Freedom Is ...

Freedom is getting drenched

In a torrential rain,

Yet not being pushed to change clothes.

Freedom is singing out loud,

Sitting in the veranda, late at night,

Yet not being rebuked or ridiculed.

Freedom is relishing a deep slumber

From sunrise to sunset,

Yet not being booed as a sluggard.

Freedom is meeting people you like,

And giving them bear hugs,

Yet not being impelled to apologize.

Freedom is crying aloud in the open,

Releasing a flurry of hidden tears,

Yet not being asked the reason.

Freedom is lingering over a childhood

Squandered trying to catch the flames,

Yet not being warned of the injuries.

Freedom is sitting by the sea, counting the waves,

And flowing with them deep into the sea,

Yet not have a will to get back to the shore.