Liberty vs. Freedom

As the day begins awakening
I'm startled by sudden dizziness,
for the sorrows dwelling in my lap
hand me unfinished business.

Liberty's not the opposite of restraint
and unfinished business doesn't lend itself,
to a certain call to freedom
it might as well be on a distant shelf.

The French gave us a statue
and ironically enough,
her posture resembles not freedom
in fact it's kind of tough.

She stands erect and rigid
holding a torch up to the sky,
and the look upon her face
could make a grown man cry.

Servicemen get liberties
but freedom's not the goal,
he's tethered to responsibilities
that weigh on his very soul.

So, freedom's what we yearn for
but liberty holds us in it's grip,
we may never realize the prize
but we are allowed to enjoy the trip.

— docmaverick, May 20, 2009

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: The High Desert, in the wild west, southern California, U.S. of A.., USA

Favorite Poets: Keates, Poe, Dickinson, and Dr. Seuss. There are a smattering of others, but why bother listing 'em all, ya know?, I also rely on a few of our poets, here....for advice, and what not. I couldn't possibly explain what a fountain of live, effective knowledge we have...right here in our midst ! To catch a glimmer of brilliance, merely visit: the Stream.

Critiques

weirdelf

17 years ago

Doc, you make me proud

Forgive my hubris but you never used to write poems this good and you yourself have acknowledged that I bludgeoned you into writing better. You are rare in admitting that the american obsession with liberty is also a burden and a resposibility. All kudos to you my friend. A very fine poem cheers, Jess Forever unwrapping the eternal present.

docmaverick

17 years ago

Thanks, elf....

...for the relentless bludgeoning; I needed it ! As for the content of the poem, I really was merely trying to be sensible...what I mean is, I didn't want to write ANOTHER "syrupy" poem about freedom and Liberty. Thanks for noticing, and for the comments. Write on ! #{:>{)}@==== doc.

Tonya

17 years ago

Doc, Doc, Doc….

I’m with Jess here! Liberty has a huge cost! You are so insightful on many things. In this poem, there are no struggles in getting out what you wanted to say! I never thought of the Statue of Liberty in such a way, but you are right. Stoic, solid, strength … to many of us have become soft and pliable. Great reminder to us all, that we all have that responsibility in keeping what we seem to prize most! I just received a letter from my youngest son yesterday, he is in his 3rd week of boot camp: I quote from his letter “This training has allowed me to better conceptualize my freedoms… and I have a new perspective about my ability to be unhindered.” Bless his heart, I feel he is getting quite an education on discipline! Hope they are not being to hard on him. Loved the poem Doc. Always, Tonya

Antoinette Mar…

17 years ago

Doc: you also make ME proud....

to coin his words...we won't put this poem on the shelf...as it will be a constant reminder to keep our prize possession, safe and sound...great write...and Thank you