Freedom's Just Another Word For (3)
I present a public poem on the nature of freedom in America with contributions from readers, the people.
I assume that most Americans know the song, “Me & Bobby McGee.” It was written by Kris Kristofferson, and popularized by Janis Joplin in 1971. I assume that those familiar with the song know the famous line from it, “Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose.”
When I first heard the song in the 1970s, I loved it instantly. I thought the line referred to personal freedom in the America of the cultural revolution, so long ago, and so desperately hopeful. Over the years, I began to understand the line as a political statement: For without political freedom, personal freedom has no foundation on which to exist.
A few years ago, I began to compose a poem in the format of that line. I finished two cantos. Then I thought to upload my poem and allow readers in cyberdemocracy to participate in its creation.
The rules to participate are as follows. You may submit an entry for consideration by me. I want a word, a special word, or a short, intriguing phrase or sentence-----nothing else. *(If you wish to include a graphic or artwork to accompany your submission, or to illustrate an individual line of the poem, I will consider its use.)
If you read the first two cantos given below, you will get a feel for the movement and language of the poem. I want my poem to be political but not partisan, if that is not a contradiction in terms. (My political orientation is Independent – Left.) As for vulgar language: I use it infrequently, and am not seeking more. If you submit profanity, be very clever with it. (Do not try my patience.)
If you want me to include your name or username as a contributor, please add it to your entry. (I will not record an appellation in the heading of your email message.) I would discourage cuteness as to names. I plan to list the names of contributors at the end of my online poem along with other texts that may develop.
My online poem will continue for as long as there are entries that advance the discussion of freedom poetically; or, until it appears to me to be finished; or, until it bores me; or, until other issues arise to stop it. (If you need guidance in how to think poetically, read Robert Graves.)
I am the author and editor of the poem entered online. It is my poem. My word is final as to what is accepted for inclusion, how the cantos are divided and how long it will continue. Every submission becomes my property. By making an entry to my online poem, you agree to it.
Freedom in America is under assault as rarely before both from internal and external enemies. We have to fight for our freedom in these our great and beloved United States of America with everything we have. If the pen is mightier than the sword, then the apotheosis of the pen is the poem.
If you wish to submit an entry, use the Submission Form at the bottom of this page. Please begin with “freedom's” in the subject line. The first two cantos are complete. Good luck and thank you.
T.R. Catanzarite
N.B. I will upload the poem when it is completed by public submissions.
Freedom’s Just Another Word For
Canto I (Private)
Freedom’s just another word for
Hubbub.
Freedom’s just another word for
Rote.
Freedom’s just another word for
Louche.
Freedom’s just another word for
Nonpareil.
Freedom’s just another word for
Chalk.
Freedom’s just another word for
Torque.
Freedom’s just another word for
Duly.
Freedom’s just another word for
Swagger.
Freedom’s just another word for
Flukey.
Freedom’s just another word for
Mode.
Freedom’s just another word for
Rouge.
Freedom’s just another word for
Mole.
Freedom’s just another word for
Guidon.
Freedom’s just another word for
Quirt.
Freedom’s just another word for
Sumptuary.
Freedom’s just another word for
Invoke.
Freedom’s just another word for
Stoat.
Freedom’s just another word for
Pretext.
Freedom’s just another word for
Grasp.
Freedom’s just another word for
Conflagration.
Freedom’s just another word for
Pleach.
Freedom’s just another word for
Marmalade.
Canto II (Private)
Freedom’s just another word for
A musty crowd.
Freedom’s just another word for
A muted horn.
Freedom’s just another word for
The sound of money breaking on the shore.
Freedom’s just another word for
A burning strawdog.
Freedom’s just another word for
Sharks fed to satiety.
Freedom’s just another word for
Fuck you!
Freedom’s just another word for
Dumb bitch! Bitch!
Freedom’s just another word for
Prorogue.
Freedom’s just another word for
Dharma.
Freedom’s just another word for
A dead bird in my bumper.
Freedom’s just another word for
The Homeland Security Band.
Freedom’s just another word for
A green rhinoceros.
Freedom’s just another word for
Baby, when the wind blows the cradle will rock, for sure now, ok?
Freedom’s just another word for
Shambles.
Freedom’s just another word for
I’m gonna shake, rattle and roll.
Freedom’s just another word for
Old jog shoes thrown into the road.
Freedom’s just another word for
Katrina.
Freedom’s just another word for
Gas, grass or ass nobody rides for free.
Freedom’s just another word for
Honk! Honk! If you love justice!
Freedom’s just another word for
Lost.
Canto III (Public)
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