What Price Freedom

i pause as a red kite
cruises in cool cloudy skies
over country gardens as it whistles
an unmistakable presence
honing in on target breakfast

does it appreciate its freedom
as much as I cherish mine
and how it was won by those
who would not surrender
to violent tactics

who would not cave in
to oppressive bully boy threats
and gave every ounce of
their being for what they
truly believed in

Reviews

[Laz K.]

the red kite at the beginning is a strong visual image that captures the reader's attention. then, moving from this concrete image to something abstract like freedom is a smooth transition. the theme is that freedom comes at great price and should be cherished is a meaningful and deep realization. looking at history, politics, or current events, though, one begins to think that the term "bully" is a very relative one, and no one can confidently say they are the possessors of the Truth and justice. (“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good." Mark 10:18)

[Chris Shaw]

Really enjoyed your review Laz and where you went with it. Many thank yous. You are appreciated. read moreReally enjoyed your review Laz and where you went with it. Many thank yous. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Ladysue]

I love the title ‘cause it begs for pause to consider as does your poem. I don't like seeing a bird targeted. Your last verse is powerful and speaks volumes. Excellent write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ladysue. Pleased you stopped by with your thoughts.

Chris

[red93]

Excellent Chris - never seen a red kite to my knowledge but we did have a fully grown Heron land on our garden fence back in the day - I was taken aback by how tall the bird was. Apparently the Severn Estuary has plenty of Herons and is well-known for it.

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony. We see herons on the river. Not many, but well worth seeing. Have a good Thursday.

Chris

[Soren]

What thought this did inspire. Freedom.... is it not a matter of perspective? Have we ever really had it. The kite, does it know it? Or is it all just an illusion based on how we see things? The poem brought on some very deep philosophical thoughts. Does the kite take the freedom of its breakfast? Don't we do the same, even in a democracy where tyranny of the majority takes the rights of the minority. An eternal battle between predator and prey.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Soren. My little poem certainly raised some questions in your mind. Pleased I was able to do that. Your final sentence says it all. An eternal battle between predator and prey. Have a good Thursday. All the best.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

I like the lines that some would not cave to bully boy threats. Reminds me of a politician in the U.S. and those who cave to his bullying.

[Chris Shaw]

Sadly Shelley there are always the bully boys to consider. Hope you and your family are well dear friend. Many thank yous .

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

The price of freedom for some is fear of kites, and drones, and missiles, and probably anything else that flies overhead. Let's hope someday only peace flies kites.

[Chris Shaw]

I hope for peace in our troubled world too Bill. Many thank yous.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

I really like the turn in this piece from the enjoyment of nature to the nature of earning freedom. Well done, Chris.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Winston. Pleased you enjoyed this piece. Have a great day.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

Majestic are the predatory birds, skilled as they are. I love owls. They all have a part to play. Nice write.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew. They are majestic in flight. but I like owls too. Especially the barn owl. Full of wisdom they are. All the best.

Chris

[Sydnee Dyess]

I loved this! I often find myself wishing that in another life I was a bird, there's something so beautiful about being born with such a clear sense of instinct and purpose.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Sydnee thank you so much for your visit and for leaving such an encouraging review. Happy Easter.

Chris

[JessyJacob]

May your faith in the Almighty bring happiness to your heart and peace to your soul… May He is always there to bless you…. Happy Good Friday 2023.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you jessy for your Easter blessing. Have a very happy Easter yourself. All the best.

Chris

[JessyJacob]

Happy Easter to you and family.