deepundergroundpoetry.com
Four Freedoms
Lo’ these many nights I lie awake in fear of losing all the freedoms I have known and consider my rights to exercise at will.
Am I only to experience these privileges within the quiet protection of mind and heart?
Systematically observing the erosion of critical thinking and civilized debate among mankind.
My mental anguish does not allow a resting heart rate when I bear witness to a silenced voice, excluded prayer, distended belly, or imprisoned soul.
The very idea of prior generations sacrificing their lives to establish, uphold and leave behind these tenets for my freedom fills me with gratitude as I wonder, could I have done the same?
Another night of restless agitation, I offer an intercession on behalf of those who would destroy, for personal gain, and willingly see the end of what we currently take for granted.
Am I only to experience these privileges within the quiet protection of mind and heart?
Systematically observing the erosion of critical thinking and civilized debate among mankind.
My mental anguish does not allow a resting heart rate when I bear witness to a silenced voice, excluded prayer, distended belly, or imprisoned soul.
The very idea of prior generations sacrificing their lives to establish, uphold and leave behind these tenets for my freedom fills me with gratitude as I wonder, could I have done the same?
Another night of restless agitation, I offer an intercession on behalf of those who would destroy, for personal gain, and willingly see the end of what we currently take for granted.
Published 31st May 2022
Author's Note
Norman Rockwell
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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comments 34
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Anonymous
- Edited 29th May 2023 7:45am
31st May 2022 8:44am
<< post removed >>
1st Jun 2022 2:45pm
Dear R,
Your comment is a wonderfully thoughtful reflection on this write. I’m not really sure I actually live in reality. What I was feeling was loss and the daily crippling and erosion of the freedoms for which America was built and stands. Recalling my school days and the study of the founding of America and all the men and women who have stood up and given everything to make it happen so that 245 years later we can end up being consistently sold out was a bit disconcerting. As it was recently Memorial Day here, a holiday remembering the fallen of past and current wars it seemed to fit the narrative of my thinking. I am very grateful for you sharing how this affected you and thank you very much. H 🌷
Your comment is a wonderfully thoughtful reflection on this write. I’m not really sure I actually live in reality. What I was feeling was loss and the daily crippling and erosion of the freedoms for which America was built and stands. Recalling my school days and the study of the founding of America and all the men and women who have stood up and given everything to make it happen so that 245 years later we can end up being consistently sold out was a bit disconcerting. As it was recently Memorial Day here, a holiday remembering the fallen of past and current wars it seemed to fit the narrative of my thinking. I am very grateful for you sharing how this affected you and thank you very much. H 🌷
Anonymous
31st May 2022 8:54am
<< post removed >>
1st Jun 2022 2:48pm
Dear S,
Absolutely agree with that assessment, one day at a time. You are not rambling in the least. I think we often times think what we have is normal and will always last. Big mistake. I very much appreciated your read and lovely comment. Please visit anytime.
H 🌷
Absolutely agree with that assessment, one day at a time. You are not rambling in the least. I think we often times think what we have is normal and will always last. Big mistake. I very much appreciated your read and lovely comment. Please visit anytime.
H 🌷
31st May 2022 6:53pm
I was just telling my elderly mother over lunch as she was watching Million Dollar Listing, these will, in reflection of history, assuming the species persists that is, be remembered as ignorant times, the hoarding of wealth, the prioritizing of it above the well being of the community and the environment. It's like we go through these periods of leaps in enlightenment, and regress into lower modes of awareness, like tides ebb and flow, I guess it is the nature of things, but it seems critical that we create out of those mutative leaps soon.
I love the both natural and lucid elegance of this writing.
I love the both natural and lucid elegance of this writing.
