.............. Nor iron bars a cage - famous lines from a poem by Richard Lovelace (1618-1657). Strange words for a poem written by someone actually in prison. It is probable that this was written in 1642, Lovelace having been committed to the Gatehouse at Westminster for presenting the Kentish petition against proposed Parliamentary measures.

Often people are incarcerated by circumstances of their own making. Instead of 'breaking out' they remain and wallow in self-pity. They might just as well be imprisoned.

Freedom

Fifteen years in that seven by nine
Telling myself that things were just fine
Locked in a world of my own making
Happy I thought – though only faking
Living my world through others’ eyes
When a big black cloud obscured the skies
Where could I go – where have I been?
A shaft of light pierced through the gloom
I must escape this loathsome room
Four angels bright show me the way
They take my hand into a bright new day
I’m free at last I’m soaring high
I’m looking down through a clear blue sky
My future’s bright and life’s for living
For meeting friends and lots of giving
Time to make up for wasted time
So many years squandered – my only crime
A prisoner no more I’m free at last
New horizons beckon – the past is past

©Marian Barker

Althea

“Freedom" was written for someone I met a few years ago. He was a bachelor whose mum had recently died and he recounted his life which had consisted of going to work and coming home to sit in his small bedroom with his PC. Shortly after his mum died he joined a social group (of which I was an events' organiser) where he met 4 people (who he termed his angels) who helped him "get a life". I was moved to write this for him and I believe a copy took pride of place in his home. He was chuffed that someone had written something for/about him.