These Are My JOTtings...

Freedom, Not Independence

That children are their unique selves
from birth throughout their lives
Is cause for many books on shelves.
Such wisdom helps us thrive.

The nations of our world are filled
with children as adults.
Success or failure will be milled
divergent the results.

Protection for the child is bound
by close and firm, strong edge,
Through early days, when hope is found
by freedom in the hedge.

But as the child grows older, wiser
boundaries expand
For if the teen bears freedom's size
too small for growing's plan,...

Rebellion is a surer thing
than fam'ly would desire
Release the grip that Freedom sing.
Respect grows daily high'r.

As teen matures we give more Say
deciding for their lives,
if not then sad will come the Day,
relationship won't thrive.

Each nation is so full of teens
in older people's frames
That independence makes its scenes
through people with no names.

The struggle 'tween The States and Britain
was this very case
For Papa George's hands retained
firm grip around his mace.

We sought no independence for
a hundred years beyond,
But fin'lly knew our breath was more
in land beyond The Pond,...

If steely fingers of the King
were no more 'round our neck.
He could have helped our Freedom sing
without a fam'ly wreck.

But NO! He cared for silver pound
more than a loving bond.
Estranged, his daughter then was found
alone beyond The Pond.

If leaders will control themselves
and not control o'er much,
In Freedom we will live ourselves
and keep the fam'ly touch,...

But micromanagement enflames
all independence talks.
The "Give & Take" of Honor frames
our unity, not balks.

We citizens like "breathing room,"
to move about at will
The Government that honors "Whom"
finds favor full to fill.

The teen-adults that we all are...
are nations made of states.
Applaud us each as Rising Star
and unity is great!

by Jay O'Toole
on October 30th, 2017