avatarDennett

Summary

The web content reflects on the concept of freedom during a pandemic, contrasting the initial acceptance of a slower pace of life with the harsh realities faced by many, and calls attention to the lack of leadership and planning in the crisis.

Abstract

The article "Freedom Contained" is a contemplative piece that delves into the paradoxical nature of freedom experienced during the pandemic. Initially, the world's pause led to a rediscovery of the present moment, a 'now' filled with peace and acceptance. However, this tranquility was short-lived for many, as the pandemic's ongoing effects highlighted deep societal inequalities. The piece underscores the privilege of finding solace in the present while others faced dire circumstances, including essential workers risking their lives. The author critiques the absence of effective leadership and a coherent plan to navigate the crisis, leaving society to fend for itself. The article concludes by questioning the true nature of freedom in the context of these challenges and invites poets to respond to the 'Never-Ending Poem' prompt, 'Dancing Shoes,' to continue the poetic dialogue on the subject.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that the initial lockdown provided a moment of introspection and a redefinition of freedom as being present in the moment.
  • There is a clear distinction made between those who could embrace the lockdown as a time for reflection and those for whom the pandemic exacerbated existing hardships.
  • The piece expresses a sense of disillusionment with the lack of leadership and planning during the pandemic, implying that this has led to unnecessary suffering and death.
  • The author emphasizes that the ability to enjoy the 'freedom of now' is a privilege not afforded to everyone, particularly the less fortunate and essential workers.
  • The article challenges the notion of freedom in a society that is unprepared and lacking in compassion and leadership during a crisis.
  • By issuing a poetic prompt, the author encourages a collective exploration of current societal issues through creative expression.

Freedom Contained

A Never-Ending Poem Response

Photo by Esther Driehaus on Unsplash

As doors closed, work stopped, traffic ceased, and lives halted, the world hit the pause button, we stayed contained and restrained.

Freedom, known and understood, disappeared like morning mist, we paced and fretted and longed for the normal of our lives.

But, in the midst of our constraint, acceptance replaced rebellion, we found a freedom long forgotten in worlds too busy for now.

All we had was now, the delicious liberty of now, this moment, not this evening or tomorrow or another unknown time, only now.

We hunkered into the coziness of now, felt the freedom of not-tomorrow, let go of the need to be anywhere but here, to experience anything but this, now.

But, that now was a babe in the woods, unprepared for a tsunami of vexations in a nation that murders multitudes for the freedom of one.

Without a clue or a leader or a plan, our cozy now became a prison of hunger, worry, death, and disbelief that this is who we are now.

I look for freedom now and see suffering I look for liberty now and see death

I look for leadership now and see a void I look for help now and see indifference

I look for truth now and see lies I look for the future now and see none.

While some had the financial freedom to embrace the lockdown and find peace in the emptiness of time, others were in dire situations and still are. Never forget that luxuriating in the now is a place of privilege.

Some never had the chance to experience the freedom of now because we were never locked down or in or up. We worked through it all.

Many died working. Many are still dying as they work. And, many die working to save others.

There was no plan for how the less fortunate would survive a shelter-in-place order or how the “essentials” would survive without the safety of shelter.

And, now, there is no plan for how any of us will survive the opening of the pandemic gates and the lack of shelters.

There is no plan. No leadership. No compassion.

We are free to flounder on our own.

I don’t call that freedom.

In response to this freedom Never-Ending Poem prompt by James G Brennan:

This was my third Never-Ending Poem prompt. Here are the others:

And here is the prompt the started it all by Martin Rushton:

And, once again, I have the pleasure of passing on the Never-Ending Poem to 10 poets. If you feel inclined, please respond, create a prompt of your own, and tag 10 more poets. This really is a fun game!

The light-hearted prompt for the ten poets named below is Dancing Shoes:

Jack Herlocker, Harper Thorpe, Mark Starlin, Christina M. Ward, Heidi Franklin, Erika Burkhalter, Justcallmejillybean, Carolyn Riker, Lindsay Lonai Linegar, Suzanne V. Tanner

And, an eleventh poet tag, just because: Anna da Silva

Play if you want and I hope you do. You can publish your poems anywhere but please include a link to this poem so I won’t miss your response.

Never Ending
Poetry
Pandemic
Lockdown
Freedom
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