Tag Archives: Freedom

on Iran

young people have lost
fear of authority's fist
new freedom riders

~

n.b. During my recent travels in the US I saw a statue of a woman sitting calmly. I saw the image repeatedly: in the Capitol in Washington DC; in Memphis TN; in Birmingham AL.

The woman was Rosa Parks. Her determined protest, to sit where she wanted to on a bus, regardless of the state law at that time that segregated people by skin coloration, fired up people tired of being oppressed, tired of being downtrodden. Her sitting down was a signal to others to stand up to inhuman authority.

In Iran, the people most oppressed by the theocracy, women, particularly young women, are tired of giving in too.

CLP 03/11/2022

on music

never walk alone
with hope in your hearts
Iranian blues
~

n.b. Music-maker, Shervin Hajipour; poet, Mona Borzoi; footballer, Hossain Mahini; all arrested for voicing protest at the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini.

Mahsa had been arrested for failing to meet the strict dress code for women in Iran. She died three days after being taken from her family on their way to visit relatives in Tehran. She had been beaten on being taken into a police van, witnesses reported.

A song ‘Baraye’, released on social media comprising words from the voices crying out at this murder, is integral to the continuing protests. Change has got to come and music keeps the flame of hope alive.

You can hear it here. Every word has been taken from social media messages of protest beginning with “because…”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aNhEoQara9A

It’s worth under three minutes listening time. As of today’s date, 92 lives have been lost in the three weeks of protests.

CLP 04/10/2022

on Ukraine

the year advances fast
tilt of Earth shortens each day
light fades in men's eyes

~

m.b. This pointless exercise moves toward full cycle and at what terrible cost.

CLP 03/10/2022

on Independence

freed from monarchy
everyone responsible
Liberty Bell tolls

~

n.b. Beyond words.

CLP 04/07/2022

on time

BOOM!
I have time all over my hands
it runs between my fingers
I walk through Sunday stunned
by the smell of the river
the humidity of the air
the taste of rain in the breeze
peach blossom in the city
a bumble bee, as big as a thumb,
nosing into a crocus, bending the stalk
busy drinking, as I am free to do
if I choose
to spend my time drinking
in now
all I have is time

~

CLP 13/03/2022

on freedom

options unbounded
simple needs confused by choice
chaos surrounds us

~

n.b. Some needs can be met by local services we just want to work properly, (e.g. schools, hospitals, trains, water supply, power supplies), other needs are more of a challenge.

We are all different from tip to toe and one size can’t fit all and in England the weather adds an additional layer of complexity it has been remarked.

~

CLP 21/11/2021

on payday

all those hours used up
while outside weather happens
meaningless tokens

n.b. Herzberg was right, hygiene factors, such as the work environment and pay, are nothing more than satisficers. I look at my salary statement and think, I am giving up living for this, just so I can afford to live?

~

CLP 20/11/2021

The Dancer

in this moment I saw you
impressed upon the sheet of heaven
your wings
lifting you above all
that ever bound you here

~

CLP 30/08/2021

Crow

sentinel of change
fly beside my freed spirit
orientate my soul

~

n.b. See the crow? He’s up there.

CLP 27/08/2021

Finally

She dropped her shroud

Stepped clear, stood and proudly proclaimed

It is me. I am here!

~

CLP 19/02/2021