Free Will

author’s note:

I wanted to honor this day, our Independence Day, by re-posting this poem.

I first wrote the poem two years ago.  I am still working toward my freedom.


DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

I have not yet
abolished terror, but
I plan to accomplish that goal
within this life span.

Don’t tell me I can’t--tell me
many things--that I can’t be
a gourmet chef or a mathematician--
that I can’t master the two-step--
that I can accept

but don’t tell me
I won’t conquer
terror--because

I refuse, refuse
to be terrorized--
by anyone

including myself

including those
who I fault because
they too closely resemble
my mirror.

I will awake--
awake
to the vermin
in my stew,
awake
to the fractures
in my math--

awake to all that is broken--
awake to see how all is round
and can never be broken.

So if you try
to terrorize me
you will only
terrorize yourself.

If you bombard me
I will dance.  That dance
will be my revenge.

But I choose
not
to criticize you.

Any fear I stew
will be reserved
for my own
dining pleasure.

© 2009, Michael R. Patton
new steps