"Anyone that doesn't agree with leggings as pants can physically fight me.
And I'm going to win because I have a full range of motion due to the fact that I am wearing leggings as pants."

Monday, January 19, 2009

If You Have an Imagination, You Have Freedom

I want to share a fantastic poem with you this morning. It was written by our friend Raven, who is 11. And let me just say right now that this poem is as good, or better than, many I've read that were written by professional poets. Raven often tells her mom that she wants to be a writer when she grows up and her mother reminds her that she already is.

I completely agree.

DSC_7902.jpg

What Freedom Means to Me


You ask what freedom means to me,
you want to know, ill say. Freedom is
the sky to the birds and their right to
fly away.

Freedom’s the song the crickets sing,
to lull their people to sleep.
Freedom’s the imagination of children,
thinking deep.

Freedom’s the sound of a mother,
cheering for her child.
Freedom’s a herd of horses, always
running wild.

Freedom’s two men hugging,
one is black and one is white.
Freedom’s a young girl fighting,
in the cover of the night.
Freedom’s brave men dying,
for what belongs to them.
Freedom’s a woman singing,
a lovely religious hymn.

Freedom’s people excepting,
one another for their race.
Freedom’s children frolicking,
in a large wide open space.

Freedom’s a small boy dreaming,
that he’s a proud and honorable knight.
Freedom’s a mother working,
for her family with all her might.

So you ask what freedom means to me,
and I have told you clear.
My poem is done,
for no you know,
that freedom is very dear.


And she has a little postscript to the poem, which is just as nice as the poem itself...
Freedom is the rights of people everywhere. We are still working for freedom in many ways yet we have attained many types of freedom. If you have an imagination, you have freedom. Freedom is a dream. Freedom is hope.

More background- Raven's teacher submitted this to an Elk's club competition and she won first place. After her mom told her that she'd won and asked her if she'd like to know what the prize was, Raven replied, "It doesn't matter. I won!"

11 comments:

Rhina said...

Now that is the poem from an old soul in a young body. Amazing grasp of the world today as well. Congratulations Raven!

MichelleB said...

Just wonderful! And yes, I would definitely say she is a writer already.

Anonymous said...

Wendy, you forgot to tell them how old she is.

Carol ッ said...

Wonderful post as always! I am passing along this award for you and your great blog.

Follow the link for info:

http://jkcck.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-nice.html

Renee Unplugged - said...

WOW!!

FinnyKnits said...

Wow. 11 years old and so wise. I'm impressed.

Laura said...

Wow, that was absolutely amazing!

the little travelers said...

Go Raven!!!! I feel so comforted when I see the talent in our young and think that soon they will be in charge! can't wait!!!

thumpr said...

wow that was a touching poem I think i will remember that one and share it. Mom might think about other places to submit that one to.

Anonymous said...

I had to cry a little bit...

Anonymous said...

that was beautiful! it's made me a bit emotional, if i wasn't at work I think I would cry a little bit too....11 year olds are so free, it's a shame we forget how it feels *sigh*