Free?

By the way,
Have you felt the stick today?
Missed a child support payment or alimony?
How’s it feel to live in the land of the free?

By the way,
Can you afford the heat?
Does your daily menu include gene-altered meat?
How’s it feel to have no choice;
to be run by a government 
who won’t hear your voice?

By the way,
have you paid for the water you drink;
because you don’t trust, the kitchen sink’s?

How does it feel to be so free;
to raise your hand to take a pee;
to be arrested and detained
to receive no trial but a waterboards’ pain?

How’s it feel to live in the land of the free;
to have your passport chipped 
and your phone calls clipped?

Does anyone live in this mythical land?
If you do, please lend us a hand.
Tell us how to take care of our children
and the sick.
How to live a good life without carrying the stick.

Please, please, tell me how to be proud 
of the world we live in right now.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Mason Avatar
October 19, 2009 at 5:15 PM
In response to the last two lines, I don't have a clue ... LOL ... but then they say pride goeth before a fall sooooooo .... smile ... Awesome write here, Deborah!
Nutter Avatar
October 17, 2009 at 2:24 AM
No man or woman is truly free, everything comes at a cost. Nice write and congratulations on making the hot poems list. Well deserved. A. W. Nutter www.freewebs.com/abcedit
Amah Avatar
October 14, 2009 at 5:21 PM
… perhaps, should man resign to fate (joking!)? rather, he could keep fighting! keep dreaming! keep climbing the mounts of expectations! Indeed, this write sparkles off a new debate on freedom; don’t forget the saying “man was born free but everywhere in chains” … ’Tis Canny, tanx!
Amah Avatar
October 14, 2009 at 5:18 PM
... perhaps, this quest has, in the past or present, been the greatest harbinger to the wars, cold or hot, fought by mankind, personally, nationally or otherwise! freedom remains one of the most elusive in concept cultivation ’Tis Canny, tanx!
Lacey Avatar
October 13, 2009 at 1:32 PM
right on target about how bad things have become, well said!
Gass Avatar
October 11, 2009 at 8:47 PM
Amen, Sister! I have a few thoughts and some light I can shed on the way some government agencies treat our veterans but since I am a lady I will hold my tongue! Excellent work, my dear friend! Very well said! Love and hugs, Robin
Culverhouse Avatar
October 10, 2009 at 6:55 PM
let freedom ring!! ha ha ~you got that right.
Mahrie Avatar
October 10, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Beautifully written ..... nice rhymes .. love the poem as a rebellion in the land of the free ... :)
White Avatar
October 9, 2009 at 5:26 PM
wonderful. I am upset that I had not read your stuff earlier.
Devonshire Avatar
October 9, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Frankly, I find government intrusion in our lives to be appalling and you have produced a powerful write, Deborah! The government is not listening to our voice, so I am going to support only independent candidates from now on. Partisan politics and special interests have made this mess. Well stated! Love, Carolyn
Fraser Avatar
October 9, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Strong powerful words from a woman who fights her corner, i admire that. Excellent write Deborah, maybe the comments below should be spread to their families, friends - start a movement for the better. Maybe the true forefathers in this modern world are the names below mine on this comments list. It's the land of the free - speech - go for it - you are allowed to make that difference, and you never know - you just might - but you have to be in the Mix >> James
Richards Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Thank you for putting words and making a stand!! Excellent....as was said before me...Bravo, bravo !!! :)
Pickett Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Bravo friend.... I believe we can all say Bravo to this one.....New fav........:JP]
Joseph Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 8:00 AM
The "Patriot Act" just made the spying official the government was always able to access any information they wanted or felt they needed. The shock is that so many American people suddenly felt exposed and didn't know their information is readily available to anyone resourcesful enough to find it. Would you have lived your life a different way if you knew that?
Brown Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 6:03 AM
Thank you for sharing your heart with us today Deborah. Outstanding writing as usual. Love, Carol
Duhart Avatar
October 8, 2009 at 5:19 AM
Well done. I feel the emotional contents in this lovely piece and thank you for viewing my work also
Sheart Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 6:45 PM
This country's not perfect. It's got to be a team effort on worlds part as a whole to make real differ. When it comes to envireissue's. I hate the thought of walking around within a bubble to breathe,that's what it'll eventually come down to.In this country,bringing troops home, healthcare, envir. Are are saving life issue's that need to be addressed head on fast. Ya, compared to povershed countries we have it better but it goes deeper than that. wire taps, email,depends on need.Thought prov.!
Ryerson Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Great poem, Debbie...I enjoy seeing ANYONE in Washington, D.C. roasted...regardless of their political views! I think they are ALL contaminated to some degree just by having to play the game of politics. I could be partially wrong about this...but I believe the origional House of Reps was made up of everyday people who were elected and REQUIRED to serve 2 yrs. and then return to their normal lives...I will have to look it up!! - Tim
Guzzi Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 4:53 PM
The UNCONSTITUTIONAL..Patriot Act?The Act increases the ability of law enforcement agencies to search telephone, e-mail, medical, financial, and other records; eases restrictions on foreign intelligence gathering within the United States; expands the Secretary of the Treasury’s authority to regulate financial transactions, and enhances the discretion of law enforcement. THIS IS NOT WHAT WAS INTENDED BY OUR FOREFATHERS.
Knop Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Yes, Sara, you wrote here waht many people are thinking but won't speak out. Great lines! Isn't it a pity that democracy is still a long way to go? Enjoyed yor comment on Voices of the Earth. Love, Gert
Joseph Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 3:03 PM
The way to be proud is to work hard and be vigilant, never take a handout, keep informed, no excuses, get the job done. And yes, never take our country, or our government for granted. Would you want to live anywhere else? The next way to be proud is to help any one you can, and to teach our children what their responsibility is to the free land they live in. Its all about personal responsiblty. You reap what you sow.
Kendrick Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 2:14 PM
There are problems here but much worse in other parts of the world. You have done a good job with the topic and expressed it very well. Keep writing. Sara
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