1st Jun 2022 2:51pm
Dear D,
I really like your observation of ebbing and tiding between enlightenment then lower awareness, hoarding and the overall disassociation of connectedness amongst humanity. Totally agree. Although, truth be told I often have to slap myself to remember not to take things half heartedly and give thanks to what I’ve been given and for what I’ve earned. Thank you for your lovely comment and RL add. I’m very grateful. H 🌷
I really like your observation of ebbing and tiding between enlightenment then lower awareness, hoarding and the overall disassociation of connectedness amongst humanity. Totally agree. Although, truth be told I often have to slap myself to remember not to take things half heartedly and give thanks to what I’ve been given and for what I’ve earned. Thank you for your lovely comment and RL add. I’m very grateful. H 🌷
2nd Jun 2022 4:33pm
I know what you mean, I take so much for granted each day, then something happens and I feel ashamed, like I've got a leaking roof, ceilings beginning to sag, and I realized how lucky I was for so many years to have a solid roof over my head and how many countless people out there do not. I try to remind myself, every experience is of value, even the scary and difficult ones. One of the sages, Osho or Rumi or the like, said, Avoid comfort, we stagnate when we avoid challenges, I guess that means.
1st Jun 2022 1:23am
“The price of liberty, and even of common humanity, is eternal vigilance.” - Aldous Huxley (Author)
Each of us bears a responsibility to the future and a reverence to the past, to stand idly by and wish for a thing is a fool's errand. Feeling helpless is understood, especially in the dark mire of societal woes we swim through daily. The tumult on the surface often gives lie to the natural calm beneath.
Excellent write ... Bless and love Dear Honoria ... ..
Each of us bears a responsibility to the future and a reverence to the past, to stand idly by and wish for a thing is a fool's errand. Feeling helpless is understood, especially in the dark mire of societal woes we swim through daily. The tumult on the surface often gives lie to the natural calm beneath.
Excellent write ... Bless and love Dear Honoria ... ..
1st Jun 2022 2:56pm
Dear F,
Eloquently said. I think this is exactly what we do and for most how we feel. Although, for me there isn’t a lot of calm underneath the surface unless I really focus hard and have a hearty lunch. I’m think I’m naturally skittish. That not withstanding, the truth is we are rapidly forgetting to revere the past and it’s not being taught in the schools anymore. Personally, I find that very disconcerting. I do thank you for your RL list and this lovely response to this write. I truly think it has given me the calm underneath today and I thank you for that (at least until lunch) H 🌷
Eloquently said. I think this is exactly what we do and for most how we feel. Although, for me there isn’t a lot of calm underneath the surface unless I really focus hard and have a hearty lunch. I’m think I’m naturally skittish. That not withstanding, the truth is we are rapidly forgetting to revere the past and it’s not being taught in the schools anymore. Personally, I find that very disconcerting. I do thank you for your RL list and this lovely response to this write. I truly think it has given me the calm underneath today and I thank you for that (at least until lunch) H 🌷
1st Jun 2022 11:02pm
1st Jun 2022 5:54am
I can feel the drop in my belly when I think of losing those freedoms or those things I take for granted. I try to be more mindful. Thanks for sharing H.
LJ
LJ
1st Jun 2022 3:00pm
Dear LJ,
Ah! So true right? The very idea we could wake up one day and not be able to speak our minds, or go to the church of our choice, or have to wait on line for scraps of whatever government issued food was being tossed...it’s too much to garner. But, Fenyx has just given me the juice to keep calm underneath ;-) so I’m going to have lunch now. Before I do though, thank you for your lovely comment. I really appreciate it. H 🌷
Ah! So true right? The very idea we could wake up one day and not be able to speak our minds, or go to the church of our choice, or have to wait on line for scraps of whatever government issued food was being tossed...it’s too much to garner. But, Fenyx has just given me the juice to keep calm underneath ;-) so I’m going to have lunch now. Before I do though, thank you for your lovely comment. I really appreciate it. H 🌷
1st Jun 2022 5:22pm
Parts of this made me think of this quote "Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." Gandhi
Feeling trapped and struggling to get out of yourself can be so challenging. There is so much depth and beauty in your writing, and in you. This is such an impactful tribute to those that sacrificed their lives for our freedom. That is what we should remember on Memorial day, not the sales, and always be thankful for the things we have the luxury of taking for granted. And so often there are people who will take advantage of the worse of circumstances with total disregard for the damage they cause. I always love reading you Honoria.
