In Their Freedom

Something to my kids, my best friends.

the confining walls
of an all too familiar room
anchor a matured mind, firmly
boredom collects another casualty

laughter and riotous footsteps
quake the very air,
five wide eyed culprits
give life to dead silence

nothing is granted safety
from young, reckless minds
reality's grand design...
is victimized like paper o'er fire

soiled carpets turn a vibrant green
a castle of epic proportions---
sprouts from nothingness,
piercing a ceiling made of clouds

two frantic, beautiful princesses
signal from the castle's peak
answering the call, three daring knights
gripping swords made of air

they spot the castle's guardian...
a giant black Dragon,
coiled on couch cushions
flames accompanying his every exhale

neither party shrinks
they charge, like seasoned warriors
the dragon roars ferociously...
and war ensues, playfully

the princesses break rank
leaping onto the monster's back,
the knights swing their swords in concert
and the great beast falls

celebration follows swiftly
and in carpet'd bliss
the dragon (named Dad)
dies laughing...

in the heavenly freedom of their imaginations.

Author's Note

Something for the greatest friends I've ever known... your thoughts and critique are still welcome. Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[light and ashes]

So precious. Parents who really enjoy being with their kids are so cute.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

They always make it easy to enjoy their company.

[Patricia]

This is really adorable and full of life in a time where it’s fragile. It’s a reminder how precious are children and family are and in this you are wonderful father.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for your kind words!

[Teeya]

I honestly teared up and smiled while reading this. There is nothing beautiful about this piece. Beautiful is too common a word to describe it. I adore your admiration and appreciation you have for those little lifelines, because that's what children are. Simple, playful memories like those make such a difference in their adult lives. Every child has a father, but not all have dads. Keep breathing life into every part of their existence and they will continuously give life to every part of yours. Absolutely love this.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Teeya... every bit of your words, describes my exact feelings regarding my role as a father. Thank you for that.

[Cassie]

wow...this is such a beautiful poem, children are a blessing, you have five of them, two princesses, how nice.. Enjoy this journey,i know its beautiful, the soiled carpets dont matter at all. life is good with this kiddos.

Am so happy to see you by the way my long time friend and collaborator

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Cassie, it has been far too long dear friend! I hope life has been good to you and yours. I am completely surprised and delighted to see you visiting my work again... I hope you plan on staying around for awhile.

[Cassie]

Yes i do plan on staying long enough, we can do more collaborations

[Cassie]

11 months later Travis, we havent written together..how are you though

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

I am well... I guess we have to work toward changing that.

[Chris Shaw]

Delightful read. Children bring riches to each household. I was one of five and you reminded me of the fun and laughter we all had and the games we played. Thank you Mum and Dad for the gift of a happy home. I love your poem with its princesses, knights and dragon. Sounds similar to what I had. Your children won't forget what you have given them. Lovely work Travis.


Chris

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Sounds like you had great parents... a true blessing. Thank you for those wonderful words.

[Jessica DuBose]

I love the back and forth of play being freedom...freedom being play.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

That is the gift that children offer us... the last form of magic that I believe in.

[barleygirl]

Never having kids, I rarely give much thought to writing about kids. This is the best poem I’ve ever read by a parent about one’s own kids! There’s so much playfulness thru-out, this is SHOW instead of tell becuz your style of expression matches what you’re expressing. The dragon idea is clever & well developed & I’m glad you helped us out by letting us know it’s DAD! (I’m so clueless, I would’ve missed that). Coming from a tortured family of childhood abuse, I’m usually not overly sentimental about family messages, but this one is very touching & down-to-earth & irresistible to enjoy (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for such a moving compliment. I tend to find it hard to open up about my children as a writer, it's such a personal space for me. Thoughts such as yours, make this a true success. I understand enduring a rough childhood, it's why I take my role as a father so seriously. Children are the last form of magic I believe in.

[barleygirl]

That last line deserves a poem all its own! *smile*

[θεά]

Very imaginative piece of writing. Takes you to the realm of medievalist fantasy fiction but the ending is top notch!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, your thoughts and visit have left me very much humbled.

[.]

It is one of Life's great joys (and often under valued) to play with one's children. Especially in those first ten years of life where their minds are free and developing at a rapid rate. For it is at this time their imaginations are most potent and the joys of youth are at their peak.

I enjoyed the description of your frolicking with the children, and i applaud you for doing the playful duty that all good Father's must do and which all children require.

An inventive and imaginative write. Nice work.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Yes, they are pure magic at those ages... can't do anything, but love and admire it. Thank you for the visit and wonderful review.

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Amazing to live a life of fun and fantasy where nothing keeps you captured and you are free to feel and glow with life around you- got to keep the dreams and fantasy alive- special times with loved ones so important- wonderful🌹

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Yes, we do have to keep them alive... children are the best guides when we have lost our way.

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

Yes their innocence can teach us many truths- especially to believe and trust with no lavering thoughts 🌹