Rough Sleeping

Nobody told me freedom was so cold,
When I tore myself away
From the uneventful warmth
Of an ordinary family …

Thrashing about me in my confusion.
Wounding anyone who cared …
The tears slashing my mother’s face
Like razor blades …

But I had to get away.
Feel the wind of freedom …
Feel the wind …
I feel it now alright …

Icy blasts, straight down the river.
Eddying round the vast bulk
Of city buildings.
Over-warm … on the inside …

But huddled here, on the outside …
No real shelter in them …
That cruel freedom wind
Sifts through my thin clothes.

I remember warm jumpers,
And coats, abandoned
In my anxiety 
To catch the wind.

But I can’t go back 
Can I? … 
To that ordinary love
Of my ordinary home.

Not now I’ve felt the wind!
But, you see,
Nobody told me
Freedom is so cold …
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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July 18, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Much for the reader to think about here. Congratulations on having your poem featured. I wish you continued success with your writing. Karen
Moreno Avatar
July 14, 2009 at 1:19 PM
Frances, congrats on your feature...Raul
Richards Avatar
July 13, 2009 at 3:37 PM
What an amazing poem...such a life lesson in such beautiful poetry!! Well done, and congratulations on this being a featured work!! ~ Carrie
Brown Avatar
July 13, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Congratulations dear Frances on your featured poem. Love, Carol
Tugaff Avatar
July 13, 2009 at 8:25 AM
KUDOS on this featured poem. I enjoyed reading it. More power and God bless. Ernilando
Adeite Avatar
July 12, 2009 at 11:08 PM
Wow, Great flow of words, this is a very in piece. Congrats on your awesome poem being featured this week. You are an incredible poet, please keep writing. Best wishes with your writings. Adeleke
King Avatar
July 4, 2009 at 7:49 AM
I would welcome advice on what form this poem is in. I only know that this is how it has to be ...
Brown Avatar
July 4, 2009 at 6:28 AM
Welcome to PoetrySoup Frances. I am hoping to read many more poems written by you. Love, Carol
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