neck,
and teach him some respect!
He wished
the job allowed that freedom.
---
His agitated voice,
shrill yet forcibly controlled,
rang out with irritation
but no conviction:
"A question not to be asked.
Believe what told-
You have freedom"
The whole class echoed:
"Isn't that enough?"
---
The boy looked on,
fixed stare:
"What is freedom?"—
again the same question.
No agitation,
a firm conviction
not to be bullied.
---
Amidst
shattering silence of intellect,
another question lands:
"Show me any scripture
that lets one choose his path
with no dagger plunged
in his back."
---
Enraged and outraged
at desecration of Nation and God,
everyone stood up,
walked up to his desk.
Dragged and spread-eagled him
on the floor,
their boots pressing on
hands, feet, and torso.
---
Teacher clapped in appreciation,
signaled "Go."
The boy smiled with mischief.
The mocking smile
enraged the choir,
they stamped on his throat.
---
At last the job was done.
The teacher's victory smile
clicked for posterity.
The boy's mutilated remains
stand forever-
Symbol of Nation's freedom.
---
The face still shows a twisted smile.
Perhaps one last kick to erase it forever?
A choice of democratic ideals.
-
Author:
Rebellion In Sanity (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: September 19th, 2025 03:00
- Comment from author about the poem: Asking too many questions comes with health risk.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 10
- Users favorite of this poem: Bella Shepard, Tristan Robert Lange, Vogelfrei
Offline)
Comments4
A poetic parable where in freedom we suffer the consequences of others the do now believe in it. Conformity is the formula of society whether bee, ant, or human variation from social norms results in expulsion, banishment or even death. It is in that choice that freedom resides. Lovely
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You are most welcome
Dear poet, this brought a lump to my throat and a profound sadness, for its unnerving truth. All too often, freedom is looked upon as something that satisfies personl desires, but is not extended to those who think differently. This poem lands a punch, right in the middle of the conscience, well done!!
Deeply appreciate your kindness. This kind of review provides the urge to write again. Thank you 🙏
And again, and again, and again!!
Wow. Just 🤯! My friend, this is searing…a relentless build from the boy’s quiet conviction to the mob’s brutal silencing. That repeated “What is freedom?” echoes long after the close. And the irony at the end stings…powerful, fearless work. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛ I’m in awe!
I feel grateful for your kindness. Really appreciate your continued support. Thank you 🙏
This poem is satirical, and deeply reflective. Nicely written.
I used to be a fan of authors like Kafka, Lawrence, Wodehouse. Somehow those influences pop up on my writing, like absurdist, physical and sarcasm. Perhaps that is why I avoid melodrama, catherasis etc.
Thank you for the read and your kindness 🙏
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