Liberty Calls

[Frank E Gibbard]

To his country India's cause came the man called Mahatma Ghandi

For his countrymen in need arose a dream in Martin Luther King

Both great men had a common political purpose and plan to

Bring improvement to their country people for the good of all

 

In times requiring change such iconic figures as these may emerge

A Wilberforce to move on others to sever slavedom's evil bonds

Rifle history's pages for more and many names of such good-doers

Admire the passive fire and way of Burmese lady Aung San Suu Kyi

 

And mothers/wives who protested the Argentine's "disappeared"

Respect a solo Chinese student's stand before that row of tanks

Reflect on those who dare oppose their States' tyrannic military might

Maybe hurling peace-seeking missiles a "sabot" or so at the all-mighty

 

Self-sacrifice the mantle of the patriot garbed so many an Irish shoulder

Under covers or overt stepping up will surely hurt those braving parapets

Lovers of the free shall not freedom see lest someone heaves a boulder

As Lech Walesa in solid union with his cohort workers cracked stone

 

Torn curtains and walls have their time to fall when liberty calls at last

Edited February 21, 2011 by Frank E Gibbard

[Benjamin]

An interesting piece Frank. The world is evolving: is now more interconnected, with people so savvy these days that suppressing global internet access and carrying a big stick is less of an option. Sad thing is that weasel words are peddled more efficiently. G.

[tonyv]

Poets are often politically aware representatives of worthy causes. You're no exception. Good work, Frank.

 

Tony

[Tinker]

Hi Frank, This is certainly a call to honor greatness. Some we know by name, others only by the result of their sacrifice. Thanks for the reminder.

 

~~Tink

[goldenlangur]

Hi Frank,

 

You have the gift for capturing a certain mood of the time and this poem is no exception. With the recent calls for liberty in Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Bahrain, Libya and Iran, your poem is a timely reminder how liberty was achieved through the sacrifice and heroism of people who dared to stand up and raise their voices against 'stone walls' of tyranny.

 

 

Powerful and effective.

 

Thank you.

[moonqueen]

Much of your work, Frank is so relevant, drawing attention to that which needs attention drawn. I am not good with this sort of work, but thankfully some people are and you would be one of them. Thanks for helping us keep our hearts where they belong.

 

Tammi