I must confess that this poem is one of my favorites from my latest collection, Sow Seeds of Wisdom, a shining example of relatable modern poetry. Perhaps it’s because opposites attract. While I enjoy traveling, I am a homebody, so I often find equal joy in boarding a plane or getting into my car and eagerly heading home. It’s where I feel most comfortable and at ease. 

In contrast, there are those who embody the essence of free spirits, yearning to roam without being tied down, ready to spread their wings and embrace the world. 

The Small Town Dilemma 

This theme resonates deeply in numerous films set in small towns. Often, a character longs to leave their quaint surroundings behind, eager to carve out their own path and experience life on their own terms. Typically, another character attempts to hold them back, motivated by jealousy, fear, or insecurity. Regardless of the reasons, the free spirit feels trapped and stifled, igniting an even stronger desire to escape. 

The Energy of Free Spirits 

Free spirits are easily recognized upon entering a room; they exude an infectious energy and a vibrant joie de vivre, or “joy of living.” Their magnetic essence draws people in, creating an atmosphere filled with their carefree attitude. Yet, much like the characters in films, there are people who try to hold them back, fearing that their independent nature may lead them astray or come off as unserious about life and commitments. 

In many relatable poems about life, these dynamics are beautifully depicted, showcasing the contrast between yearning for freedom and the pull of familiarity. 

The Beat of Your Own Drum 

Truth be told, free spirits simply wish to march to the beat of their own drum, free to pursue life in a way that feels authentic to them. They long to kick off their Sunday shoes and dance to the beat of their own music. As you reflect on this relatable modern poetry collection, do you see yourself more as a free spirit, or do you find comfort in being grounded and homebound? 

Free Spirit

I’m the freest of the spirits;
I’m a beam of guiding light.
I’m a brilliant shooting star
That dances through the night.

I’m a giggle in a silent room;
A song sung in the shower.
I bring light and love and laughter . . .
That is my superpower.

My feet, they do not touch the ground;
They skip and bounce and dance.
While others tiptoe quietly
My feet were made to dance.

I was never meant to be tied down.
I was only born to fly.
Yet you seem to want to hold me back
And I dare to wonder why.

Do you think I’ll fly too far away?
Do you think I won’t come back?
Does my shining light bring light to
The things that you might lack?

Does my light make you realize
That you live life in the dark?
Do you think you might shine brighter
By extinguishing my spark?

For you try to keep me grounded
And you strive to keep me near.
You’re like a pin to my balloon,
Releasing all the air.

You don’t seem to understand me
Or what’s inside my soul.
You try to be my keeper . . .
But that is not your role.

Please don’t clip my wings
So you can hold me to the ground.
Please don’t shush my voice
So that I will not make a sound.

Don’t weigh down my shoes
So that I cannot walk away.
You cannot tie me to a chair
So that I have to stay.

Don’t put a leash around my neck
Just to keep me near you.
If you try to pull too tightly
It will only make me fear you.

I was not brought onto earth
To be kept inside a cage.
You can’t keep me behind the scenes . . .
The world is my stage.

So please just let me go
If you cannot let me be.
This is who I am . . .
I was born to be free.

You cannot clip my wings,
So please don’t even try.
You cannot hold me to the ground
For I was born to fly.