Feeling trapped and struggling to get out of yourself can be so challenging. There is so much depth and beauty in your writing, and in you. This is such an impactful tribute to those that sacrificed their lives for our freedom. That is what we should remember on Memorial day, not the sales, and always be thankful for the things we have the luxury of taking for granted. And so often there are people who will take advantage of the worse of circumstances with total disregard for the damage they cause. I always love reading you Honoria.
1st Jun 2022 6:48pm
Dear K,
I love the quote. I’m so glad you wrote it because I’ve never heard it before. I absolutely agree about some peeps taking advantage of situations to benefit themselves without thought of consequence or benefit of others. There is a balance in all things I think we choose to ignore from whatever human trait we all suffer from. And yes, the challenge of getting out oneself is exhausting. Just to end back in the same spot makes me think it’s a perpetual merry go round I don’t want to be on. Thank you so much for this lovely comment and RL list. It means a ton! Xx
H 🌷
I love the quote. I’m so glad you wrote it because I’ve never heard it before. I absolutely agree about some peeps taking advantage of situations to benefit themselves without thought of consequence or benefit of others. There is a balance in all things I think we choose to ignore from whatever human trait we all suffer from. And yes, the challenge of getting out oneself is exhausting. Just to end back in the same spot makes me think it’s a perpetual merry go round I don’t want to be on. Thank you so much for this lovely comment and RL list. It means a ton! Xx
H 🌷
1st Jun 2022 6:01pm
The craziest part is that freedom is a concept which means it's meaning evolves over time. (relative to each generation) you may believe you have another time have cause to doubt it. Fun stuff for philosophical discussion.
1st Jun 2022 6:51pm
Dear S,
And I think you have just cracked the code! I have not given thought about this as a concept that will change and evolve over time. Probably because it works for me and I don’t like change. I’ll think on this all day. I really appreciate the idea of this in your comment. I agree it can be fun stuff for debate so long as we all stay friendly and allow each other to express without fear ;-)
Thank you so much for your read and wonderful comment.
H 🌷
And I think you have just cracked the code! I have not given thought about this as a concept that will change and evolve over time. Probably because it works for me and I don’t like change. I’ll think on this all day. I really appreciate the idea of this in your comment. I agree it can be fun stuff for debate so long as we all stay friendly and allow each other to express without fear ;-)
Thank you so much for your read and wonderful comment.
H 🌷
1st Jun 2022 10:53pm
Perfect timing especially for Memorial Day. Many wonderful comments to your thought-provoking words!
2nd Jun 2022 3:31am
Dear NG,
First. It’s wonderful to see you again. Second, thank you very much for your read and response. This is very appreciated. Thank you. H🌷
First. It’s wonderful to see you again. Second, thank you very much for your read and response. This is very appreciated. Thank you. H🌷
4th Jun 2022 1:30pm
2nd Jun 2022 3:58am
As horrible as this sounds, I'm glad my dad is dead. He'd go absolutely mad, livid, at the state of things. Not just the cost of things, but the break down of values across the board.
I feel bad for the younger generations. My kids. And for school age children. What is this all going to give them actual hope towards?
I admire greatly your words H. And I'm with ya all the way.
I feel bad for the younger generations. My kids. And for school age children. What is this all going to give them actual hope towards?
I admire greatly your words H. And I'm with ya all the way.
2nd Jun 2022 7:41am
Dear S,
I totally get what you mean about your dad. I think it’s a feeling of protection for him. I absolutely agree, the generations coming up will never know what’s already been lost and their indoctrination already begun in elementary school will secure that they won’t know anything differently. Thank you kindly for the RL add and lovely comment about the write. Makes me feel very honored, thank you.
H🌷
I totally get what you mean about your dad. I think it’s a feeling of protection for him. I absolutely agree, the generations coming up will never know what’s already been lost and their indoctrination already begun in elementary school will secure that they won’t know anything differently. Thank you kindly for the RL add and lovely comment about the write. Makes me feel very honored, thank you.
H🌷
2nd Jun 2022 12:46pm
Dear H,
I echo the many fine comments above and your responses.
When I read writing about living in our democracy I am reminded of the commentator Eric Sevareid who did commentary on the
CBS Evening News. He often spoke about freedom and the costs thereof. I remember one in particular where he started out with the words "Democracy is not a free ride, it demands more of us each day ....." it's worth finding on a Google search if you are so inclined.
