Notes About The Poem

Inspired by Langston Hughes's poem "Freedom."

 

Freedom Bares Its Teeth

Freedom isn’t a delicate flower;
It’s the fist that goes through the ground,
the teeth that grind at the chains,
the howl of a wind
that won’t ask for permission.

I refuse to bow to the crumbs of tomorrow,
I won’t let my bones sink into decay,
a shell waiting to grow scraps.
I’ll carve out freedom
from this stubborn rock—
bloody-knuckled and relentless.

Do not tell me that patience is a virtue.
Patience is the poison they peddle
to keep you under control.
Freedom roars. Freedom bares its teeth.
Silence will never hold my name.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Munsell Avatar
January 24, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Your poem knocked me over! What power comes through your words "bloody knuckled and relentless" and I love "I won't let my bones sink into decay, a shell waiting to grow scraps" -- what lines! :)
Riveraalmena Avatar
February 26, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Thank you!
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