The Freedom of Slaves

The Freedom of Slaves

 

There were times

I stood watching eagles

as they circled overhead

 

Each exploring and exploiting

the hot thermals

they always found there

 

As a child of maybe

eight or nine years old

I imagined those same eagles

 

Might one day wear out

that same patch of sky

It never happened though

 

They are still there

busy circling

Occasionally I still watch them

 

But now through different eyes

Surely that is the kind of freedom

slaves dream about?

Reviews

[Tony Jordan]

Well, if a butterflies wings can cause a hurricane on the other side of the world goodness knows what these majestic buggers are doing to the weather worldwide!
I saw my first eagle in flight ever, last year - in Spain - it skimmed the beach with what looked like a rat in its talons. Mesmerising sight!
I dare say the sight of many of them circling was as enchanting as this write Nev, well done!

[Neville]

Cor blimey mate, I'm well chuffed, oh' and yes, a magnificent sight, cheers, N

[Lydia Shutter]

To be as free as the birds flying overhead....not only slaves dream of that sort of freedom. I think most people do. A charismatic write, Neville. Lydi**

[Neville]

Thank you so very much Lydi**

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Love your innocent and sweet childhood thoughts about the circling eagles wearing out a patch of sky. Touched my heart. Wonderful juxtaposition of your adult view of the eagles, envisioning them as a slave’s dream of freedom. Beautiful, poignant, profound poem.

[Neville]

I really can't thank you enough Annette for taking time to consider these words of mine. Much appreciated, as always. All Good Things, Neville

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are most welcome Neville!

[Tom]

Really taken by the juxtaposition between the innocent perception of a child's imaginative thinking, and how he interprets the eagles circling above, 'wear the sky out, ' and then years later, that same curious mind, though now worldly wise, views these mighty birds on the wing, symbolic of a release from servitude, and longed for freedom!

Superb creative writing Neville, compulsive reading and one of you best to date, an absolute jewel my friend!

[Neville]

Blimey, thank you ever so much Tom, I don't know what else to say

[Tom]

No need Neville...You fine poetry says it all!

[Norman 223]

Loved the thought of wearing out the patch of sky. Sometimes the thoughts of children are unconsciously the basis of sophisticated adult wit.
Hovering hawks are our equivalent, but just as fascinating. - but when they can be trained and controlled by humans, is this slavery???

[Neville]

Thank you sir, your consideration of these words and subsequent views and opinions are both welcome and appreciated. I dont have the answer to the question you pose, but then if I did, might it spoil the magic? All Good Things to you and your pen, Neville

[emmajoy]

Brilliant! Tis the liberty to breathe air and soar mid its flight that makes humankind believe in hope.

Never sure whether what's seen when young is a gift or what.. innocence can bless or profane a spirit.

[Neville]

Ah' the four P's Perception, Philosophy, Poetry & Porridge, don't they just make everything just perfect.....

[emmajoy]

Porridge does it for me.. feeds the spirit, don't you know!

[Neville]

I do indeed & it works for me every time. Maybe we should form a cult?

[BBP]

Awesome read! Had me looking at the sky in the old west.... Painted well.

[Neville]

I am truly delighted that you were able to pause for a few moments and consider these words BBP, many thank you's heading your way.....N

[BBP]

It was your writing that allowed that brief moment in another world. :)

[Neville]

Blimey, now ya got me blushing for sure....

[Great Aunt Astri]

That is the strange thing about life. Just like those eagles it keeps circling on. But we change. I am so glad the child in the poem lost his worry, by seeing through different eyes. I really enjoyed this thoughtful poem. Well penned.

[Neville]

Hey Great Aunt Astri, your insight & opinions are always welcome & appreciated.....

[Great Aunt Astri]

You are welcome

[DIVYA]

It must be monotonous, circling the same patch of sky, day in and out. Freedom, perhaps is a state of mind. Soaring in the sky may be freedom for one and a drudgery for another. Thank you for the insightful poem.

[Neville]

Thank you dear Divya, always appreciated....N

[DIVYA]

Always a pleasure, my friend :)

[Paul Bell]

Yes, just the freedom to watch others with the same freedom.

[Neville]

Thank you Paul, many thank you's winging their way towards you........