Freedom
-by Langston Hughes
Freedom will not come
Langston Hughes (Britannica)
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.
I have as much right
As the other fellow has
To stand
On my two feet
And own the land.
I tire so of hearing people say,
Let things take their course.
Tomorrow is another day.
I do not need my freedom when I’m dead.
I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread.
Freedom
Is a strong seed
Planted
In a great need.
I live here, too.
I want my freedom
Just as you.
__________________
freedom (-by lynn)
freedom will not come
today, this year
nor ever
through socialism’s fear.
each individual has
intrinsic right to
opportunity
to stand on two feet
and work the land.
i tire of hearing people say,
capitalism is historically racist
and the rich must now repay
it’s not freedom to be dead
with fascist bullet in your head.
freedom
must move us
to offer justice
to every shade
of children God made
renewal of faith and family
education, jobs, prosperity
less (not more) bureaucracy
ensures real freedom for you and me.
I acknowledge that often those of us with “privilege” have not reached out a hand to help others up. We must commit to mutual respect and working to change unequal opportunities (not force outcomes). I am linking to dVerse Poetics this week where HA is hosting…check out more poems inspired by Black History Month!
a poem in my pocket 
Feb 14, 2020 @ 13:31:00
Mutual respect and equal opportunities are indeed important. I like how you talk about justice in this well-worded poem.
Feb 14, 2020 @ 15:35:10
Thanks for your thoughtful prompt and comment, Anmol.
Feb 13, 2020 @ 14:44:59
I know about socialism… but branding everything as socialism has also been a grave excuse to bury good ideas that even out opportunities… for instance,
free education is not socialism… it’s giving equal opportunities (and sound economics for growth
Feb 14, 2020 @ 09:32:16
The people still pay for any “social” programs with taxes 🙂 I believe educational “choice” would improve it, not government control. Private sector does most things better!
Feb 13, 2020 @ 14:03:15
I agree with Gina, Lynn, your poem is a powerful response to Langston Hughes.
Feb 13, 2020 @ 04:33:05
LH words truly move me .. and yours was well aligned, respect is vital!
Feb 13, 2020 @ 04:34:03
Thanks for reading!
Feb 13, 2020 @ 04:43:42
my pleasure!
Feb 13, 2020 @ 04:27:37
Galatians 5:1: “Christ has set us free in freedom; stand fast therefore, and be not held again in a yoke of bondage”.
No merely human freedom is lasting.
Feb 13, 2020 @ 04:28:49
Amen! If the Truth sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Feb 12, 2020 @ 19:33:47
This was really good Lynne. Your poem tied in to Langston Hughes poem perfectly.
Feb 12, 2020 @ 21:29:24
Thanks so much, Christine…he’s a poet worth imitating.
Feb 12, 2020 @ 15:57:42
such a powerful response to Langston’s poem and humanity’s current issues.
Feb 12, 2020 @ 16:46:55
Thanks for reading, Gina!
Feb 12, 2020 @ 16:47:40
my pleasure Lynn.