Summary

A father reflects on the concept of independence through his interactions with his six-year-old daughter, exploring the complexities of freedom and constraints.

Abstract

The article recounts a father's contemplation on freedom and independence, sparked by his young daughter's question about the meaning of Independence Day. He explains the concept of sovereignty and the struggle for autonomy, drawing parallels between a nation's independence and personal freedom. The father grapples with his desire for his daughter to experience independence while also protecting her from life's harsh realities. Their dynamic is illustrated through a vivid scene where the daughter defiantly sets off fireworks, leading to a confrontation that the father likens to a battle in the early stages of her quest for independence. The story is a collaboration between Fox, the artist, and Smillew, a top writer in satire, serving as the 18th installment in a series of tales. The authors invite readers to engage with their "Two Headed Horse Tails" concept, which involves a collaborative writing process with alternating contributions.

Opinions

The father values the concept of independence and sees it as an essential part of growth and self-discovery for his daughter.
He acknowledges the inherent limitations and responsibilities that come with freedom, recognizing that constraints are necessary for learning courage and resilience.
The father empathizes with his daughter's desire for autonomy, reflecting on his own unanswered questions about personal freedom.
He is torn between allowing his daughter to explore her independence and shielding her from the burdens of adulthood, such as bills, addictions, and worries.
The authors suggest that the journey to independence can be likened to a "tug of war," implying that it is a dynamic and sometimes contentious process.
The father's role in his daughter's quest for independence is portrayed as both a guiding force and an opposing one, highlighting the complexities of parenthood.
The story implies that the father's actions, such as extinguishing the fireworks with a garden hose, might be seen as both protective and restrictive, blurring the lines between good parenting and the suppression of independence.

Two headed horse tails

Effervescent Mini-Me

The flames of War

My six-year-old asked what Independence Day means.

I explained what a sovereign country is and how frustrating it can be to live under the rule of another one. I told her about the founding Fathers and how enlightened they were.

“So, when is my Independence Day?” She replied.

I didn’t cry at first. It’s true that I laughed. But the tears came later.

She was the tenderest and strongest part of me. I had wanted a son. That also is true. I’m not ashamed of it.

But no man knows what a daughter is until he has one.

What good would it be to tell her I’ve got the exact same question? She wouldn’t understand. She still thinks I can do whatever I want.

“It’s not fair! Why do I have to go to bed? Why can you stay up and play chess as long as you want?”

Caps on Freedom come in many disguises. Being a parent — its own lovely prison. Marriage. Of course citizenship to a nation. She thinks my staying up past bedtime is wide-open sea of adventure. She doesn’t know the bills, the addictions, the worries.

But I wouldn’t wish those upon her.

Neither would I wish her a lack of constraints. She needs them to find the courage to win the fight for her independence one day. I didn’t expect the war to start so early, though. Does it mean I’m a good father?

Should I follow her lead and fight myself?

That fateful evening, I find her outside launching fireworks. The gate’s open, our dog has fled. Red and Blue missiles are sailing into my neighbor’s yard. A police-chopper twirls above.

A bullhorn commands we cease and desist.

I arm the garden-hose.

She screams as I douse her dreams.

This story was co-written by Fox (the artist) and Smillew (top writer in satire).

It was our 18th tale! Here are the previous ones:

We call the concept the Two Headed Horse Tails.

As Fox (poet and digital art expert) describes it, Two Headed Horse Tails can be a tug of war. Two people (one of them could be YOU) are trying to get a tale into the corral, sometimes even against each other’s will.

Here are the rules (follow them or break them):

300 words total.
Someone starts and writes 50 words. Then the other takes the lead and writes 50 more. Till the 300 count is reached.
You can switch back and forth as to who starts the piece. (or not! We do.)

What about finding yourself another horse writer and giving it a try?

Follows us on Twitter, we follow back! Except for Fox, he’s not on Twitter.

Anyone read so far? Hi! [Paul’s note — no, I’m the only one that has to read this far.]

Tell us a tiny tale, filled with heart.

Updated Submission Guidelines

As we grow, our mandate grows with us

medium.com