Fleeting Freedoms

Elderly man’s fishing net hangs in his shed
The fish he caught in his backyard stream multiply
Net use was banned; he couldn’t afford a pole
Joy and sustenance gone, a tear falls from his eye

House Bill 875 would ban backyard farms
Forcing vegetable growers to invest cash
In overpriced produce on supermarket shelves
Uncle Sam flexes his muscle, makes his whip lash

The right to freely worship is endangered
As prayer is prohibited in public schools
Government intrusion invades all our lives
Public pleas are not heard by those who make rules

Freedom to choose our doctors is now threatened
Socialized medicine diminishes choice
Speech censorship? Just ask the Smothers Brothers
Who canceled their own show with a stifled voice

As crime escalates, look to the constitution
The NRA spends billions to protect Americans' rights
To bear arms against oppressors while thieves laugh
And sue owners of homes invaded in the night

Can this be what our forefathers had in mind
When they sought to escape a king’s tyranny?
Our rights are being limited more each day
In a nation spawned to promote liberty

Natural disasters prelude Judgment Day
Eerie escalation – tsunamis, earthquakes
But perhaps when the dust finally settles
Those who survive will learn from our past mistakes

Governments will form only to preserve peace
Not to strip away rights ancestors pursued
Don’t blink!  Precious freedoms are now endangered
By those who feel they’re elected to intrude

Copyright © | Year Posted 2010



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Date: 7/6/2010 7:24:00 AM
Very strong words and thoughts, Carolyn...something for all of us to ponder when we vote! Congrats on your win with this wonderful write! Dan C
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Date: 7/6/2010 6:44:00 AM
Such a thought provoking poem, that speaks volumns...especially with all the events of recent times...Congratulations on your win in Dane Ann's contest, Carolyn!! love, Carrie
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Date: 7/6/2010 4:15:00 AM
Congratulations Carolyn on your win in Dane Ann's contest "Liberty and Freedom to Choose". Love, Carol
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Date: 7/6/2010 3:30:00 AM
Wow, Carolyn--this is really very powerful--you've included here a lot of points to ponder about --the concept of freedom is definitely slippery--your title alone captures it well... major congrats on your win with this!! --nikko :)
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Date: 5/20/2010 2:25:00 PM
Your topic and rhythm blend together perfectly to make this poem a political statement set to the cadence of a march. It is a real pleasure to read such strong writing. -Josh
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Date: 5/9/2010 5:45:00 AM
Very powerful and well written, Carolyn! Interesting to learn that your mother's family came from Poland! Part of my family came from Nysa (Neisse) in Poland and I have also some Jewish ancestors. My family name is not uncommon in Poland today. Thank you for your comments...Love, Gert
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Date: 5/6/2010 7:56:00 AM
May your land remain a bulwark of freedom in the Western world ,inherent since its inception Carolyn.It does need folk (inc poets to speak out).Rhds Brian
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Date: 5/6/2010 12:54:00 AM
only when man patrners with the planet, and stops controlling it, will our survival have a chance, very much the Native American culture we have tried to obliterate, unfortunately, capitalism trumps this true democracy...jimbo
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Date: 5/5/2010 8:14:00 PM
think you better become a politician!
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Date: 5/5/2010 5:13:00 PM
I hear you and agree on many points for different reason. But, it's our mess and we need to do something about it! As always and excellent powerful write. Light & love
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Date: 5/5/2010 2:54:00 PM
We haven't seen anything yet, they are just testing the waters so to speak. Big brother has become big bully and will not stop lessen we stop them. They have already placed their selves above the law. the only thing that I can say good is that I've seen and knew better in my life and my days left are short numbered. God Bless my friend. Ron..... America Wake Up!!!!!
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Date: 5/5/2010 12:51:00 PM
I hope it gets better...But I have my doubts....Great Write.....Larry
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Date: 5/5/2010 9:09:00 AM
Hey Carolyn, you've basically touched on all that hinders our growth in this poem..all of this is really signs that a battle outside of our realm is going on..we take two steps forward, and two steps backward..people are no longer genuinely patriotic! Everyone has their own agenda... as for survivors learning from our past mistakes, I hope so..for our childrens' sake... excellent insight into our present day dilemma.. Much love, Audrey
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Date: 5/5/2010 8:47:00 AM
Great political write..Exactly what is the wording on house bill 875?...We grow a few vegetables...No for sale ...We share within the family..I at one time did frozen vegetables and made pickles and jelly...I understand that a person can sale three thousand dollars worth from there home without being inspected or taxed but I think that is baked goods like bread, cakes , and pies...Great topic that you have chosen ..Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work..Sara ...Soup Mail shortly
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Date: 5/5/2010 5:31:00 AM
Wow, really dont like politics because some I disagree with makes me upset just thinking about it so I don't even write it. But we're all family here so its cool. Enjoyed this you always have something conciense to say, I guess the system will never be perfect and when it is something would still be wrong. Have a great day too. :)
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Date: 5/5/2010 5:23:00 AM
Depressed the hell out of me Carolyn, which is in itself a tribute to your write. I agree with everything you wrote, well, I may be a little grey in the public school prayer thing. Seperation of church and state is a very high value of mine in this country. I don't want any government dictating under the guise of law how I should worship. Again Carolyn, you did an amazing job here. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Luv Ya, Bill
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Date: 5/4/2010 11:57:00 PM
Carolyn, this may be the most important piece Ive read in quite a while. You are a gem..and this should be read in every classroom in this country. BG
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Date: 5/4/2010 8:53:00 PM
Terrific poem!!! Well done. Although the Smothers Brothers reference may date you a bit and me for knowing of which you speak. lol. Excellent job. Good luck in the contest (assuming here).
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