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Open Poetry #37
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Ratleader
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0 posted 2006-03-21 02:29 PM


I know why
the captive turtle
sings

he sings because
he is happy

because captive
in a place
where he would
choose to be

that
is the truest
freedom of all.


© Copyright 2006 Ed Ratledge - All Rights Reserved
luminosity
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since 2005-11-18
Posts 813

1 posted 2006-03-21 02:54 PM


because captive
in a place
where he would
choose to be

that
is the truest
freedom of all.

I have reasoned around this very thought for years, reasoned my unhappiness, reasoned captivity...I do believe you have captured the essence of life in this...it is not the situation, or even who you are...it is all about choices....

Honeybunch
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2 posted 2006-03-21 02:54 PM


You are absolutely right, Ed!  I for one would love to be captive in a place I truly want to be but maybe this pleasure is reserved only for turtles - oh, and the rich!  
Ratleader
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3 posted 2006-03-21 02:55 PM


Yes.... Frost said it better than I -- "Freedom is being easy in your harness."

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Ratleader
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4 posted 2006-03-21 02:57 PM


Well, Honeybunch....to me turtles always look like they're waiting for something....maybe they're waiting for you to join them....or waiting to tell you where you will find happiness of your own.

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Honeybunch
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5 posted 2006-03-21 03:05 PM


  Yes, could be but even if not actually waiting they don't seem anxious to go anywhere in a hurry which, I suppose, could be telling us to have a good look around at what we've got before scurrying off in search of the maybe impossible.
Ratleader
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6 posted 2006-03-21 03:09 PM


Hmmmmm....or, they could be waiting for the nap that they'll wake from as something other than turtles....in which case, waiting is a form of hurrying.

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Midnitesun
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7 posted 2006-03-21 03:21 PM


Turtles are cool, and know when it's time to disappear...for whatever reason. And they can afford to act tough, carrying a hard protective shell and a convenient hideaway. LOL
Honeybunch
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8 posted 2006-03-21 03:22 PM


Come to think of it now, maybe they're just hanging around having a good laugh at us humans who will one day come back as turtles.  But no, life never goes backwards - or would it be going backwards?  Something to ponder on when thinking of the supposed superior race.  Think I'll give more thought to "them there" turtles.  I mean, what could be better than being protected by a hard shell while ... smelling the roses.
Ratleader
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9 posted 2006-03-21 03:24 PM


I've always thought Mankind is God's little joke on the universe....maybe they've really stopped to laugh, because turtles get it!

Ooh, and since I get it, what does that make me.......?

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Honeybunch
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10 posted 2006-03-21 03:27 PM


That's it then - we've solved the mystery of life!     Now I can sleep happy!  It's time for that over here.  Goodnight and thanks.

Helen  

Martie
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11 posted 2006-03-21 04:18 PM


"because captive
in a place
where he would
choose to be

that
is the truest
freedom of all."

Ed...You got me thinking with this one.  Maybe turtles don't grow and change direciton as often as people do.  Your poem is very thoughtful and meaningful.  They don't have to stay under water...they can come out and sit in the sun if they feel like it, then go back.  Yep, sounds ideal!  Thanks for this poem!  

Goldenrose
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since 2003-05-30
Posts 3665

12 posted 2006-03-21 07:08 PM


The only time a turtle is captive is when on land, in the ocean they are free and long lived..who could ask for more..thanks for the wisdom Ed...

Goldenrose.

P.S feel free to add a line for my untitled # in my passions in prose rolling story ED...the Ratleader's mark there would be interesting..GR....

Ratleader
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13 posted 2006-03-21 07:37 PM


Comin' right up!

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Huan Yi
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Waukegan
14 posted 2006-03-21 07:59 PM



Ed,

So the slave is happier
than his master . . .

Shades of Epictecus


John


Ratleader
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15 posted 2006-03-21 08:24 PM


....but not of Spartacus...it only applies if he's managed to wangle himself a good gig!

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[This message has been edited by Ratleader (03-22-2006 09:12 AM).]

XOx Uriah xOX
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since 2006-02-11
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16 posted 2006-03-22 02:24 PM


Many turtles in the country.  With their houses on their backs and often only their feet sticking out.  "country"  "house"  "feet"   LOL I wonder if this is the one that got away.  Yes, there is much freedom in our "captivity".
We have no choice when it comes to what we would experience.  In having no choice...We have complete freedom to experience it all.  If there were "choice"...we would limit ourselves of certain experiences and would not be free. Our choice is to seem to have no choice.  Sometimes its the blues  Sometimes its Zippity Do Dah  But...We sing ! Wonderful write !

iliana
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since 2003-12-05
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USA
17 posted 2006-03-22 02:44 PM


Enjoyed the poem, and reading the responses to it, Ed.   ....jo
miscellanea
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since 2004-06-24
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OH
18 posted 2006-03-22 04:02 PM


So this is where everyone has been hanging out!  Love the way you make writing look so simple, when in fact, it has such depth and complexity!
          miscellanea

suthern
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19 posted 2006-03-23 04:49 PM


I agree with miscellanea... you make it look easy. *S*

I love this... and only wish all of us could be caught... exactly where we want most to be. *S* Beautiful work!!!


JamesMichael
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20 posted 2006-03-23 05:32 PM


Nice...James
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