'I Have Learned That Freedom Ain't Free"

I would rather not lie. To tell you instead the truth about what I see. Than to whisper lies or sweet-nothings that soothe like chamomile tea...

By John W. Fountain

I have learned that there are those 
who will gladly eat the fruit
Fallen from the tree 
that YOU have shaken 
But say nothing,
do nothing,
as THEY 
watch THEM 
Saw off the limb upon which you stand

I learned long ago that there is no earthly prize
For speaking truth 
In the face of lies
That it is YOU whom
They will despise
Even when your heart 
and soul’s cries 
are freely given for the good 
of Them

So I learned 
to trust Him
Have come to see the bearers of news 
of what “they” said 
about ME
As my frenemies

I have learned 
That freedom ain’t free
But I would rather not lie 
To tell you instead 
the truth about what I see
Than to whisper lies 
or sweet-nothings
That soothe
Like chamomile tea
I’d rather speak
And write 
And live
And die
Free

Email: Authour@johnwfountain.com

John Fountain as a little boy with his sister Gloria, circa 1960s.