A Soul Bounded

Musings on the tension between living and working—creativity and necessity.

She calls out to Be—
To create,
Wonder,
And float among the trees.

Work work work,
He pushes.
Necessity calls,
Screeching and demanding.

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Only an irritation!—a trifle!
Why does she burden us so?
With compliance,
Lists and tasks.

All contrived, 
To make her feel—what?
It is all pretend:
The “satisfaction,” “value,” “discipline,” “reward.”

You liar!
It is nothing;
Let me create—
And soar in the world,
Unfettered!

Release me from my chains,
Or you will always be 
Empty and pretending.

I will write and dream,
Paint and make music,
Be a real human being.
I’ll study and explore,
And share my ideas

What else could you want?
Release me!
Remove these contrived shackles!
Your soul awaits.