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

[AYVID N]

Dear Chris,

This poem is very relatable to me too. I want to be that kite soaring always, deciding my flight direction and landing spot. What binds us are those who fear our growth, what chains us are sometimes our own emotions. Perhaps, the bully is sitting right inside us. Can we ever believe in the power of our wings?

An amazing poem and one that shall stay with me....

[Chris Shaw]

Dear divya, it is always such a pleasure to receive your thoughts about something I have written. Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement.

Chris

[AYVID N]

Keep sharing the wonderful poetry, dear Chris. You're most welcome. 🙋‍♀️💕

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I appreciate this poem...we all want to fly like the Hawk---
but bully boy tactics might hinder that.
We have a bully boy right now under indictment...
and yet still being able to run for president.
I just hope someone cuts his wings.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear J, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Always interesting to get your perspective. Have a great day.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

excuse me for interrupting, but the fact that this 'person' can still run again is beyond belief
read moreexcuse me for interrupting, but the fact that this 'person' can still run again is beyond belief
two carrion eaters in one poem must set some kind of record

[Dave Brown]

two carrion eaters in one poem must establish some kind of record

[willweb]

Thankfully, Dave below cleared that up for me. I read and re-read wondering since when does a red kite eat breakfast. I had no idea it was a bird. But, on to the poem...I wouldn't think it gives its freedom a second thought, though your poem makes the reader pause and consider it. Anymore over here in the states, freedom is carrying a different meaning than it used to. Our rights are being taken away daily. The people who worked hard all of their lives , paid their taxes on time, did their best to abide by the rules and laws have no rights anymore it seems. Only people who are in our country illegally or exist only on government assistance matter. It is those who break the laws who benefit from society as it is. Sorry to be such a downer but I truly believe we are witnessing the destruction of the United States of America. Oh how I wish I were a red kite.

[Chris Shaw]

Snap my friend. You share similar thinking. Democracy is being eroded, people are being cancelled. Freedom is under attack both on your side of the pond and here. My country is on the downslide. The red kite is a beautiful bird of prey. I envy it’s freedom of the skies. I worry about the future for my grandkids. Thank you fir your valued thoughts will.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

My assumption is that you are referring to the bird
We do not have the Kite in our area which is somewhat strange with our climates being very similar, but we do have other birds of prey just as formidable
I am a bird lover but I don't enjoy seeing them target and kill other birds

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Dave. The red kite is a bird of prey and has the freedom of the skies. While it is magnificent in flight, I don’t like to see it going in for the kill. That’s because I am a softie. Thanjs fir stopping by. Happy Easter.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

If I could be just a tad pretentious and a knowitall. The kite is a carrion bird and the best place to see them aare at special feeding stations set up especially for them. In Tudor times they were almost as common as sparrows and were the dustbin birds of olde England. Along with their black kite cousins. Which we don't have anymore here because they lived in old cities. Sorry again for being such a pain in the arse.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Ken for additional info. Carrion feeders, so would explain why I have never seen them swoop to kill. Maybe there are feeding stations in the Chilterns or perhaps they go for road kill in our country lanes.

[Dave Brown]

good to have someone around to clean up the mess