*Written for Deb's Challenge at:
http://www.xsorbit3.com/users/thefreedomofspeech/index.cgi
Freedom of Speech Doesn’t Mean You Have To Listen…
I was never free,
I never spoke the words
Which tormented my heart,
Freedom was a gift I never had…
I never learned to speak,
I was raised at a time when
Children were seen but ignored,
Children who had dreams and nightmares
But no one to look into their eyes,
Children who were never heard…
That may seem strange now,
In this day,
It’s strange to me,
When I listen to what others have to say…
I was a quiet child,
With watchful eyes and keen ears,
That heard too many things
But I never learned to speak my heart,
It brooded deep within,
And tore my life apart…
Even in my deepest grief
When others sought relief,
And you begged me to speak,
I just shook my head
And walked away;
There was no way I could stay…
I am grown now,
I have children of my own,
I listen to their laughter and tears,
Their dreams and nightmares...
Yet never share my own,
Except on pages that strangers read,
So I never feel alone…
Once, someone told me,
With too much truth,
I write so I don’t have to speak,
I don’t discuss my feelings with anyone,
I let my poems speak...
Take what you need,
And leave the rest,
It won’t matter to me…
I drip the blood of my life
On pages for all to see;
This was the only way
To set this poet’s heart free-
Of all the pain and grief,
That brewed inside of me;
I may be trapped in shadows,
But in my heart I am free…
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Reviews of "Freedom of Speech Doesn't Mean You Have To Listen"
I thank God that you do speak out loudly on these pages,if that is the only way you can do,so be it.I too was too shy to speak up as a child(painfully shy) it took till I got my computer(1998 approx) to share my thoughts,like you,to strangers.Amazingly doing this somehow gave me enough courage to speak up in my personal life too.You may find it happens to you too,little by little.(Be brave,trust.)
It is true,you are free in your heart.I am so glad you have shared this with us.
Best wishes to you always
from
kay.
Isn't it amazine how strongly our pasts effect the decisions of our present existence? But we have the right to be speak freely; poets are among the most blessed with this gift of inner enlightenment. Glad you are part of that enlightened group.
Dear Retta,
This is a worthy entry and winner. What a gift you have to create such a poignant masterpiece. This is one that will echo and resound within my heart.
Congratulations dear poet.
Chanti
"strumming my life with your fingers... singing my life with your words... killing me softly with your song"... or whatever, you said it Retta... you have spoken up for many of us, I am sure and you are certainly NOT alone! A wonderful piece for ANY challenge and, as usual, your artistry in this genre of lyric writing shines through. Your beautiful song here will not go unsung and your voice will not be unheard. Indeed, many will be the voices which sing it...TY for opening mouths that have long been shut. You have done this with much sensitivity and grace - and no hint of self-pity. You overcome with this poem and "Cry Freedom"! And you wonderfully inspire. Well done. Kate xx
Reviewed by La Belle Rouge (Reader)
Reviewed on August 17, 2004
Yes Dear Retta, your heart blood stains your pages. Beautiful poem, as always.
Reviewed by Amira van Kerk (Reader)
Reviewed on August 17, 2004
Writing down your hopes, fears and dreams should never replace a good conversation with a person you love and who loves you.
It's not the same.
But maybe it's a start and you will get to that point sometimes that you can open up and speak.
Great poem.
Reviewed by Joseph* OneLight*® (Reader)
Reviewed on August 17, 2004
This is so very beautiful and heartfelt.
We are blessed to have you share with us.
Many Thanks,
Joseph
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on August 17, 2004
You speak to ME and I understand everything you have just said.
Reviewed by Thomas Lanechanger (Reader)
Reviewed on August 17, 2004
Retta, just add this line to the end of your title and you’ll know what I think! “If it is a well said as this is, one will not only listen, but learn the importance of listening to something as priceless and powerful as this is!” Outstanding composition, Poet! Bravo! Thank you for sharing it!
