All poems on this site are copyright of Beverley Balogh
Ironically I finished this piece when I was celebrating my Birthday in Madeira February 2020.
I flew back the first week in March to find that within two weeks my freedom was very much curtailed due to the Coronavirus first Lockdown.
Beverley
WHAT IS FREEDOM?
​
Tell me the meaning of Freedom
even though it's hard to do
Because the word can mean many things
just depending on who
​
Is using the word to express feelings
or a state of mind
Like the dreams of the Prisoner
wondering what he will find
​
When he's released from barred windows
and those clanging cell doors
Making himself a promise
he'll never return that's for sure
​
Or maybe it is simply hearing
the bird's dawn chorus sung
In those moments tucked up warm
in bed before the day's begun
​
In childhood it's watching the birds
as they take flight to the skies
Wishing that you too could have wings
so that like them you could fly
​
It might be the men on Speakers Corner
shouting out their views
I know so many things can mean freedom
I am sure you do too
THE SENTINEL
The darkness seemed to roll out over the valley. Almost as it someone had unfurled a giant blanket out to hide the harsh glare from his eyes. The sense of peace this gave him after staring hour after hour across the hash barren landscape, was soothing to both his eyes and soul.
He had no idea what the new dawn would bring, or what dangers he must face. However for now he could relax and enjoy the coolness of the night. He hugged himself closely, smiling as he did so.
Finally he closed his eyes and drifted into that no man’s land of peace and tranquillity. Knowing his blanket of darkness would keep him safe until he must face the new day and his duties as the forward watchman.
​