The world is a mess but it has always been a mess as we live in moments.
This is a great piece of writing and feeling.
Thank you for posting it
BIG LIKE
I echo the many fine comments above and your responses.
When I read writing about living in our democracy I am reminded of the commentator Eric Sevareid who did commentary on the
CBS Evening News. He often spoke about freedom and the costs thereof. I remember one in particular where he started out with the words "Democracy is not a free ride, it demands more of us each day ....." it's worth finding on a Google search if you are so inclined.
The world is a mess but it has always been a mess as we live in moments.
This is a great piece of writing and feeling.
Thank you for posting it
BIG LIKE
4th Jun 2022 6:00am
Dear PS,
I googled the Sevareid commentary. Brilliant. Everything seems exaggerated and awful and I’m tired and scared and just want it to stop.
All that aside, thank you for the RL add and your generous compliment to the write itself. That means the world (messy or not) to me. Thank you always for the constant support. X
H🌷
I googled the Sevareid commentary. Brilliant. Everything seems exaggerated and awful and I’m tired and scared and just want it to stop.
All that aside, thank you for the RL add and your generous compliment to the write itself. That means the world (messy or not) to me. Thank you always for the constant support. X
H🌷
9th Jun 2022 3:03pm
9th Jun 2022 7:12pm
Dear L,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and RL add. I’m really grateful for them and glad to see you today. H🌷
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and RL add. I’m really grateful for them and glad to see you today. H🌷
11th Jun 2022 9:57pm
9th Jul 2022 4:55am
Dear L,
Thank you for your read, list add and kind response. The erosion of our constitution has really been devastating and it’s wearing me out. Alas. Thank you, as always for your comments. H🌷
Thank you for your read, list add and kind response. The erosion of our constitution has really been devastating and it’s wearing me out. Alas. Thank you, as always for your comments. H🌷
8th Jul 2022 6:12pm
In light of the recent events in American society, it certainly is a warning of a darker path that may be ahead. I think you expressed this with eloquence, it's a mutually shared fear and thoughts most of us have, but mainly for those whose rights, as you said would be eroded.
Very profound and thought provoking.
Very profound and thought provoking.
9th Jul 2022 4:58am
Dear W,
I can’t make heads or tails of any of it. Has it always been this awful and I was just blissfully unaware? Who can tell? Thank you for such a kind response and gracious list add. I’m so grateful to you. H🌷
I can’t make heads or tails of any of it. Has it always been this awful and I was just blissfully unaware? Who can tell? Thank you for such a kind response and gracious list add. I’m so grateful to you. H🌷
Anonymous
- Edited 12th Aug 2024 3:45am
7th Oct 2022 5:05am
<< post removed >>
7th Oct 2022 7:51am
Dear T,
Thank you. I was beside myself when I wrote this. Everything seemed in shambles and while it still might be I’ve tried to get hold of myself in the meantime. I hold a very high regard for our military personnel and the sacrifices they make on our behalf. Thank you for your kindness and the RL add.
H🌷
Thank you. I was beside myself when I wrote this. Everything seemed in shambles and while it still might be I’ve tried to get hold of myself in the meantime. I hold a very high regard for our military personnel and the sacrifices they make on our behalf. Thank you for your kindness and the RL add.
H🌷
Anonymous
- Edited 12th Aug 2024 3:45am
7th Oct 2022 8:22am
<< post removed >>
22nd Dec 2022 00:29am
I too feel great pain and share similar concern over the state of government overstepping. While I am no anarchist, nor total anti government individual, I do believe that with 10 amendments in The Bill of Rights, the 2nd Amendment is the only sure way to protect the other 9.
22nd Dec 2022 1:37am
Dear FB,
I’m with you, not an anarchist nor anti-government, but those amendments were carefully thought out before being attached. I like how you phrase one of the purposes of the second amendment. Well said!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. H🌷
I’m with you, not an anarchist nor anti-government, but those amendments were carefully thought out before being attached. I like how you phrase one of the purposes of the second amendment. Well said!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. H🌷
