Free

Cherry

By Bee

Sat, 12 Apr 2014
  • 3025 reads
14 comments
 

We saw the sea in your eyes; 
the depth of the deep, 
in the blue and the green.
You, with the key to the chains 
from which we all doggedly struggled
and screamed to be free,

smiled at our feeble endeavours 
as we stretched up our necks
above jungles of shackles 
You beat us. We said -

Push us over the ledge and see if we fly, 
or if we will drop like rocks off the edge 
of the earth rippling into the sea that we saw
in blue and the green.

You pushed and we fell but we rose 
and were stronger and braver
for you staring back at us, helpless -
regretting your tyranny - fearful,
whilst we, being free either way - flew or fell,
but escaped with our pride.

You said we were free
but you worked us like slaves - paid slaves,
and arrested us.  Sentenced us
threw us back into slavery
for crimes we had never committed.
     
We were packed off in ships
bound for somewhere we'd never set foot in.
     
Or we stayed to be spat upon,
asking questions that no one could quiet -
     
 Who is free?
 Where is home?
 What is pride?
      
  

Certificate 12
Poem
Other Non-fiction

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Bee,

this is written like a song of freedom,  of slavery beyond our imaginings.

A well written poingnant read.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Bee on

Thank you, Jenny. Nice to see you again.

Bee

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Thanks Bee,

it's so nice to be back.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Starfish Girl on

As always Bee lovely imagery, and one to come back to.

Lindy

Submitted by Bee on

Thanks Lindy.

Bee

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

A powerful write, that really packs a punch, Bee; appropriate for a poem on such an emotive subject. The three questions posed at the poem's culmination, more than thought-provoking.

Tina

 

Submitted by Bee on

Thanks Tina. I'm pleased you thought it worked. 

Bee

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Bee,

Very beautifully written about a very difficult subject to write about.

jungles of shackles - wonderful use of words.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Bee on

Thank Jean. Glad you liked the words.

Bee

Submitted by hudsonmoon on

Powerful post, Bee. You've somehow managed to add grace to this tragic tale. It angers me that such doings are still being practiced today in certain parts of the world. And it boggles the mind to know that not too long ago it was going on in my own country the US. And we're still feeling the repicussions of that disgracful time. Sad to say racism still running rampant here no matter what you may hear in the media. Again, great post, Bee.

Rich

 

Submitted by Bee on

All very true, Rich. I'm really pleased you thought the piece worked and got the point over. Thank you for reading - and for your thoughts.

Bee

Submitted by Bee on

Thanks for the cherries! I didn't expect that. 

Bee x

Bee

Submitted by jolono on

Bee this is original and inspirational. I had to read it a few times to really understand what you were getting at. But when I did...wow. Powerful punch.

A horrid situation said in really well chosen words. Be proud, this is really good.

 

Submitted by Bee on

Thank you so much, jolono, for your very encouraging words. That really means a lot.

Bee