Regarding Freedom

As we approach the 4th of July, I thought it would be a good time to post a couple of poems by Steven G. O'Dell, a fellow writer. 

Little Miss Liberty

Little Miss Liberty sat on her tuffet, with not in the world a care. Along came a spider and sat down beside her; she thought it no reason for scare.

"I see," said the spider, "that you have no silk to adorn yourself and look grand. If you wish, I could loan you some of my own. I suggest that we start with one strand."

Miss Liberty saw how it shone in the sun, how it glistened and glimmered so bright. She thought, "There's no harm, as he says it's a loan, and I'm not sure that now I look right."

So, accepting his offer, she willingly wound the strand about herself. Indeed it glistened and glimmered and shone, but she thought that a few more might help.

And putting aside all her conscience and pride, she asked if he'd spare her some more. The spider exclaimed, "It would be such a shame to hoard what I have in store."

And being a kind and giving soul, he gladly did bestow, one shining silk thread after another-- row after brilliant row.

How grand she looked, how glorious, how marvelous indeed; but then she noticed her arms were bound and she could not move her feet.

"Just one thing more," the spider said, "to add the crowning glory." Then tightly he wrapped her face and her head and ended her life's story.

Perhaps you see a moral here, that you could learn from, too. A man from the bank or the government may one day approach you.

An offer may be made to help; a loan, a gift or grant. Your liberties required in turn, but you should say, "I can't.

"The cost for what you give is high; your gift is one I fear. I will not sell to anyone--my freedom is too dear."

Believe life's struggle keeps us free--take not the easy road. Resist dependence on another, make freedom your abode.

A Letter to America, In Verse – © Steven G. O'Dell 2008

Goodbye, America; goodbye--'tis bittersweet to see thee die;

yet, it seems, there is no choice. You no longer hear the pleading voice

that cries for justice, sure and true, as once so long ago did you—

when tyrants' hand upon you heavy, did a burdensome weight so levy

and patriots were traitors called, who more than man by God were awed

and loved their land and freedom so, as only God above could know.

And valued was the right to fail, for honest effort was no jail.

We were not spared of consequence and learned how daily to repent.

Yea, truth was cherished most of all—we reveled in its hallowed hall;

Yet, along the path we somewhere strayed and step-by-step we left the grade

That led to peace and happiness and taught the humble soul to bless

A land of opportunity with no promise, but to be free.

We traded for 'entitlements', 'til all our freedom is near spent

and find we still are not secure as when uncertainty endured,

for we gave our feathers to make our nest and now we find we heavily rest

in sorrow that we made ourselves—we shall not fly without God's help.

We must return to our first love—remember Him that sees above.

Oh, follow tenets tried and true; to freedom, America—I pray you do.

For only repentance can remove this blight, replacing darkness with full light.

In the end, the choice is yours; God will not force through any doors.

He only begs that you give heed—the choice was always yours indeed.

Oh, do not say He doesn't care, has forgotten us or isn't there;

The proof is easy as can be--a humble heart and bended knee.

No disposition to do wrong, but only filled with joyous song.

If Justice has a mighty claim, know, too, that Mercy can have the same.

Will you not tire of eating crumbs? Think back on what you have become,

and how you came to be so low; by inch and step you wandered so.

If happiness is to endure, it only springs from souls so pure;

the righteous only know true peace, when hatred, strife and malice cease.

And God's true city will arise to banish all deceit and lies.

Deep down, I think you've always known that mankind reaps what man has sown.

For all things have their opposites; both good and evil do exist.

And so, my friend, I'll pray for you. There's little else that I can do,

'til you desire to make true change and institute a Godly age,

when you care for neighbor, too, as much as you have cared for you.

I only pray you change your fate--before it's lastingly too late.