Reviewed by Lady Peg (Reader)
Reviewed on August 17, 2004
I agree with Jude and this is superb and also a powerful one for the Freedom of Speech challenge Debs gave..... Good Luck
Freedom Of Speech Means You Have To Read It Either,i.e. But,What May Offend You Means No Thing To Me_
What I Write To My DELIGHT You Do Not Read It, You (Fright) Pay For It In The End_
Can Be MONEY$$ Better Yet You Your (Life) Souls-DEATH IS INEVITABLE!
EXCELLENT!
TRASK
Reviewed by P. Michaels (Reader)
Reviewed on August 16, 2004
Retta, this is a beautiful write. I understand what you are saying, when you say, "I drip the blood of my life" This is not only expressed in poetry, but in stories. When others won't listen, we stop talking and begin to write poetry and books. We want to communicate, but can't find those who'll listen. When we write, it doesn't matter. It's just nice to be able to express ourselves, for we aren't trapped in shadows. In our hearts, we are free. I love your poem.
I like the way you disrobe your soul, Rhetta, stitch by stitch, until the last garment falls away. Revealing, heart stopping, outstanding.
Best regards,
Leland
What can I say - after reading the other reviews? Your words take us back to earlier times in our own lives. In the past 60 years and more, parents, especially the male, carried the inherited silence germ. They brought it from the old world, or they were reticent from preference. You've said it for all who didn't have a chance to break out as a child. Some of us are warped because of it, and some are still unalble to express themselves.
Today, you might have helped more friends than you knew you had!
This poem is championship writing - and insight. - Bill
You just keep on writing. It frees the spirit; the rest follows. You're poetry is your heart's expression and you do it gently and beautifully. You just keep on writing. Freedom follows.
This is me! For too many years I conditioned my sadness by writing it out. I kept my sanity and created a pretty good career at this. I'm still very private today except to a select few who know my real name and my heart. This poem allows me to see myself too. Thank you for a great spiritual release. Susan
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on August 16, 2004
Keep writing! Each person has there own way of dealing with things and writing your feelings is just as good as saying them :-) Great write as it touches the heart of the reader who reads it. You have a great voice.
South Baltimore serves as the backdrop for this gripping story of three brothers leading very different lives but joined forever by the secrets of a painful family past.
Just as life during the pandemic was color-coded with different hues representing different levels of danger, life in its aftermath has become shaded in similar ways. As a self-styled “Seeker of Beauty with Beauty,” (borrowing from a quote by W.E.B.
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God bless...
Deborah :o))
I have children of my own,
I listen to their laughter and tears,
Their dreams and nightmares..."
There are two ways to respond to life's challenge. You've reacted by changing the world and healing it.
SueB
It is true,you are free in your heart.I am so glad you have shared this with us.
Best wishes to you always
from
kay.
Vesna :)
oxoxo
blessin's
c.
This is a worthy entry and winner. What a gift you have to create such a poignant masterpiece. This is one that will echo and resound within my heart.
Congratulations dear poet.
Chanti
Sandie May Angel
wILLIAM
very well done
Excellent! I am in AWE!
This is your best work, by far!
If I cant relate to this, I cant relate to anything.
Fantastic, marvellous, best write I read in ages. TY heaps
Love ~Contesse~
Congratulate yourself for the precious chance you gave to yourself. Franz
From the picture & through the prose, this is exceptional - super!
Robert
It's not the same.
But maybe it's a start and you will get to that point sometimes that you can open up and speak.
Great poem.
We are blessed to have you share with us.
Many Thanks,
Joseph
HUGS
LP
superb poetry!
Love your style of writing...unique and sensitive
Peter
that last verse packed a punch
M.Rose
What I Write To My DELIGHT You Do Not Read It, You (Fright) Pay For It In The End_
Can Be MONEY$$ Better Yet You Your (Life) Souls-DEATH IS INEVITABLE!
EXCELLENT!
TRASK
Patty
Best regards,
Leland
Today, you might have helped more friends than you knew you had!
This poem is championship writing - and insight. - Bill
and this one is outstanding!
Love Tinka
Carmen :-)
But in my heart I am free…
Marvelous ending; marvelous poem, Reindeer.
that's it--this is the winner! this is exceptional in presentation and message, wonderful imagery--BRAVA!
(((HUGS))) and love, karla. :)