Our Wide-Open Skies

Posted bywordsandcoffee1Posted inPoetry, W3 PromptsTags:, , , , , , 
wide-open skies and patriotic clouds
the voices echoing through the crowds
a brilliant ember can stoke the heart
even when the landfall tears us apart
the sunset trembling with the sound

the oceans parted and mountains bowed
when all our words joined in the round
we took each other's hands and embarked
on wide-open skies 

from flaring sun to fertile ground
whenever a weathered embrace is found
we'll tumble walls and level ramparts
to create a warm and open start
we'll sow love until no one can confound
our wide-open skies

This poem was written for the weekly Wea’ve Written Weekly (W3) prompt. This week’s prompt comes from Aishwarya Kannan, who provided some background:

“Many countries around the world have experienced oppression; and patriotism in the public’s mind is often synonymous with freedom. The inspiration for this week’s W3 prompt is a freedom-themed poem written by Indian poet Subramania Bharati (1882 – 1921) during India’s struggle for independence around one hundred years ago.

Freedom (an extract, translated)

When will this thirst for freedom slake?
When will our love of slavery die?
When will our Mother's fetters break?
When will our tribulations cease?

You may read the poem in its entirety here.

Our W3 prompt

  • Poetic form (required): Rondeau
  • Theme (required): Freedom“

I might have taken a slight liberty with the refrain, but I think I’ve mainly stuck true to the rondeau form. “Into the Great Wide Open” by Tom Petty was sort of in the back of my mind as I wrote this one. And I know you guys won’t be surprised to find that I can sneak another Young the Giant song in here, sort of a spin on our national anthem: “Home of the Strange”. The bass drop is 👌. Have an awesome week, everyone!

16 thoughts on “Our Wide-Open Skies”

  1. Sarah,

    Lovely! Your progression from “oceans parted” to “mountains bowed” signifies overcoming challenges for a collective goal… And I love the sensory layer of the natural elements that you included.

    ~David

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